Empowerment of Music: guest John Kay of Steppenwolf
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- Nancy Seagal interviews John Kay of the Steppenwolf Band about overcoming his life adversities from childhood and throughout his career into a foundation which serves human rights, wildlife and environmental issues.
I never knew this about John Kay this is one of the most inspiring stories of a legend in the early days of classic rock, I was so moved by his description of what he went through as a child but how he overcame such hardships, he should be the model of inspiration of how we don't need the government to take care of us but how we as human beings can overcome diversity with internal spirit and self worth. And give back to others as well. He is and should be a hero to any young person today.
This guy gets it when so many of us don't anymore. Fantastic vocalist and band and a real asset to humanity.
I've all ways loved steppenwolf and there music, wow he,s truly remarkable, ride on Mr. Kay
Except when he is bullying and ultimately, stole royalties from a founding member. The man is scum for that.
I'm blown away. I had no idea after all these years how articulate this cat is, what a great speaker. Brilliant interview and very unusual, thanks so much for the post.
The best band ever
TheOuterBoogie second that!👍🏾
What's wonderful and refreshing about John Kay, above and beyond his talent, is that he is so articulate and able to give such vivid detail in his recollections. Thank the powers that be, he outlasted the dogs of war, his own personal hellhounds and the grindstone of the industry's "machine", as well. Sitting there tuning into stations from a homemade ham radio behind the Iron Curtain and discovering rock n roll...legendary survivor.
I became an even greater fan of John Kay after watching this interview. Congratulations, John! You are an inspiration to my life as a musician and human being.
I have always liked this man and his music. After viewing this, I like and respect him even more.
John Glatthar DITTO!!
If you like him that much, as I do as well, check out his song “Renegade” that tells the story of his mother leading him by the hand, in the darkness across the border to freedom. It’s a Good story & song! Put it this way… At age 13 I mowed lens to support my addiction to music. This song Renegade was on my 3rd Steppenwolf album/LP. At that age, once I listened to it several times& when I was able to hear & understand John’s message in the song, I got goose bumps over my entire body! I loved it then and I still love it today at age 70!
Best,
m
Renegade is my favorite Steppenwolf song, not only a great story, but the music fits so well. Awesome band!
John Kay - One of the greatest rock icons of all time. This is one of the best interviews of John Kay you will even find.
Not only is John Kay an excellent musician, singer and front man, but he is also super smart as well!
I love listening to John Kay such a interesting man, and so talented, he's the real deal.
I wasn't going to watch this for it's length of an hour but John is so compelling, I couldn't stop listening to him.
Thank you John Kay, and Nancy Seagal. Great to hear John explain the progress of his life. At the end, learning about the foundation. I will review that website, and make donations. Thank you so much. John Kay, I see he is a great guy, with a clear mind.
Outstanding, rock legend gives modern a history lesson. To all the people who say "All those musicians back in the '60s,'70s destroyed themselves with drugs" I say sit down and listen to this man eloquently recount his amazing life and learn something about the world as well.
Thank You John Kay
Worst part is that's basically a fallacy for the real ones anyway. Designed to disguise how greedy, backstabbing and disgusting the 'industry' can be. Fact is::: Frank Zappa never used drugs other than puffed a joint once or twice in the 60's to see what it's about, but knew the greed of the industry so did everything himself... Barry Meldon from the Fish was such an activist he left 'the biz' went back to school and became a defense attorney for the downtrodden, and his partner Country Joe played by himself all through the 70's and beyond same protest tunes as always... Joni Mitchell became a painter after leaving the music business herself after finding out most major labels were signing acts for a certain, 'look' and NOT because they have something to say, feelings/ideas to share, or any kind of real talent or ability ... And lets not forget the fallacy behind even main ones they point their fingers at as 'problems with drugs and alcohol'. Such as Jim Morrison who was very productive and basically stuck to weed other than the occasional trip, of course that is until their 3rd album Waiting For The Sun, where their greedy producer cut Jims' magnum opus 'Celebration of the Lizard' that was supposed to take up the entire second side! All for a bunch of cheesy filler singles. -smh Needless to say, Mr. Mojo Rison was more than a little peeved and tried to leave the band but they talked him out of it ((because he was the cash cow)), so went on his historic 3 year drinking binge because of this horrific slight by rothchild :'( Then we can't forget Jimi Hendrix was trying to stay off the opiates that he got addicted to after a shot of morphine he received in the army after getting injured in a bell huey jump, nevermind the circumstances of his death were super sketchy anyway .... And should check the film 'Festival Express', because Janis doesn't at all look "in the final stages of severe alcohol and opiate addiction" like all the books claim((compare to Gary Thain of Uriah Heep ;) ,UH of course is still touring in multiple versions that are all very good and legit :) )) So there's always that too, and the fact I've watched, 'the biz' take more lives in the modern pop scene in just as many ways, than any drug or drink who's overuse is really just a symptom of a much bigger problem ever did.
