The Guess Who

Not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Eligible since: 1991

First Recording: 1965

Previously Considered? No  what's this?

The Guess Who
HALL OF FAME INDICATORS
🔲Rolling Stone 500 Albums
🔲Rolling Stone 500 Songs
🔲Rolling Stone Cover
🔲Saturday Night Live
🔲Major Festival Headliner
🔲Songwriters Hall of Fame
🔲“Big Four” Grammys

Inducted into Rock Hall Projected in 2030 (ranked #319) .

Essential Albums (?)WikipediaYouTube
American Woman (1970)

Essential Songs (?)WikipediaYouTube
These Eyes (1968)
Laughing (1969)
American Woman (1970)
No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature (1970)
No Time (1970)
Share the Land (1970)
Hand Me Down World (1970)

The Guess Who @ Wikipedia

Will The Guess Who be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
"Musical excellence is the essential qualification for induction."
Yes: 
No :


Comments

62 comments so far (post your own)

Randy Bachman becomes the first two-time inductee into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame:

01. The Guess Who (1987)
02. Bachman-Turner Overdrive (2014)

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 04/26/2014 @ 21:43pm


I'm just now noticing that the Guess Who have never even been considered for the Hall of Fame! How is that possible? Not being nominated, I get, but not even considered?

Posted by Donnie on Friday, 09/5/2014 @ 11:44am


That The Guess Who have not yet received consideration just makes me want to sh!t a brick! Sorry Canada! I don't know why this egregious snub to one of your greatest musical products. Why isn't Neil Young advocating? Let me tell you, in the 70s, boy, The Guess Who songs were near definitive! Get a space for these dudes please! Way overdue!

Posted by Telarock on Thursday, 11/13/2014 @ 19:31pm


Yes another year has gone by and another snub by the HOF, what a insult to not even be nominated once. I remember playing the Share The Land LP until we wore it out, back in the day. The Guess Who held their own with anybody back then and is one of my favorite bands of all time, great songs and Burton Cummings standout vocals.

Posted by Jim Mullen on Wednesday, 12/17/2014 @ 12:17pm


From a blog entry on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Perhaps it's personal, those glaring omissions. Or maybe it's simply a matter of us not "getting it". Take, for example, the Canadian band The Guess Who, with its seemingly interminable string of memory-etching ballads and rockers - These Eyes, Laughing, Undun, No Time, American Woman, No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature, Share The Land, Hand Me Down World, Bus Rider, Albert Flasher, Rain Dance...; maybe it just never rose to the level of "coolness", musicality, and renown worthy of the Hall's recognition. Clearly the Hall's modus operandi is to exercise extraordinarily nuanced judgment, a level of discernment commensurate with what are its notably lofty standards - standards plainly on display in its induction of Green Day, Rush, Beastie Boys, Abba, and Blondie at the exclusion of The Guess Who. Then there is the matter of that other supernally gifted group, The Moody Blues. As is the case with The Guess Who, this band, according to the Hall, doesn't pass muster, and thus, still resides in the exurbs of Halldom; this, despite having generated a laundry list of wildly popular and innovative rock-based melodic gems. Call me a naïve little hayseed, but, given the grossness of these exclusions, the only poetically satisfying outcome would be one in which the Hall issued groveling apologies and, by way of a monetary mea culpa, paid The Guess Who and The Moody Blues for the privilege of admitting them. Can it be that the Hall's "gatekeepers" are, in fact, the ones that don't get it? The answer to that is a resounding "Yes!" if they are using entrance criteria that weigh more heavily on what's "cool" or palatable to present-day popular tastes, or the Hall's personal tastes (or distastes)...criteria that weigh more heavily on anything that deemphasizes that which matters most: the music we have loved most. It certainly appears that is the case.

