The Guess Who formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the mid-'60s. The original group was named Chad Allen & The Expressions and consisted of Chad Allen (lead vocals and guitar), Randy Bachman (guitar), Bob Ashley (piano), Jim Kale (bass), and Garry Peterson (drums). From that line-up came one of the best rock and roll records ever to come out of Canada, Shakin' All Over, originally recorded by England's Johnny Kidd & The Pirates.
But in my opinion, Chad Allen's riveting vocals and the entire band's
electric performance completely outshone the original UK single. Two
interesting notes about this record: 1 - this song was recorded in a TV
studio, CKY in Winnipeg; and 2 - when released in the United States by
Scepter Records in New York City, the label felt it had a real "British
Invasion" sound and so decided to not reveal the name of the group, but
simply printed "Guess Who" on the label. Well the name obviously stuck!
Burton Cummings
joined the band in 1966, replacing Bob Ashley on piano. Shortly
thereafter Chad Allen left, and Burton became the new lead singer. It
took four years and a great record producer, Jack Richardson (who by the way also produced the Bob Seger classic
Night Moves at Toronto's Nimbus 9 Studios), but the end result was their first Gold record, the chart smash
These Eyes.
The hits kept on coming for the next five years until the end of 1974, including six Top Ten songs and three Gold Records.
Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to present The Guess Who next week in the Voice Your Choice spotlight.
Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Laughing or These Eyes. I'll play the winning song next week during the Mother's Day Special.