@@michaelducote2509 I don’t think recreational drug use has anything to do with this video one way or the other. Neither drug use nor the absence of drug use is at all to the point. The only brief tangental allusion to anything remotely connected to the drug scene occurs when Kay mentions that certain members of Steppenwolf were fired for exceeding even the very broad boundaries of rock-and-roll behavior as it was then. Experimental LSD use was, however, fundamental to the movement originated by Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters which went on to encompass the Haight-Ashbury scene and involving a fair number of San Francisco groups including the Grateful Dead and the Jefferson Airplane, then spreading internationally. It was by no means the only thing happening in the sixties and early seventies or even the only thing happening in rock. It was and remains, however, culturally significant. Still, it’s beside the point of this interview.
I saw Steppenwolf in 1968 at the Spectrum in Phila. my first real concert. The Grateful Dead played that same concert and Iron Butterfly as well. Saw Steppenwolf the other night at Scottsdale HD for Az Bike Week. I really enjoyed hearing these great classics. Have always liked and respected John Kay. Him and his wife are doing great work. He deserves much more respect and exposure. Peace
John Kay -A prophet Monster is more relevant today then ever
WoW, so happy John Kay is still around. Considering his high status in the fast Rock 'n' Roll lifestyle. He looks great for his age and has taken care of himself. Of course John was always in the world of music for the music itself. I'm sure he did his share of partying, but he must of had some type of discipline. Great story and amazing survival, keep up the GREAT work Mr. Kay!!!
Great smart guy that knows history. Also the coolest lead singer ever. Great pipes
Now I understand the origins of their song Renegade.
What a remarkable life story! Excellent interview with an interesting guest with an interviewer who knew when to be quiet and when to speak!
I never realized this idol for so many bikers was an outstanding humanitarian.
Nancy, I appreciate your low-key, friendly style; your willingness to let John speak freely (and he did stay constantly focused); and the genuine humane and gentle quality you convey in your personality. Gentleness and love are powerful drivers for a good program.
John Dudley Willis Well stated.
Excellent interview of a well-spoken, intelligent man.
What a man - intelligent, deep thinker and doer, awesome musician, and always gorgeous
Wow, John Kay gives the best history class of 1933 to today - this should be required viewing for any citizen of the world.
Richard McKeen. I agree, was trying to put to words my feelings...ty...
Can you believe that Steppenwolf is not in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame? That's obscene.
Really can we remedy that who do we contact. with a petition.
+Stinky Boboso
Same with Tull. What's up with the people who make those decisions?
Stinky Boboso ; WHAT !!!???!!!
why are they so worried about putting Rap into the hall of fame and pop music? Jesus Christ, it's the rock n roll Hall of Fame.
Agreed. Its bullshit.
Amazing interview. John Kay is a true talent. Steppenwolf 7 and Monster are still some of my favorite albums from that day. Why? Good music of course, but the lyrics were sensational.
Always loved Steppenwolf, now I'm discovering a great guy as well!...
Steppenwolf, my first rock concert 1970 Civic Auditorium, Albuquerque, NM, still my favorite live concert ever.
I was a John Kay and Steppenwolf addict. t 14-15 years old....my first rock concert was here in RI..a million years ago....FIRST ROW...$5.50 for my ticket, in my scrapbook!....those were the days
John has always been a long-time hero of mind...fantastic interview
He is a remarkable song writer and performer...Much respect John
I am very impressed with him. Like him more now than ever.
