Randy Bachman
Musician
Born in Winnipeg, Randy Bachman has become a legendary figure in the rock and roll world through his talents as a guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer. He has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world for performing and producing. His song writing has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio play lists in over 20 countries and he has amassed over 40 million records sold. His songs have been recorded by numerous other artists and placed in dozens of television, movie and commercial soundtracks. His music has provided a veritable soundtrack of the last thirty years of popular music.
He first scored Billboard radio chart success with his band The Guess Who in 1965 performing the song, “Shakin' All Over.” The Guess Who went on to virtually own the pop charts with an unprecedented run of 5 million-selling singles, all the product of the gold plated Randy Bachman-Burton Cummings song writing team. By 1970, The Guess Who had sold more records than the entire Canadian recording industry to that point, even outselling the Beatles that year. Their hits included “These Eyes,” “Laughing,” “Undun,” “No Time,” “No Sugar Tonight,” and “American Woman.”
Noted for his contributions as an iconic Canadian rock musician and for his support of emerging artists as a producer, Randy Bachman has received many awards, including the Order of Canada (2009), which is Canada’s highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement. He continues to be in much demand as a songwriter, session player and solo artist. Though his music industry awards include dozens of coveted acknowledgments of legendary achievements, when asked which award is his most prized, he responds, "The one I haven't got yet."
This year, Randy Bachman achieved something that he never planned: he became a national bestselling author with a top-ten book. Inspired by his radio show, Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Stories brought his unique voice to print for the very first time.
He has played an integral role in the evolution and growth of the Canadian music industry and continues to serve as both an inspiration and impetus for others to succeed.