Music Edition: The Who - Icons of 20th-Century Rock

Formed in London in 1964, The Who are a legendary rock band known for their profound impact on the genre. Their classic lineup featured lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and vocalist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon.

Regarded as one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, The Who have sold over 100 million records globally. Their iconic performances at Monterey and Woodstock cemented their reputation as one of the greatest live acts in rock history.

Their pioneering contributions to rock music include the creation of the Marshall stack, advancements in PA systems, the use of synthesizers, and distinctive playing styles from Entwistle and Moon. Townshend’s innovative feedback and power chord techniques, along with the development of the “rock opera,” have also left a lasting legacy.

In honor of The Who's amazing contributions to music history, we've selected and ranked five of their most legendary songs.

5. “Who Are You”

Released in 1978, “Who Are You” is the title track from The Who’s eighth studio album and sadly the last recorded before drummer Keith Moon’s death later that year. Known for its heavy, powerful sound, the track showcases one of the band's finest group performances. It was released as a double-A side single with John Entwistle’s “Had Enough.”

The song reflects a real-life incident involving Pete Townshend, who had a drunken episode with Sex Pistols members Steve Jones and Paul Cook. The opening lyrics, about a policeman finding the rock star in a “SoHo doorway,” are based on this event. Instantly recognizable for its chorus and distinctive breakdown, “Who Are You” became one of The Who’s biggest hits in North America, reaching number 7 in Canada and number 14 in the US. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.

4. “My Generation”

“My Generation,” the title track from The Who’s debut studio album, was penned by Pete Townshend on May 19, 1965—his 20th birthday—during a train ride from London to Southampton for a television appearance. The song was reportedly inspired by an incident involving Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who allegedly had Townshend’s 1935 Packard Hearse towed from a street in Belgravia, offended by its presence during her daily drive.

This track marked The Who’s first British Top Five hit and captured the essence of teenage angst across England. It solidified their status as rock legends, earning accolades such as the 11th greatest song on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and 13th on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Songs of Rock & Roll. “My Generation” is also featured in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its historical and artistic significance. In 2009, VH1 ranked it as the 37th Greatest Hard Rock Song.

3. “Pinball Wizard”

While developing "Tommy," The Who’s fourth studio album and a pioneering “rock opera,” Pete Townshend played an early version for Nik Cohn, a prominent UK rock critic. Cohn found the opera's emotional depth a bit too dark. In response, Townshend asked if including pinball would improve the review. Cohn replied, “Of course. Anything with pinball in it is fantastic.”

Inspired by this feedback, Townshend quickly wrote and recorded “Pinball Wizard,” a track he described as a “rockaboogie.” Released as a single in 1969, it reached No. 4 on the UK charts and No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. This last-minute addition to the album, which chronicles the story of the “deaf, dumb, and blind boy” Tommy Walker, became one of The Who’s most enduring rock anthems.

2. “Baba O’Riley”

Originally conceived for Pete Townshend’s abandoned Lifehouse project—a rock opera meant to follow The Who’s 1969 album Tommy—“Baba O’Riley” (often mistakenly called “Teenage Wasteland”) was inspired by the chaotic aftermath of late ‘60s music festivals like the Isle of Wight and Woodstock. These events were marred by widespread drug use and significant disillusionment. When Lifehouse was shelved, eight of its tracks were repurposed for Who’s Next, with “Baba O’Riley” leading the album.

Townshend combined synthesizer experimentation with three simple chords to craft one of rock and roll’s most iconic songs. Featuring memorable performances by both Townshend and Roger Daltrey, the track has achieved lasting recognition. It appears on Time magazine’s All-Time 100 Songs, Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

1. “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

Similar to “Baba O’Riley,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again” was initially crafted for Pete Townshend’s abandoned Lifehouse project and was later included as a standout track on Who’s Next, widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums ever. In Townshend: A Career Biography, Pete described the song as a critique of anti-establishment movements, expressing skepticism that revolution alone would bring lasting change and noting that such upheavals often lead to harm.

The track’s eight-minute length makes it a powerful conclusion to the album, serving as rock’s definitive statement of defiance. Released as a single in June 1971, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and the top 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Featuring Townshend’s groundbreaking synthesizer work, his thunderous power chords, John Entwistle’s exceptional bass, Keith Moon’s explosive drum solo, and Roger Daltrey’s legendary scream, the song has become one of rock’s greatest anthems and solidified its place in the genre’s history.

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