I was so in love with him since a young teen....even at that age, I so respected how he didn't at like the typical rock star….he is a Dream
John Kay,The Sparrow,Mars Bonfire,brother Jerry and every other musician who was part of the Steppenwolf sound and legacy deserves to be be recognized by the so-called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.At least the fans know.
he seems like one of the few people in music to do what he sings about instead of getting loaded on dope. class act!
exactly!
Probably too busy getting pussy. No time to take drugs. He had to learn English, then learn guitar.
@@thomaspick4123
John Kay & Steppenwolf played a club in Montreal in the mid 1990's. One of my students worked for the club taking care of the musicians needs. John Kay needed him to get a big bag of blow. Not all is as it seems, we all go through ups & downs at different periods of our lives. I'm still a fan of J.K. & Steppenwolf.
@@GlennMichaelThompson I'm not disagreeing with you or him but Kay had cleaned up his act by the early 80's, can't believe that he would back slide like that at that time?!
5 years later..uhh Zappa was not really into the scene...yeah it has always been to sell the easy/sleazy suff, ehh
I was very fortunate to see him perform , I am very thankful for this he is a wonderful person. Mr. Kay , is very interesting and very articulate.
Outstanding interview. I really enjoyed learning about the man...John Kay. Long-time Steppenwolf fan. Seems like a great guy. Will appreciate his music that much more after hearing this interview.
Always a gentleman. When I was 9 (1971), I bought my first record, Steppenwolf Gold. It's a great collection of his best known songs. I found several of the older Steppenwolf records in the .99 cent bin, my mom bought me several. I've been a lifelong fan ever since.
What a wonderful human ! My mom had all their records , and was a die hard fan. I was 4 in 1968, and I see why , now, John Kay was my role model as dad figure. Not only the stage persona , but what he was wanting to talk about. My dad was in the navy at the time. So many things I have come to learn about, including Rudolph Steiner and Waldorf education were in John songs all along. I loved lots of other music from that era, that we had records of too. All the best stuff. But This was my mom's band, every album , and she likely wrote fan mail , like she did with Steve Martin , and I am so glad she had such good taste .
Thank you Mr. John Kay, your music to this day is unforgettable! Now I know Why, you are a good Man.
Many good wishes to you and your family!
John Kay n steppenwolf, awesome band! Thanks for all those beautiful memories associated with your music.
)
Thank you Nancy for this GREAT interview with one of the best rock n roll performers & songwriters EVER! Always loved Steppenwolf & thought John Kay was HOT! Had no clue just how wonderful a human being he IS! Nor about the work he does now--nor about the amazing synchronicities in our lives that seems to have brought us to activism for environment, wildlife & human rights! So proud of John for being a 60's rocker who has grown & SOARS & LIVES these ideals! Please interview him again!
Tuscaloosa Alabama loves you and Michael Wilks/ Michael mcabee
This was the best real interview I have ever enjoyed. Thank you both !
Thank you John for your great insights and wonderful music.
he is an inspiration and a teacher ! his story telling is beyond words ! thanks for this wonderful interview nancy !
I was a huge fan of John's music, his remarkable lyrics & social change intentions. I saw the band live several times. Incredible musicians. They helped change opinion on war, injustice, political power, etc. His impact was much more potent than is understood. Brilliant man. Caring man. I'd love to see him in the national dialogue today. He makes our current leadership look like hollow morons. Go John!!
what a fantastic interview...esp. the early years: shed a whole new dimension to my love of tunes like "monster" and "for ladies only"...like any of the greats, so much to offer on so many levels....rock and blues with a message from someone who's lived it...thanks Nancy Seagal for bringing out the deeper John Kay and his current work too.!
So great to see this. John and I have something in common a disability. And when you do you have to ignore it and not complain. By doing that I consider myself being someone who has beat Cystic Fibrosis. I'm almost 62 and listened to his albums and songs for years. My favorite song is Monster it is as relevant today as it was the day it was written.
Monster is one of the better.
