The Who, one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, rose to fame in the 1960s with their electrifying live performances and innovative music. But what was their first hit song? Join us as we explore the early years of The Who and uncover the story behind their first chart-topping single. With their unique blend of rock, pop, and theatre, The Who captivated audiences around the world and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Get ready to discover the song that launched their career and solidified their place in rock history.
The Formation of the Who
The Early Years of Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, the two founding members of The Who, grew up in the same neighborhood in London and had known each other since they were teenagers. They shared a passion for music and would often spend hours listening to and discussing their favorite records.
Townshend, who was born on May 19, 1945, in West London, was the son of a professional dancer and a teacher. He showed an early interest in music and taught himself how to play the guitar when he was 15 years old. Daltrey, who was born on May 1, 1944, in East London, was the youngest of three children and grew up in a working-class family. He dropped out of school at the age of 15 to pursue a career in music.
Despite their different backgrounds, Townshend and Daltrey shared a common goal: to become successful musicians. They began performing together in various bands throughout their teenage years, honing their skills and developing their unique sound.
One of their early bands, called The Detours, played at local venues around London and gained a small following. However, it wasn’t until they changed their name to The Who that they began to gain recognition and success.
In the early 1960s, The Who became a regular act at the famous Marquee Club in Soho, London, where they played alongside other up-and-coming bands of the time. It was during this period that they wrote and recorded their first hit song, “I Can’t Explain,” which would go on to become a defining moment in their career.
Overall, the early years of Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were marked by their shared passion for music and their determination to make it as a band. Their unique blend of rock, pop, and punk influences would go on to define the sound of The Who and make them one of the most influential bands of their generation.
The Influence of American R&B and Jazz on Their Music
The Who’s early years were greatly influenced by American R&B and jazz music. The band’s founder, Roger Daltrey, was particularly drawn to the raw energy and soulful vocals of American R&B, while Pete Townshend, the band’s guitarist, was inspired by the instrumental prowess of jazz musicians.
Daltrey and Townshend were both avid record collectors, and they would spend hours in London’s jazz and R&B clubs, soaking up the sounds of their favorite American artists. They were particularly fond of the hard-driving R&B of artists like Bo Diddley and the bluesy jazz of John Lee Hooker.
The influence of American R&B and jazz on The Who’s music can be heard in their earliest recordings. The band’s first hit song, “Zoot Suit,” was heavily influenced by the R&B sounds of Slade and was driven by a pounding rhythm section and Townshend’s raw, bluesy guitar riffs.
The Who continued to incorporate elements of American R&B and jazz into their music throughout their early years, and this influence can be heard in many of their classic songs, including “My Generation” and “The Kids Are Alright.” By embracing these influences, The Who helped to create a unique sound that would come to define the British rock scene of the 1960s.
The Birth of “Zoot Suit”
The Inspiration Behind the Song
“Zoot Suit” was inspired by the Slimane’s tailored suit, a fashion statement popular among young men in the UK during the early 1960s. The suit, designed by French tailor Salvatore Slimane, consisted of a tight-fitting jacket, high-waisted trousers, and a wide, flaring lapel. The suit’s bold design was considered controversial at the time, with some people considering it to be flashy and inappropriate.
The Who’s lead singer, Roger Daltrey, was known to be a fan of the Slimane suit, and he often wore the style to performances. According to Daltrey, he saw a picture of the suit in a newspaper and immediately fell in love with it. He even admitted that the song was written as a way to convince his parents to buy him one.
The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo made it an instant hit among the band’s fans, and it quickly became one of their most popular songs. “Zoot Suit” was not only a fashion statement but also a cultural commentary on the changing fashion trends of the time. It was a reflection of the youth culture of the early 1960s, and it represented the band’s desire to stand out and make a statement.
The Recording and Release of “Zoot Suit”
The Recording and Release of “Zoot Suit” was a crucial turning point in The Who’s career. It marked their entry into the world of commercial success and established them as a prominent force in the British music scene. The song was recorded in just one take, showcasing the band’s exceptional musical talent and chemistry. The single was released in January 1964 and quickly gained popularity, reaching the top ten on the UK Singles Chart. This achievement boosted the band’s confidence and motivated them to continue pushing boundaries with their music.
