63. The Guess Who

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63. The Guess Who

They say that in some cases the sum is greater than its parts. In terms of rock bands this is often true. But what if the parts still did other things after it left the sum? Okay, that was convoluted, but with The Guess Who, we think that this statement holds some water.

The Guess Who had a lot in common with the other Canadian bands that it paved the way for. Significantly more popular in their own country than they were in the U.S., they hold the distinction of becoming the first band from Canada to make serious headway South of the border. Ironically their first and only number one hit was the song “American Woman” which actually put down America more than it praised it. Regardless, they had a decent run with their Bluesy Rock sound and had philosophical differences between the principle members (Burton Cummings & Randy Bachman) not occurred they would have likely gone further. Now, if the Hall adds the solo work of Burton and the guitar driven biker rock of B.T.O. to the sum than they would have a decent shot. Chances are; it won’t work that way.


FilmStrip Rock.The Guess Who

www.bachmancummings.com

Should The Guess Who be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 96.7%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 1.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.1%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0.4%

The Bullet Points

  • Previous Rank: 2011: #108
    2012: #100
    2013: #98
    2014: #92
    2015: #87
    2016: #82
  • Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 1990
  • Country of Origin: Winnipeg, Canada
  • Why they will get in: Admitting them will allow Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman without having to acknowledge their post Guess Who work.
  • Why they won't get in: Although huge in Canada, they were not as successful in the U.S.
  • Essential Albums: Wheatfield Soul (1968)
    Canned Wheat (1969)
    American Woman (1970)
    Share the Land (1970)
  • Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: These Eyes (From Wheatfield Soul, 1968)
    Undun (From Canned Wheat, 1969)
    American Woman (From American Woman, 1970)
    No Sugar Tonight (From American Woman, 1970)
    Hand Me Down World (From Share the Land, 1970)

Should The Guess Who be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 96.7%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 1.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.1%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0.4%
Last modified on Monday, 04 February 2019 18:37
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Comments   

+2 #13 Les Robertson 2017-07-28 04:58
The Guess Who sold more records then any group in 1970... were on of rocks top act outside Canada for 2 or 3 years. Burton Cummings is one of the best voices in Music not just Rock ... Listen to his solo version of Mack The Knife ... as good or better Then Bobby Darin who is one of the greatest talents. Randy Bachman one of the guitar greats
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+3 #12 rick d 2017-05-29 22:59
Without a shadow of doubt the Guess Who should be in the RRHOF. Burton is one of the greatest rock voices of all time, amazingly tight band over the years. We all know the great hits that should get them in easily, but listen to these tunes and spread the word (Dreams, Rich World Poor World, Three More Days, Lie Down, The Answer, Pain Train, Guns Guns Guns). How can you not like these tunes.....ju st fabulous songwriting and performance, Come on Cleveland, lets get it right! Right this thing soon!
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+5 #11 Michael Tabor 2016-02-21 21:54
after yes and moody blues and Elo
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+6 #10 ScottF 2015-05-04 22:55
Maybe the best Rock and Roll voice of anybody and impressive songwriting as well.
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+11 #9 Lee Roschen 2015-04-12 23:16
The Guess Who can stand proudly on their vast catalog of albums and Top 40 hits. And to say they were not as popular in the United States as their Canadian home territory, well, they certainly were plenty popular enough in America. Good grief, their biggest hit in the states was "AMERICAN woman!" Certainly worth for consideratio n in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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+5 #8 mark a. 2015-01-01 01:13
There overall body of work over 50 years is impressive. A major snub of snobbery.
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+5 #7 Dale Goulet 2014-12-23 05:11
Despite having rather limited chart success outside of Canada, The Guess Who should be inducted because they were one of the (if not, THE) pioneers of Canadian efforts to reach U.S. and internationa l rock and roll stardom.
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+6 #6 Jay Cee 2014-12-22 18:08
Call me a naïve little hayseed, but, given the grossness of this group's exclusion, the only poetically satisfying outcome would be one in which the Hall issued a groveling apology and, by way of a monetary mea culpa, paid The Guess Who for the privilege of admitting them.
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+8 #5 david lasner 2014-09-11 05:20
The Guess Who are a Tier 1 snub, not 92, and were very successful in USA. They paved the way for other Canadian groups that idolize them. Burton Cummings voice is spectacular. they never were nominated because of some sick vendetta as their resume is thick. Anyone who's seen the original group has heard an unbelievable experience. Cumming voice is still unparalleled . Time to rank them up.
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-3 #4 Tom Myers 2013-06-03 02:34
STYX?????
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