I am 62 as well, Jeff and I learned not to complain about my polio affected left leg years ago because it only serves to screw one up and nobody else really gives a damn. I Iisten to Steppenwolf frequently, particularly For Ladies Only. Monster still kicks as hard as it did when released.
robert glenn And the song is still current with the world events of today.
"America, where are you now"?
Amazing, good conversationalist. Sure held my attention, I didn't know I would like John Kay, but, what an interesting individual, what a story.
John Kay makes me feel much better about the human race. I mean just last night I was in despair thinking about all those grasping ruthlessly for more and more money, those perfectly willing to lie blatantly for their disreputable employers, and so on. Just one John Kay against all these innumerable others makes a big difference. And John Kay doesn’t put on airs. He’s natural, down to earth, comfortable, knowledgeable, and sincere. He’s also led an amazing life.
What a very interesting man. I never knew about his personal story until this interview. When I was a kid I had two of their early albums At Your Birthday Party and Monster. Now I realize how articulate and worldly he is. What a beautiful person with a fascinating story.
I still listen to all Steppenwolf..,,.....brings me back...………………...I am so grateful
Wonderful story. Now I understand the source of the political songs. One of my favorites. I was antiwar Vietnam veteran. John' songs meant a lot.
Magnificent, John Kay ! Love your music and ideals. Great story and life work. You changed my life in many ways as well.
I fisrt heard Steppenwolf's "Magic carpet ride"when I was 14 still listening to it often at age 65.
Listening to John's story is so interesting.I am very impressed.
His voice is so easy to listen to.
Hearing his story,now I am not just a fan, but an admirer. John Kay You're the man.
First time I heard Magic Carpet ride I was 12 years old at Playland on one of those fast rides. I feel in love with this band when I was 12. I still love their music. It has a lot to say. Live long and healthy, John Kay you are truly one of a kind. ..Patty
John kay is the definition of a person with Empathy, I find it no surprise an individual like john kay has to help out and fund organizations to protect people, animals and the environment, I thought our elected governments were supposed to do this, listening to John Kay speak elevates his status in the world especially more than I realized as a music icon.
You are here Tony... I am with you in your views 100%
please see my other response......love ya
Wow, thanks, I learned a lot about John Kay. Steppenwolf really needs to be in the Rock and Roll hall of fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors.
I never knew the extent of his life story so I looked it up.... pretty incredible story..... Much respect to him....
+ogrebattle22763 needs to be a movie
Amazingly well spoken, concise, insightful, captivating to listen to.
I am so glad I saw this. He is an amazing man
Will of the Man and his Ideas .... Mr. John Kay ... (one of the best lyricists of the 60s/70s ..
Excelent interview. Just the right questions and let the guest talk. John Kay is, without a doubt, an extraordinay singer and composer. Steppenwolf almost create the concept of heavy music, although they never forgot the concept of melody. Congratulatiosn from Argentina.
When is there going to be a movie about John Kay
Wow his mom was a hell of a woman. Most girls today would've took him through a real drama fest. God bless her
God Bless Mothers..
yes, eternal blessings ... yes, John & "your band" was/is worthy of my 3B AWARD (which is rare) - BEYOND BLOODY BRILLIANT !!!
WOmen are instinctively a lot better to their children than anyone else, with some exceptions.
Women of that era had to survive. That changes your priority’s especially if you only have one child.
One of the best song writers ever. The man has way with words like no other. What a incredible life he has led. You have to listen to all the songs other then the ones that the radio played to really understand just how great his talent is. I have listened to the wolf since the start and its been a great ride all these years.
If John Kay is not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I am going to hold my breath until I turn blue.
I admired this guy for the music, for the lyrics, for being consequent .... now I admire him most !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ausgezeichnet ! What an intelligent and articulate and wise man my rock hero turned out to be!
Steppenwolf needs to be in the rock and roll hall of fame. Possibly the first heavy metal band in history. Definitely the first to mention heavy metal in a song.
