Peter Townshend, born in 1945, is an influential English musician best known as the co-founder, principal songwriter, guitarist, and de facto leader of The Who, a pioneering rock band of the 1960s and 1970s. Renowned for his energetic guitar style and poetic songwriting, Townshend wrote the majority of The Who's songs, including the acclaimed rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, as well as hits from albums like Who's Next. In addition to guitar, he is a multi-instrumentalist, playing keyboards and several other instruments on both Who and solo projects. Townshend has also written for various media and collaborated with other artists. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Brit Award for Lifetime Achievement, Grammy and Kennedy Center Honors, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Who.