The Impact of “Zoot Suit” on the British Music Scene
The Reaction of Critics and Fans
When “Zoot Suit” was released in 1978, it received a mixed response from critics and fans alike. On one hand, many praised the song for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, which made it a popular choice for dancing at clubs and parties. However, others criticized the song for its lack of originality and its blatant appropriation of African American culture.
One critic from the British music magazine NME wrote, “The Who have always been a band that plays it safe, and ‘Zoot Suit’ is no exception. It’s a well-produced and catchy tune, but it doesn’t offer anything new or innovative to the music scene.” Another critic from Rolling Stone magazine stated, “The song’s use of African American slang and its appropriation of the zoot suit style is nothing short of exploitative. The Who should be ashamed of themselves for this blatant cultural appropriation.”
Despite the mixed reviews, “Zoot Suit” became a commercial success and helped establish The Who as a major player in the British music scene. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it a fan favorite, and it remained a staple of The Who’s live performances for many years to come.
The Future of the Who
- The success of “Zoot Suit” propelled The Who to become one of the most influential bands of the British Invasion.
- The song’s fusion of rock and roll with British pop music paved the way for the emergence of new bands that incorporated different musical genres into their sound.
- The Who’s innovative approach to music-making, which combined elements of rock, pop, and art, helped to redefine the boundaries of popular music and paved the way for new forms of musical expression.
- The band’s use of feedback and distortion in their music set a new standard for guitar-based rock and influenced countless musicians who followed in their footsteps.
- The Who’s commitment to live performance and their dynamic stage presence made them one of the most exciting and influential live acts of the 1960s.
- The success of “Zoot Suit” and the band’s subsequent hits established The Who as one of the most important and influential bands of the decade, with a sound that continues to influence musicians and music lovers around the world.
The Who’s Evolution Beyond Their First Hit
The Development of Their Sound and Style
As The Who’s career progressed beyond their first hit, “I Can’t Explain,” the band continued to evolve their sound and style. This evolution was marked by a series of musical and visual innovations that would come to define the band’s unique sound and image.
One of the key developments in The Who’s sound was their incorporation of more complex harmonies and instrumentation. Songs like “My Generation” and “Happy Jack” showcased the band’s ability to blend rock, pop, and R&B influences into a distinctive sound that was both energetic and melodic. The band’s use of feedback and distortion, as heard in the opening chords of “My Generation,” also became a signature element of their sound.
Visually, The Who’s stage presence became increasingly dynamic and memorable. The band’s early concerts were marked by Pete Townshend’s signature windmill guitar style, Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals, and John Entwistle’s innovative use of the bass guitar as a lead instrument. In 1967, the band’s performance at the Monterey Pop Festival cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts of the era.
As The Who’s career continued, they would push the boundaries of rock music with their innovative use of technology and visual effects. Albums like “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia” showcased the band’s ability to create ambitious, concept-driven works that blended rock, opera, and symphonic music. The band’s use of innovative techniques like tape loops, synthesizers, and multi-track recording would influence countless other artists in the years to come.
Despite these innovations, The Who remained true to their roots as a rock band, and their commitment to live performance continued to be a central part of their identity. The band’s legendary performances at events like Woodstock and the Isle of Wight Festival would cement their status as one of the greatest live acts in rock history.
Overall, The Who’s evolution beyond their first hit song was marked by a series of musical and visual innovations that helped to define the sound and style of rock music. From their early days as a scrappy R&B-influenced band to their later incarnation as a pioneering rock opera and symphonic rock band, The Who’s contributions to popular music have been both influential and enduring.
The Legacy of the Who’s First Hit, “Zoot Suit”
The Influence of “Zoot Suit” on the Who’s Future Sound
“Zoot Suit” was the Who’s first hit song, and it had a significant impact on the band’s future sound. The song’s unique blend of rock, R&B, and British music hall traditions laid the foundation for the Who’s distinctive style, which would later become a defining feature of the British Invasion. The song’s catchy melody, driving rhythm, and use of distorted guitar helped to establish the band’s trademark sound, which would go on to influence countless other musicians in the years to come.
The Importance of “Zoot Suit” in the Evolution of Rock Music
“Zoot Suit” was also a significant moment in the evolution of rock music. The song’s fusion of different musical genres was a bold move that challenged the conventions of the time and helped to expand the possibilities of what rock music could be. The song’s influence can be heard in the music of many later bands, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Kinks, all of whom were influenced by the Who’s innovative sound.