Posted by Jay Cee on Monday, 12/22/2014 @ 11:40am


THE GUESS WHO-NO TIME

No time for revolving doors
No time for the killing floor

RUSH-DISTANT EARLY WARNING

It's so hard to stay together
Passing through revolving doors
We need someone to talk to
And someone to sweep the floors

Both bands are Canadian

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Saturday, 09/26/2015 @ 00:04am


In 1970 they were the top grossing band in the world; out-grossing The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. They should get in for American Woman alone; one of the greatest rock songs of all time! Let's not forget Laughing, Undun, No Time, These Eyes, Sour Suite, Albert Flasher, Clap For The Wolfman.

Posted by Greg on Sunday, 12/13/2015 @ 01:36am


At this stage, it no longer matters. Were The Guess Who inducted 10 years ago, it would have been a slap in the face, and the Hall knows it. This band, together with The Moody Blues, should have enjoyed admission within the first year of eligibility. Future induction of either doesn't right what is an egregious wrong. Moreover, to chalk it up as simply a matter of less-than-impeccable judgment is disingenuous at best; this is clearly a matter of discriminatory bias from a most hidebound clique.

Posted by Jay on Thursday, 12/17/2015 @ 21:59pm


Hoping The Guess Who gets some consideration for RRHOF by 2020. Made some classic songs partial to These Eyes & American Woman. Burton really was an underrated singer. There should be competition for the 60's spot with The Zombies, Tommy James, Procol Harum, Moody Blues etc. but The Guess Who deserve some nomination consideration. They had a good sound whether they were Canadian from Timbuktu or planet Neptune. Deserve a better fate. KING

Posted by KING on Saturday, 02/13/2016 @ 02:58am


The Guess Who are very deserving for the rnr hall of fame.
We must remember, early incarnations of the band with Jim, Randy and Gary was recording in 1962/1963!
"Shakin' All Over" was a big hit in 1965!
Keep in mind that The Guess Who are much more than American Woman. They even had I think 3 awesome albums BEFORE Wheatfield Soul.

Posted by zbelton on Friday, 04/1/2016 @ 15:30pm


You know I just read some of the comments and watched the induction this year, I agree with just about everything that was said, all are true but if you look now at who is in and who is able to be nominated it is every music artist or band ever formed, it is not the rock and roll hall of fame it is a music hall of fame and they should change their name, c'mon ice-t is not a rocker, Garth brooks is not a rocker, the guess who, moody blues, FOGHAT, now those guys rocked, read a lot of those comments and only saw one on one or the greatest voices ever BURTON CUMMINGS.

Posted by mike on Monday, 05/16/2016 @ 20:08pm


The more I listen to The Guess Who and their hits it is relatively apparent that this group deserves Hall Of Fame induction. Love Burton Cummings vocals and the way he experiments with his vocal range. No Time is great as any song of that 60's-70's period. American Woman one of those songs that has reached Classic status. Laughing is another excellent song from the Greatest Hits album. It might be time for the RRHOF to nominate & induct these musicians while they are alive. The Association, Moody Blues, Procol Harum, Tommy James too. KING

Posted by KING on Saturday, 09/24/2016 @ 07:32am


As a Canadian, I'm pleased to see how many Americans have weighed in with reasons for including The Guess Who in the Hall. When the band reunited in the early 2000s, fans were treated to more than two hours of hits, including several BTO classics. Given the revolving lineup of the Guess Who, only one member has passed away (Kurt Winter--one of the two guitarists brought in to replace Randy Bachman in 1970). There's long been a spat between Burton Cummings and original bassist Jim Kale over the latter's ownership of the Guess Who name. (Kale didn't take part in the reunion tours, but collected a hefty percentage for licensing the name.) Still, I'm sure they're professional enough to all appear and perform together if given entry into the Hall.

Posted by Rocker Rich on Tuesday, 12/27/2016 @ 11:32am


I went to four guess who concerts late 60s early 70s they were amazing. They put on an incredible show, they sound as good if not better in person than they did on their albums they did American woman for 25 minutes with about a 12 minute drum solo which by the way was probably the best drum solo I have ever heard in my life. Burton Cummings outstanding local and pianist their band, drummer the guitars bass player out of this world. The guess who, Santana, grand Funk, and then the original Chicago transit Authority. All of those bands had a very unique sound of their own very driving beat and were awesome need to be in the Hall of Fame

Posted by Michael on Friday, 12/30/2016 @ 08:51am


I have long thought it to be a travesty that The Guess Who have not been inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, they far exceed the parameters for induction. A very important fact to consider is their peers. Many of those already in the hall highly respect the talents of this band. That alone should give those responsible for keeping them out a reason to question their decisions.

