Remembering Chad Allan: A Pioneer of Canadian Music
Join me as we delve into the life and legacy of Chad Allan, a true pioneer of Canadian music. From his early days as the lead singer of The Guess Who to his founding role in Brave Belt, Allan left an indelible mark on the music scene. Despite not achieving fame and fortune, his contributions to Canadian music cannot be overlooked. Let's celebrate the remarkable journey of this talented musician and explore the impact he had on the industry.
Early Beginnings and Formation of The Guess Who
Explore Chad Allan's early days as a musician and the formation of The Guess Who.
Chad Allan, born Allan Peter Stanley Kowbel on March 29, 1943, in Winnipeg, Canada, showed his musical talent from a young age. He formed his first band called Allan and the Silvertones while still in high school. This band eventually evolved into Chad Allan and the Expressions, gaining modest success in Canada with their singles in the late '50s and early '60s.
In January 1965, the band released their cover of Johnny Kidd and the Pirates' "Shakin' All Over" under the name "Guess Who?" This marked a turning point for the group, as the single gained attention and reached No. 22 on the U.S. charts. DJs began referring to them as the Guess Who, leading to an official name change. However, Allan's vocal issues led to his departure from the group in 1966, making way for Burton Cummings to take over as lead singer.
Brave Belt and the Formation of Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Discover Chad Allan's role in the formation of Brave Belt and the subsequent creation of Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
After leaving the Guess Who, Chad Allan continued his musical journey and formed Brave Belt in 1971 alongside former Guess Who guitarist Randy Bachman. The band released two self-titled albums, showcasing Allan's talent as a lead singer. However, he decided to part ways with the group in 1972, leading to the rebranding of the remaining members as Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive went on to achieve significant success, but Chad Allan's contributions to the formation of the band should not be overlooked. His unique voice and musical style played a crucial role in laying the foundation for their future success.
Continued Musical Endeavors and Legacy
Explore Chad Allan's musical endeavors beyond The Guess Who and Brave Belt, and his lasting legacy in the music industry.
Even after his time with The Guess Who and Brave Belt, Chad Allan continued to pursue his passion for music. He released solo albums, composed TV theme songs, and even taught songwriting at British Columbia's Kwantlen University College.
One notable highlight in Allan's career was his reunion with Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings for a CBC special called "It's Only Rock & Roll" in 1987. This reunion showcased the incredible chemistry and harmonies that they had created together.
Chad Allan's contributions to Canadian music were recognized when he was honored as a member of the Order of Manitoba in 2015. His talent, uniqueness, and the impact he had on the music industry will always be remembered.
