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ROCK & ROLL CALL📞📞☎️📞
STEPPENWOLF is a novel written by Hermann Hesse and inspired the name of the famous Canadian-American group. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Kay became the driving force behind the hard-rock band Steppenwolf, whose sound bridged blues, rock, and heavy metal that defined late‑1960s counterculture. John listened intensely to U.S. Armed Forces Radio (he lived in Hannover, Germany) and studied the sound of American Rock & Roll.
In 1968 Steppenwolf’s debut recording “Born to Be Wild,” written by guitarist Mars Bonfire and was defined by John Kay’s vocal delivery and the band’s powerful sound. The song became a rock anthem.
“Born To Be Wild” gained iconic status when it was featured in the 1969 film “Easy Rider”. Steppenwolf followed with hits like “Magic Carpet Ride,” and “Rock Me,” helping pioneer a heavier rock sound while remaining rooted in blues and R&B. Between 1968 and 1972, the band enjoyed substantial international success.
Steppenwolf’s recordings have sold over 20 million copies worldwide, with songs licensed to dozens of films and television shows.
Join the Cuz and welcome John Kay to our MUSICRADIO broadcast
Saturday 2/7/26.
CB