Posted by Gerry on Thursday, 01/26/2017 @ 17:49pm


They are one of those hit single bands whose hit singles I really, really liked, but who never really made memorable albums or influenced anybody. Kind of like Journey, who did just get in, whose hit singles I didn't like quite as well as the Guess Who's. They did pave the way for Rush and other Canadian bands to have success in the U.S. Not really a tragedy if they don't get in, but since Journey and heart are in, why not?

Posted by Mike on Monday, 03/6/2017 @ 21:24pm


This should be The Guess Who's window of opportunity as many of the great 60's and early 70's bands have already been inducted. Groups like MC5 and Steppenwolf's recent nomination shows RRHOF examines older as well as newer groups qualifications for nomination. I think Burton Cummings was an exemplary singer and plenty of memorable songs: American Woman, No Time, Share The Land etc. I will create a spot for The Guess Who on my 20 nomination list 2017. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 03/7/2017 @ 01:27am


Has the RRHOF actually listened to any of the Guess Who or BTO library?
Ask their peers in the industry! You will find your answer if the Guess Who or BTO s/b in the hall!
Shame on the RRHOF.

Posted by eddie on Tuesday, 08/1/2017 @ 16:14pm


Ha ha! I bet those schlubs don't even know who Guess Who is. As one of them, "Who is Guess Who?" and I bet he sez "Waaaht?" lol
Seriously, they should hav got a nomination, its a big-time snub.

Posted by Worm on Tuesday, 08/1/2017 @ 18:50pm


Dontcha just love it, when you vote Yes for a couple artists, and before you even get to Latest Comments to check on the votes, somebody has already said No to all yor Yes votes. What kind of person does that? Negative people, get a life.

Posted by Worm on Tuesday, 08/1/2017 @ 18:57pm


Mark

Under no circumstances is Guess Who a long shot. I have no idea where you are getting such nonsense from. Nearly every Canadian artist since considers them an influence. Back in the 70s they were considered a much better band than the Who. Don't believe me go listen to early Who live. They did not sound that good.

They need the nom and that is the only problem with getting inducted. They would probably stand up against almost everyone you could come up with as far as getting votes. They have enough meat on the bone to be inducted. A lot more than a good portion of the artists that a lot of people on here consider a shoe in.

Posted by Zuzu on Tuesday, 08/14/2018 @ 22:54pm


I would have to agree with Zuzu They were the envy
Of most rock groups and musician, in their big hit years. For Canada they just couldn't have been prouder ..Rightly so ... Still good stuff.. Lets hope they get in!

Posted by DrRock on Wednesday, 08/15/2018 @ 02:00am


DrRock

Hopefully the Guess Who and BTO both get in. I personally would add Gordon Lightfoot. He should have gone in before Cat Stevens. The hall has been very remiss on Canadian artists.

Posted by Zuzu on Wednesday, 08/15/2018 @ 05:24am


https://ultimateclassicrock.com/randy-bachman-guess-who-interview-2019/

WHY RANDY BACHMAN LEFT AS THE GUESS WHO BEGAN TO PEAK: INTERVIEW

Posted by The Dude on Monday, 04/8/2019 @ 15:27pm


Burton cummings Is a very talented musician and song writer. He also has one of the best and most recognizable voices in rock.Randy Bachman is an excellent guitarist and song writer as well.They had way more hits than bands like the Cars.

Posted by Harry W Chapman on Wednesday, 07/3/2019 @ 10:22am


They made a lot of great sounding records, but they never established much of an identity for themselves. I would vote for them if I had a vote.

Posted by Timothy Horrigan on Tuesday, 07/9/2019 @ 21:40pm


I’m not even Canadian but, like Gordon Lightfoot, I NEVER get tired of hearing The Guess Who. Their music has stood the test of time and is STILL popular. That qualifies them.

