The Who

Began: Circa 1960

Original Members:  
Roger Daltry - Lead vocals
Pete Townshend - Guitar
John Entwistle - Bass
Keith Moon - Drums

Career History:  
Performed as The Detours and The High Numbers before settling on The Who. After early success with single releases, the band concentrated on concept albums. One (The Who Sell Out) was produced like a radio station, complete with jingles and commercials. Another was one of the first rock operas, Tommy. Although two original members (Moon and Entwistle) are deceased, the group is still active, performing at the London Live 8 Concert in 2005, and planning a new studio album release in 2006.

Essential CD:  
Who's Next
Released in 1971, this was one the most technically advanced albums of its day, featuring some of the first use of an electronic synthesizer, and an acoustic engineering technique that gave the music a deep, full quality, even on AM radio.