
Top 40 hit in 1967 with "Happy Jack" which was preceded by several (then minor) hits that include the stuttering "My Generation" (1966) and "The Kids Are Alright" (1966), both now considered to be rock classics. The Who's first charting song on both sides of the Atlantic came in early 1965 with "I Can't Explain," a minor hit in the U.S. After Moon's passing, Kenney Jones (formerly with Faces/Small Faces) took over as drummer through The Who's split in 1983.

Drummer Keith Moon (AugSeptember 7, 1978) joined The Who later that year, and the classic foursome lineup remained intact until his untimely death in 1978 at age 32 from an accidental overdose of Heminevrin, a drug prescribed to treat alcoholism. The new band name came from Townshend's roommate, future author Richard Barnes, who liked "The Who" because it had a pop punch. In 1964, the band changed its name to The Who to avoid confusion with a local group known as Johnny Devlin and the Detours. Guitarist/singer Pete Townshend, who later also served as The Who's main songwriter, came on board in mid 1961, and through his mother, the Detours landed a management contract with Robert Druce who booked them as a support act. The Who's origins date back to 1959 when Roger Daltrey formed a covers band in London known as the Detours whose early members included bass guitarist John Entwistle (OctoJune 27, 2002). The band's many signature songs include "I Can See For Miles" (1967), "Magic Bus" (1968), "Pinball Wizard" (1969), "Won't Get Fooled Again" (1971), and "You Better You Bet" (1981). A key figure in the birth of arena rock, The Who thundered on into the 1970s and beyond and became one of the most influential bands of the 20th century.
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During the British Invasion, this iconic band took the world by storm with a fiery, hard-driving sound that came from Roger Daltrey's powerhouse lead vocals, Pete Townshend's stunning guitar acrobatics, John Entwistle's energetic bass solos, and Keith Moon's raucous drumming. The Who is a critically acclaimed and veteran English rock band that became famous beginning in the mid 1960s.
