Those who know me are familiar with my passion for music, especially classic rock. One of my favourite artists is John Kay, along with his band, Steppenwolf, (of course without HIM, there IS no band).
We share a similarity of background: born in Germany, moved to Canada, but, it goes far beyond that. In my opinion, his talents have largely been underrated and somewhat unappreciated by the general public.
Also, many aspects of his remarkable life remain unknown, except to his most ardent fans. For instance, there was the hair-raising escape from East Germany with his mother, after WWII, (his father was killed in the war), the fact that he is legally blind as well as colour blind, the fact that he is still married to the woman he wed in the 1960s.
The Steppenwolf official site offers an in-depth biography. Read it HERE.
This interview shows his character and illustrates just how articulate and intelligent he is:
Getting back to the talent aspect, John has always written intelligent songs with substance and they still hold up today. This, in my opinion is hismasterpiece and completely relatable in the here and now:
The marijuana debate continues. John wrote this over 40 years ago, but it could have been yesterday:
How about the futility of life?
Finally, on May 19, 2012, I was able to attend a Steppenwolf concert for the first time. So exciting!!
They have appeared in my area many times over the years, but, for one reason or another, I couldn’t go. John Kay at 68 sounded every bit as good as he did at 28! Fantastic show and I got some great shots!
I was right at the edge of the stage at one point, trying wildly to get his attention, but, he was either talking, (great anecdotes!), singing or out of range. Otherwise, the crowd was cheering and I was yelling in German, (in a bid to get his attention), but, got drowned out.
Several of us were waving photos at the end, hoping for an autograph, but, he didn’t speak to anyone personally; just waved from afar. That part was a little disappointing, but I have these photos and my memories. If he ever comes back this way, (★★)I’ll be there!
Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
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Thanks for enlightening me about Steppenwolf, Debbie. Never knew all these interesting facts about them and John Kay. As I said, I just remember my parents getting an album from some friends with that wild cover of the naked woman and the python. I am so boring in my musical tastes.
Thanks for checking it out, Cathy. John Kay is quite remarkable and a talented musician. I actually don’t remember Steppenwolf having such an album cover; must look for it. 😀 Everybody’s tastes are unique to them. That’s what makes the world so interesting, yes? Have a good weekend.
GREAT article! My favorite 60’s band! I never got to see him, unfortunately. Every time I was where Steppenwolf was playing he was not with them. Like you said, no use going if he wasn’t there!
We have that in common, Cindy. Thanks for dropping by The Den. 🙂 Those bands named Steppenwolf that were performing without John Kay is the reason he made a comeback. They weren’t doing justice to the music and he wanted to restore Steppenwolf’s reputation. Still going strong after all these years! ♥
Thanks for the bio info on John Kay! I had no idea. I love Steppenwolf! Can’t wait to read your other JK&S posts. Running out for an appt now but I’ll be back. I just subscribed to your blog too. 🙂 From you kindred spirit over at angelsbark…
Hi Andro! I am gearing up for a sunny, warm weekend here. Hope the weather is good where you are, too. Have a good one and thanks for dropping by, my friend. 😀
I know what you mean about the thought of taking him out from the band, as the same thing happened with Queen, as soon as Freddie Mercury passed away the band was obsolete…
I am pleased that you enjoyed your concert Debbie and do have a wonderful rest of week chilling out and having fun 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, Andro! 😀 Yes, the actual Steppenwolf band has had many different participants, but, John is the “Alpha Wolf” and the voice of the band. 😀 You have a great week, yourself.
Great post on John Kay and Steppenwolf – so glad you were able to see them last Saturday. I understand that you said something to him in German – what did you say and did he respond? I like Magic Carpet Ride best – Mike
Thanks, Mike. Yes, I was trying very hard to get his attention, but, so were other people and I got drowned out. John didn’t respond to any of it, sad to say. 🙁 I was yelling things like “Ausgezeichnet!” (outstanding) and “Fabelhaft!” (fabulous); even called out to him using his birth name, Herr (Mr.) Krauledadt. No luck!! Oh well; the photos turned out GREAT, so, I’m happy. 🙂
Debbie, I’m so happy that you got to live out a dream this past weekend. I was wishing you’d have been able to meet him personally, and I was a little disappointed for you not getting that opportunity…..(.the NERVE of John Kay to be busy singing and talking, instead of zoning in on his greatest fan!)….HMMMFFFF! Great pics, you got there, and I’m SURE great memories!