Posted by Bruce on Tuesday, 08/6/2019 @ 07:13am


John Fogerty's favourite band was Guess Who.

Go figure.

Posted by Scott on Tuesday, 09/3/2019 @ 13:28pm



John Fogerty's favourite band was Guess Who.

Go figure.

Posted by Scott on Tuesday, 09.3.19 @ 13:28pm

Where's your source? Link?

It would make sense! American Woman sounds like something John Fogerty would sing. Voices are similar.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 09/5/2019 @ 08:15am


I can not believe The Guess Who are not in there yet, my American husband introduced me to them in 1972, when we were stationed in Germany and have loved them ever since

Posted by Linda on Saturday, 06/13/2020 @ 22:58pm


Like Rush and Neil Young, the Guess Who have put Canadian music on the world stage. Songs like These Eyes, Sour Suite and No Time still sound great today. Their song writing and musicianship is impeccable plus they've enjoyed enough commercial success especially in North America. The Guess Who have every right to be in the R & R Hall of Fame based on any criteria.

Posted by Tony D on Sunday, 09/6/2020 @ 11:03am


BURTON CUMMINGS/RANDY BACHMAN 'NUFF SAID!!!

Posted by Art Petitto on Wednesday, 09/16/2020 @ 17:29pm


Canadians icons many other American bands follow their lead and inspiration. Alice Cooper, Elton John... to say a few. Hopefully the Hall of Fame opens their eyes and allows The Guess Who into the HOF. A disgrace if they don't.

Posted by Rick on Thursday, 12/17/2020 @ 18:30pm


There is a serious initiative happening now. Almost 20,000 signatures to get the Guess Who in the hall.
Guesswho4thehall.com

Sign and share. This is going to happen.

Posted by Karl Loepp on Friday, 01/15/2021 @ 23:26pm


Todd Rundgren gets nominated for the Hall and the Guess has yet to be nominated! I just don't get this! They have had multiple top 10 hits! It just doesn't make any sense at all! Burton Cummings has arguably one of the top 10 vocals in Rock N Roll history. What's wrong with the Hall of Fame nominating committee?

Posted by MARK KERELIUK on Wednesday, 02/10/2021 @ 21:08pm


The Cummings/Bachman version of TGW is what rock is all about. Cummings leading of the group and solo career are also admirable. 50+ years of rock as meant to be. Groups no one ever heard of getting elected makes no sense. Just must be political. Elect TGW to make up for this indiscretion.

Posted by Mark Alberici on Tuesday, 04/6/2021 @ 06:40am


ABBA is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but The Guess Who isn't.
Yeah...that makes a lot of sense.
Come on man.

Posted by Dean on Friday, 08/27/2021 @ 04:42am


John Fogerty should be the presenter for the Guess Who

Posted by Roy on Friday, 10/8/2021 @ 18:24pm


The guess who, rory Gallagher
Rory Buchanan , Grand Funk,even Meatloaf all should be at least nominated. All true rock and rollers.

Posted by Greg on Tuesday, 12/28/2021 @ 23:11pm


At this point the most likely scenario I think is Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings jointly getting the Award for Musical Excellence. While the Guess Who's window seems fading, Backman had Bachman–Turner Overdrive, scoring him 5 more gold albums in the US and another US #1 single, while Cummings had a long as heck solo career, gave him 2 more top 40 US hits and made him one of the bestselling acts in Canada ever. They also still tour a lot together plus Bachman has done a tone of radio in Canada.

I think the case is stronger for Randy Bachman and Burton Cumming than the Guess Who

Posted by Mat R on Tuesday, 01/11/2022 @ 00:17am


I think there's too many snubs to be a geographic thing . Such as Grand Funk they filled stadiums sold lots of albums or Jethro Tull . Aqualung one of the best rock albums ever or Joe Cocker covered songs, but made than better .Many more misses. Look who was inducted the first several years ,it was rock. Now Whitney Houston Tupac Dolly Parton. Pop Hip Hop Country it's a music hall for a music show to make music money, If Billy Joel can't get Joe Cocker in and Bob Dylan can't help get the great Willie Deville in, I guess I won't hold my breath waiting for The Guess Who or BTO is a better song than Blue Collar. There appears to be no criteria, if we're talking hits & sales bands like Huey Lewis Tommy James or Billy Squire all have plenty to me just as worthy as The Cars.If they are trying to be inclusive and considering bodies of work why not Kid Creole and the Coconuts or DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS just because they tons of great music.

Posted by jfoos on Friday, 02/4/2022 @ 15:25pm


The Guess Who will never be inducted in the hall. If they've been eligible since 1991 and here we are in 2022, 31 years and it still hasn't happened then it never happen. They do fit all the criteria's but yet they are still overlooked. Who cares. They're in the Canadian hall and that's all that matters. The US hall is too politically anyway (Ted Nugent hasn't been inducted because he's a gun rights conservative)

Posted by ENGlishJELLo on Monday, 02/7/2022 @ 15:21pm


I suspect the reason they haven't been seriously considered for the hall of fame is that their guitar licks are so simple. They have amazing songwriting, melody, voice, and harmony. Even the themes are deep and the lyrics original and poetic. The guitar rhythms are just too basic.

Posted by Nat Schillinger on Saturday, 02/12/2022 @ 09:54am


I feel like now with Alanis Morissette, Nickelback, Bryan Adams, and Lenny Kravitz* all likely to be on ballots soon and Q-Tip* on one with Tribe there's gonna be a discussion about The Guess Who, especially if they're considering Bob Ezrin, Daniel Lanois, or Bob Rock for the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Something like "lot of Canadians are coming up. Other than Rush and Neil any other interesting retro acts from there? Oh yea Guess Who. Borders opening up, Tororonto isn't too far. They'd get us a lot of tourist bucks"

It'll probably set up Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings getting Musical Excellence nicely.

*yes neither is Canadian. I'm mentioning them cause Q-Tip has sampled the Guess Who a few times and Kravitz covered American Woman

Posted by mat r on Saturday, 03/5/2022 @ 21:28pm


This is a no brainer! The Guess Who are an iconic band from Canada who had a highly recognizable sound.

Posted by Carl Hardy on Wednesday, 03/23/2022 @ 09:18am


Awww man i hope they pull the trigger on this soon. Even just a backman and cumming ame would work.

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/randy-bachman-postpones-tour-due-to-health-challenges-1.5860470

Randy Bachman: "The past six months have been the hardest of my entire life. I have been struck by a series of health challenges. In my heart, soul and mind, I feel fantastic, but physically, I realize I can't perform at this time."

Get well soon king

Posted by Mat r on Wednesday, 04/13/2022 @ 15:20pm


American Woman by The Guess Who could have been a Creedence Clearwater Revival song.

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 05/7/2022 @ 19:52pm


No sugar tonight in my coffee
No sugar tonight in my tea
No sugar to stand beside me
No sugar to run with me

Posted by Roy on Monday, 05/9/2022 @ 22:45pm


Randy bachman's guitar reunion (with the guitar he recorded american woman on) in japan is getting some serious coverage. Cnn, cbs, cbc and dozens of other major newspapers and music blogs have covered it. Be crazy if a human interest story pushed them over the edge.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-woman-randy-bachman-stolen-guitar-cbs-news-interview/

Posted by Mat r on Monday, 07/4/2022 @ 15:54pm


Good article that is also incredibly depressing. The fact the largest newspaper in Canada published this kind of shows how little faith their is in the hall when it comes to recognizing non-American or British artists

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-guess-who-wont-make-it-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame/

Posted by Mat r on Wednesday, 07/6/2022 @ 16:12pm


Depressing article, as I think The Guess Who should be enshrined. Thanks for sharing it, though.

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 07/7/2022 @ 06:45am


Yes, there is definitely an anti-American bias in the Rock Hall voting population. The Guess Who have a large number of songs that I consider classics: e.g. "Hand Me Down World", "No Sugar Tonight" and "American Woman", but a lot of lesser known songs that are just as good: "Rain Dance" and "Albert Flasher" being particular favorites of mine. They should be in the Rock Hall, without a doubt. One of the bigger omissions of 70s artists.

Posted by Eric Tompkins on Thursday, 07/7/2022 @ 15:26pm


12 days old

105k views and this channel's average views are like 900 to 1.9k

interesting stuff such as burton cummings doesn't want it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO8KfET0Fmg

Posted by mat r on Tuesday, 11/29/2022 @ 23:47pm


A wild card no one talks about with relation to the guess who is they have an NHL team invested in their legend. True North Sports and Entertainment probably do have some sway among execs and I'm curious if they would flex it.

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/new-space-at-winnipeg-theatre-dedicated-to-legendary-canadian-rocker-burton-cummings-1.6210779

Posted by Mat r on Thursday, 12/29/2022 @ 01:27am


The fact that The Guess Who are not in the Hall of Fame is reason enough to have little to no respect for The Hall of Fame... It took way to long for The Moody Blues to finally make it in... The Guess Who and The Eagles are in my opinion the 2 best Rock - N - Roll bands to come out of North America all time, although Alabama and Brooks and Dunn of Country music fame are right up there... The Guess Who needs to be inducted now before it is to late for their band members to realize their accomplishments especially Burton and Randy..... Let there be justice...!!!

Posted by Rocky in Buffalo on Wednesday, 02/1/2023 @ 15:14pm


New album on the way. Maybe a zombies like nomination will come from it

https://exclaim.ca/amparticle/the_guess_who_announce_new_album_plein_damour_share_the_king

Posted by Mat r on Friday, 02/10/2023 @ 21:38pm


The Guess Who should have been inducted in the RR HoF in 1969! It is a disgrace and an insult that they are not!
In 1970 they were the top grossing band in the world; out-grossing The more than the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and yes even the King Elvis! Their song American Woman is known in every household across the world and was even copied by Lennie Kravitz! They have dozens of platinum & gold records! American Woman, Laughing, Undun, No Time, These Eyes, Sour Suite, Albert Flasher, Clap For The Wolfman, etc.! The RR HoF has no credibility in my mind! Shame on them!

Posted by Constantine Buzunis on Saturday, 04/1/2023 @ 22:04pm



No room for the Guess Who when spots are given to the likes of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Great artists in their own rights, but Rock and Roll? Give me a break. George Michael gets recognized as a solo artist because of his contributions as a gay man? Please tell me, what exactly are the criteria?

Posted by Larry on Tuesday, 11/14/2023 @ 22:20pm


RIP Chad Allan, founding member and original lead singer of what would become the Guess Who

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0UrTCUPNcc/?hl=en

Posted by Mat R on Friday, 12/1/2023 @ 14:05pm


Goldmine magine has done a really interesting trio of interviews with Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, Garry Peterson, and current singer Derek Sharp going into the legacy of the band and the current lawsuit.

While I think the legal issues will get in the way of a nomination this year, the band certainly is experiencing a moment of serious discussion in American music press.

Peterson and Sharp: https://www.goldminemag.com/features/the-plein-damour-version-of-the-guess-who-defends-their-place-in-storied-legacy

Cummings: https://www.goldminemag.com/features/burton-cummings-on-legacy-of-the-guess-who-lawsuit-against-current-lineup-more

Bachman: https://www.goldminemag.com/features/randy-bachman-on-takin-care-of-business-with-bto-and-preserving-the-guess-who-legacy

Posted by Mat r on Sunday, 01/7/2024 @ 12:56pm


I'll be seeing BTO live tommorow!! big fan of the guess who now that I've gotten into them, maybe if Neil young wrote a letter like Joel did for zevon they'd get in...

Posted by will m on Thursday, 03/7/2024 @ 20:49pm


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Future Rock Legends is your home for The Guess Who and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including year of eligibility, number of nominations, induction chances, essential songs and albums, and an open discussion of their career.


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