What was The Who's first single released under the name The Who?

The Who's first single released under the name The Who was "I Can't Explain." Written by Pete Townshend and produced by Shel Talmy, it introduced the band's sharp, compact sound to record buyers in late 1964 and early 1965.

The distinction in the question matters because the group had released an earlier single as the High Numbers. That record, "Zoot Suit" backed with "I'm the Face," came out in 1964 while manager Peter Meaden was attempting to position the band within the mod movement. After the group reverted to The Who, "I Can't Explain" became their first release under the better-known name.

The song was recorded in London and features Roger Daltrey on vocals, Townshend on guitar, John Entwistle on bass, and Keith Moon on drums. Its brisk power-pop and rhythm-and-blues style helped establish the band's early identity. It later became a regular live opener and remains one of their signature songs.