23 thoughts on “JOHN KAY & STEPPENWOLF”
Thanks for enlightening me about Steppenwolf, Debbie. Never knew all these interesting facts about them and John Kay. As I said, I just remember my parents getting an album from some friends with that wild cover of the naked woman and the python. I am so boring in my musical tastes.
Thanks for checking it out, Cathy. John Kay is quite remarkable and a talented musician. I actually don’t remember Steppenwolf having such an album cover; must look for it. 😀 Everybody’s tastes are unique to them. That’s what makes the world so interesting, yes? Have a good weekend.
GREAT article! My favorite 60’s band! I never got to see him, unfortunately. Every time I was where Steppenwolf was playing he was not with them. Like you said, no use going if he wasn’t there!
We have that in common, Cindy. Thanks for dropping by The Den. 🙂 Those bands named Steppenwolf that were performing without John Kay is the reason he made a comeback. They weren’t doing justice to the music and he wanted to restore Steppenwolf’s reputation. Still going strong after all these years! ♥
Thanks for the bio info on John Kay! I had no idea. I love Steppenwolf! Can’t wait to read your other JK&S posts. Running out for an appt now but I’ll be back. I just subscribed to your blog too. 🙂 From you kindred spirit over at angelsbark…
Glad you enjoyed the post and I’ve joined up at your blog as well. 🙂 Dogs and music – two of my very favourite subjects. ♥ 😀
Hey I hope you are gearing up
for a wicked weekend Debbie? 😉
Only a weekend with lots of the
naughtiest thoughts and actions
will suffice 🙂 😉 lol
Be Wicked…
Androgoth XXx
Hi Andro! I am gearing up for a sunny, warm weekend here. Hope the weather is good where you are, too. Have a good one and thanks for dropping by, my friend. 😀
It’s raining skeletons and zombies Debbie 🙁 lol
Have a really wonderful weekend 🙂
Androgoth XXx
I know what you mean about the thought of taking him out from the band, as the same thing happened with Queen, as soon as Freddie Mercury passed away the band was obsolete…
I am pleased that you enjoyed your concert Debbie and do have a wonderful rest of week chilling out and having fun 🙂
Androgoth XXx
Thanks for dropping by, Andro! 😀 Yes, the actual Steppenwolf band has had many different participants, but, John is the “Alpha Wolf” and the voice of the band. 😀 You have a great week, yourself.
Great post on John Kay and Steppenwolf – so glad you were able to see them last Saturday. I understand that you said something to him in German – what did you say and did he respond? I like Magic Carpet Ride best – Mike
Thanks, Mike. Yes, I was trying very hard to get his attention, but, so were other people and I got drowned out. John didn’t respond to any of it, sad to say. 🙁 I was yelling things like “Ausgezeichnet!” (outstanding) and “Fabelhaft!” (fabulous); even called out to him using his birth name, Herr (Mr.) Krauledadt. No luck!! Oh well; the photos turned out GREAT, so, I’m happy. 🙂
I am so glad for you, Debbie, that you could see “him”. Thanks for making hidden facts about him known. Wonderful post – wonderful music!!
Thanks Karin. I’ve waited over 40 years for this! 😀 It really was a fantastic night and my photos turned out so well.
Debbie, I’m so happy that you got to live out a dream this past weekend. I was wishing you’d have been able to meet him personally, and I was a little disappointed for you not getting that opportunity…..(.the NERVE of John Kay to be busy singing and talking, instead of zoning in on his greatest fan!)….HMMMFFFF! Great pics, you got there, and I’m SURE great memories!
Thanks, G! I was hoping to meet him as well, but, my photos are a great consolation prize! 🙂