← Back

Tommy (soundtrack)

by The Who

Released: March 19, 1975

Hard rock, art rock, progressive rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

The album contains newly recorded versions of songs from the original rock opera, as well as new compositions written specifically for the film. "Tommy" is the soundtrack album to the 1975 film adaptation of The Who's rock opera, "Tommy." The original rock opera, released as a double album in 1969, tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a messianic figure through his skill at pinball. The soundtrack features performances by the original cast, including Roger Daltrey as Tommy, along with additional artists such as Elton John, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, and The Who members Pete Townshend and John Entwistle.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It introduced "Tommy" to a new generation of…

It introduced "Tommy" to a new generation of listeners and solidified its status as one of The Who's most iconic works.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

The Who - Tommy (soundtrack)

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Highlights include Elton John's rendition of "Pinball Wizard," Tina Turner's powerful interpretation of "The Acid Queen," and Eric Clapton's bluesy take on "Eyesight to the Blind." The soundtrack received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Tommy" is the soundtrack album to the 1975 film adaptation of The Who's rock opera, "Tommy." The original rock opera, released as a double album in 1969, tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a messianic figure through his skill at pinball.

The soundtrack features performances by the original cast, including Roger Daltrey as Tommy, along with additional artists such as Elton John, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, and The Who members Pete Townshend and John Entwistle.

The album contains newly recorded versions of songs from the original rock opera, as well as new compositions written specifically for the film. Highlights include Elton John's rendition of "Pinball Wizard," Tina Turner's powerful interpretation of "The Acid Queen," and Eric Clapton's bluesy take on "Eyesight to the Blind."

The soundtrack received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It introduced "Tommy" to a new generation of listeners and solidified its status as one of The Who's most iconic works.