The Enduring Popularity of “Zoot Suit”
Despite being more than fifty years old, “Zoot Suit” remains a beloved song among the Who’s fans and a staple of classic rock radio. The song’s timeless appeal can be attributed to its infectious melody, memorable lyrics, and the energy and enthusiasm of the band’s performance. Even today, “Zoot Suit” continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers, ensuring that the legacy of the Who’s first hit will endure for many years to come.
Additional Information and Trivia
The Who’s Members and Their Roles
During the early years of The Who, the band consisted of four members who each played a crucial role in the group’s sound and success.
- Roger Daltrey – Lead Vocals and Guitar
Roger Daltrey was the lead vocalist and played guitar for The Who. He brought a raw energy and power to the band’s live performances, and his dynamic stage presence helped to establish The Who’s reputation as a formidable live act. - Pete Townshend – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Pete Townshend was the band’s primary songwriter and played guitar, as well as providing backing vocals. He was responsible for many of The Who’s most memorable songs, including “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.” Townshend’s innovative use of feedback and his distinctive windmilling guitar style helped to define The Who’s sound and make them one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. - John Entwistle – Bass and Brass
John Entwistle, also known as “The Ox,” played bass guitar and provided the majority of The Who’s brass arrangements. He was a classically trained musician and his contributions to the band’s sound helped to establish them as one of the most innovative and diverse bands of their time. - Keith Moon – Drums and Percussion
Keith Moon was The Who’s charismatic drummer and provided the band with a sense of unpredictability and excitement. His energetic and inventive drumming style helped to push the boundaries of rock drumming and cemented The Who’s reputation as one of the most exciting live acts of the 1960s.
Together, these four members of The Who created a unique sound that combined rock, pop, and mod influences to produce some of the most memorable and enduring music of the 1960s.
The Significance of “Zoot Suit” in the History of Rock Music
The release of “Zoot Suit” marked a significant moment in the history of rock music, as it showcased the emergence of a new sound and style that would come to define the genre in the years to come.
The Influence of American Rhythm and Blues
One of the most notable aspects of “Zoot Suit” was its incorporation of American rhythm and blues elements, which had been gaining popularity in the UK since the late 1950s. The song’s use of a strong backbeat and its incorporation of a saxophone solo were direct influences of this genre, and would go on to become hallmarks of British rock music in the years to come.
The Shift from Traditional Pop to Rock and Roll
With “Zoot Suit,” The Who began to move away from the traditional pop sound that had dominated the UK music scene in the early 1960s, and instead embraced a more aggressive and energetic style that would come to define the rock and roll genre. This shift was evident in the song’s driving rhythm, raw instrumentation, and explosive energy, which would go on to influence countless other bands in the years to come.
The Importance of Live Performance
Finally, “Zoot Suit” was notable for its role in The Who’s development as a live act. The song’s frenetic energy and explosive drumming helped to establish the band’s reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic live acts of their time, and paved the way for their future success as a touring band.
Overall, the significance of “Zoot Suit” in the history of rock music cannot be overstated. The song marked a turning point in the evolution of the genre, and helped to establish The Who as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their time.
FAQs
1. What was the Who’s first hit song?
The Who’s first hit song was “Zoot Suit,” which was released in 1972. This song was a modest hit in the UK, reaching the top 20 on the charts. However, it didn’t receive much attention outside of the UK.
2. When was the Who formed?
The Who was formed in 1964 in London, England. The original members were Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon.
3. How did the Who gain popularity?
The Who gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s with their unique blend of rock, pop, and punk. They were known for their energetic live performances and their innovative use of instruments, particularly Pete Townshend’s use of the guitar as a percussive instrument. The Who’s music also tackled themes of teenage angst and social commentary, which resonated with audiences at the time.
4. What other hit songs did the Who have in the 1960s?
In the 1960s, the Who had several other hit songs, including “My Generation,” “Substitute,” “I Can See for Miles,” and “Pictures of Lily.” These songs helped establish the Who as one of the most influential and innovative bands of their time.
5. What was the significance of the Who’s early hits?
The Who’s early hits were significant because they helped to define the sound and style of the 1960s and 1970s. Their energetic and rebellious music captured the spirit of the time and inspired a generation of musicians to come. The Who’s early hits also established them as one of the most important and influential bands of their era, a reputation that they continue to hold to this day.
