Calling themselves the High Numbers, the future members of The Who—singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townsend, and late bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon—released their first single “Zoot Suit” in 1964.
Originally written by their manager, the single entered some musical ether, and they decided to rename themselves—The Who—and Pete Townsend decide to write the band’s songs, birthing hits “I Can’t Explain,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Substitute,” and dozens of others throughout the band’s next 20-year span.
Videos by American Songwriter
Here, we merely scratch the surface, in no rank or order, with 12 of The Who’s greatest hits.
“I Can’t Explain”
“Won’t Get Fooled Again”
“Baba O’riley”
“The Seeker”
“Pinball Wizard”
“Behind Blue Eyes”
“Who Are You”
“My Generation”
“I Can See For Miles”
“Eminence Front”
“5:15”
“Love, Reign O’er Me”
“You Better You Bet”
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performs onstage with Thunderpussy at The Showbox on December 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images) -
Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage -
Photo by Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 29: Carly Pearce and Jelly Roll perform Dolly Parton's song "9 to 5" as The Opry remembers Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry House on August 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) -
Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for SiriusXM -
Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage -
Musician Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda – and broader diversity initiatives – are wilting from a decade of concerted attack. Photographer: Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns