Most known for his guitar work with the influential rock band The Who as well as for penning a number of their hits, Pete Townshend is by no means a one-dimensional man. Along with his highly successful career in music, he is also a prominent figure in literature and charity work.

Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend was born May 19, 1945, in Chiswick, London. Both his parents were musicians, and Townshend was therefore surrounded by music from an early age. His father was Cliff Townshend, a highly revered saxophonist associated with The Squadronaires, and his mother, Betty, was a singer. Betty even indicated that the 1956 film Rock Around the Clock starring Bill Haley was viewed repeatedly by the young Townshend. His first guitar was a gift from his grandmother at the age of twelve. Townshend cites John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, and Hank Marvin as his greatest inspirations.

Townshend entered Ealing Art College in 1961. In his spare time, along with friend John Entwistle, he founded a southern sound band known as The Confederates. Soon Roger Daltrey was added, and the bad morphed into a more rock and roll outfit called The Detours, which was shortly after changed to The Who. Drummer Doug Sandom was replaced by Keith Moon, and the band was finally complete.

Not long after the band’s conception, Townshend wrote "I Can’t Explain, Substitute," and arguably their most recognizable song, "My Generation." Even from the beginning, The Who harnessed an interesting mix of genuine talent, political angst, and just enough anger. It became customary for Townshend to smash guitars or play them in an eccentric manner, often swinging his arm wildly over his head and over the strings.

Thanks in large part to Townshend’s antics the band quickly earned a reputation as one of the greatest live acts, which is a reputation that endures even today. As a testament to their staying power, their live performances of the twenty-first century are equally as revered as their earlier work. In July of 2005 they participated in Live 8, the charity concert associated most heavily with Bob Geldof. The event spanned ten concerts, including appearances by such varied acts as Will Smith, Bryan Adams, Barenaked Ladies, Dan Aykroyd, and Tom Green.

The Who released eleven studio records, and Townshend was responsible for writing over 100 of those songs. He is also widely known for creating Tommy, the rock opera starring Oliver Reed, Ann Margret, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Jack Nicholson. Townshend earned an Oscar nomination for his work.

There is also another side to Townshend that is unknown even to many of his fans; his devotion to religion. Specifically, he is a follower of Meher Baba, an Indian guru. Townshend has cited his teachings as a major source of inspiration for his musical work, including the revolutionary Tommy. He maintains his faith even through his repeated and public struggles with narcotics, which nearly cost him his life in 1981.

In addition to his work with The Who, Townshend has also pursued a successful solo career. After helping to adapt The Iron Man into a Broadway musical, Townshend co-produced the animated hit film The Iron Giant voiced by Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr, Vin Diesel, Christopher McDonald, and John Mahoney. One of his notable awards was the Life Achievement Award in 1983 at the Brit Awards.

Townshend is not only actively involved with the creation of literature, he is also good friends with Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and author of Lord of the Flies, William Golding. His charity efforts have been primarily directed towards children, drug rehabilitation, and extensive work with Amnesty International.

From intense pyrotechnics and too many live performances, Townshend suffers from partial hearing loss.

He was married in 1968 to Karen Astley. The couple had three children before divorcing in 2000. He currently lives with fellow musician Rachel Fuller.

YUDDY