Tommy is the fourth album by the English rock band The Who, released by Track and Polydor in the United Kingdom and Decca and MCA in the United States. A double album telling a loose story about a "deaf, dumb, and blind boy" who becomes the leader of a messianic movement, Tommy was the first musical work to be billed overtly as a rock opera. Released in 1969, the album was mostly composed by guitarist Pete Townshend. In 1998 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" value. Synopsis The opera was written to express how Townshend felt after being taught by Meher Baba and other writings and expressing the enlightenment he believes he received — "a metaphorical story of different states of consciousness." Characters Tommy Walker: The main character of the story, from whom the album gets its name. Captain Walker: Tommy's father. Mrs. Walker: Tommy's mother. (First name given as Nora in the film version) The Lover: a romantic partner of Tommy's mother. (Uncle Frank Hobbs in the film version) Uncle Ernie: Tommy's "wicked uncle", a paedophile. The de facto antagonist Cousin Kevin: Tommy's cousin, the sadistic "school bully" who brutalizes Tommy when left at home with him. The de facto antagonist The Hawker: The leader of a cult, where Tommy's mother takes him in hope for a cure for his affliction. Local Lad: The reigning champion of a pinball tournament, until Tommy defeats him and takes the title of "Pinball Wizard". (This cha