Canadian rock group The Guess Who was established in 1965 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Chad Allan and the Expressions, a band formed in 1962, had a hit in every country when they covered “Shakin’ All Over” in 1965. Under the direction of singer/keyboardist Burton Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman, The Guess Who experienced their greatest success after changing their name to The Guess Who in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some of their most memorable songs are “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.”
The Guess Who’s forerunner was Winnipeg singer-guitarist Chad Allan’s local rock group, Allan and the Silvertones. After going through a number of lineup changes, Chad Allan and the Reflections, which featured Allan and keyboardist Bob Ashley as well as future Guess Who stalwarts Randy Bachman on guitar, Jim Kale on bass, and Garry Peterson on drums, finally found its footing in 1962.
In 1962, the group’s debut record, “Tribute To Buddy Holly,” was issued by Canadian-American Records. After signing with Quality Records, they put out a few singles in 1963 and 1964, which helped them gain some local reputation in Winnipeg but not much else in Canada. For one single, Bob Ashley and the Reflections were given the wrong credit.
Why did Bachman leave The Guess Who?
According to Randy Bachman, the band’s choice to take a break was their own. However, the other band members ultimately decided to continue playing since the pay was too good to refuse. Despite being requested to join them on tour, Randy stated he had to reject them due to other obligations.