MEGA RESPECT IS RIGHT. LOVE THE INTERVIEW. A MUST READ BOOK OF HIS LIFE. GREAT SONG WRITER, FANTASTIC MUSICIAN, FUN, AND VERY INTERESTING INTERVIEWS TO WATCH, AND OR LISTEN TO. GREAT WORK DONE WITH HIS WIFE, AND THE MAUE KAY FOUNDATION, ELEPHANT SANCTUARY, ETC. A VERY BUSY MAN. HAVE BEEN A NUMBER ONE FAN OF HIS SINCE DAY ONE, NO MATTER WHAT HE DID, WHETHER STEPPENWOLF, SOLO, OR THE NEW JOHN KAY AND STEPPENWOLF. LOVE SEEING THEM IN CONCERT. CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT HIM...JUST ASK ANY OF MY FRIENDS HOW MUCH OF A FAN I AM OF JOHN KAY.
I'm glad I searched for this, I been a fan of Steppenwolf since my teens and this gave me more insight on John Kay. I had no idea he was an imigrant I too am from Cuba so I can relate to his story.
alot of history there! great interview and a fan!
so many people struggled through adversity, worked hard. Lesser known stories. Lucky for us, their struggles often hardened them and made them try harder to succeed and they did. hard work for them, good results for us. So wish for the best for them
Great interview! Steppenwolf was my favourite band in my teens - I used to sing some of the songs when I was going around doing my paper round :-) John Kay was sooo sexy but for all I knew was just a rock-god-bimbo! I had no idea then about his history so it was fascinating to hear. Very impressed that he is using his influence and cash to do so much good via the Maue Kay Foundation.
Very impressive. He's so articulate and quite a brilliant man. I like him even more now.
I once worked next to Bill Utley....the manager of Steppenwolf. He said they absolutely BLEW every dime they made.
We love you, John. Thank you for the music!
Wow...what a story, great interview.....always liked John Kay....have a lot of respect for him now. Good man!
he lives what he sings Amen
this was so informative! I just liked Steppenwolf's music but John Kay is so intelligent and interesting!
I said god dam god dam this man john kay. you have my vote brother I will always stand with you.
lead singer . great band. originals . soul.Nancy thank
I have always liked John Kay one of my all time favorite bands Steppinwolf
Great interview. I've always been so intrigued by him because he's such an excellent writer.
Wow! What a history! Just...Wow!!!👍😎🎸👍😎🎸
Herzlichen Dank für diese interessanten und bewegenden Geschichten aus Ihrem Leben, Herr K.
Ich weiß nicht, ob Sie daran gedacht oder es schon getan haben, aber Ihr Leben ist ein Buch wert!
Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Inspiration für neue Songs, sowie Kraft und Gesundheit für tolle Live-Auftritte wie in Louisville!
Stefan K.
for a man whose physical sight is impaired, he has one hell of a perspective.
Yeah, I always say he literally sees everything in black & white, yet he is more enlightened than those who figuratively see everything in black & white.
Wow so Kool!
Oooohhhhhhh man!!!!! the MIGHTY John Kay!!.....
Thanks, John and Nancy for this illustrative conversation. I'm 68 years old and is interesting how John give us two different stage of life, from the crazy times of "Sookie, Sookie" until to talk about preserve the planet. I share in Tweeter. Thank you again!
I grew up listening to Steppenwolf and even though they were sometimes slammed by critics because of the political overtones of their music, the lyrics told the truth about society in general during that time. And actually, parallels the political and social upheaval today. He's got insight, no doubt.
I was a young girl...but "Monster" affected me so much.....astounding
A Prophetic man.
Thank you John for your wonderful inspiration That You Have Given Me!
John Kay is such a fascinating guy. I could listen to him, and his music for hours. I wonder what he thinks about the world we have now.
The beginning of the interview (going from east to west Germany) sounds like the inspiration for the song "Renegade," - Steppenwolf 7.
Clearly, it is. He tells his story in many Wolf tunes. Even mentions the Baltic coast, which as you know, is full of amber. And the land was green, before the tanks came. Fast Forward to '10 year old Jimmy got arrested in school, they found a tank in his locker.' Tell me you have Slow Flux?
Peace,
EC.
Loved him in the 60’s love him more now,what a memory wow!!!
i always said that why isn't he in the rock and roll hall of fame hes got one of the best voices in rock
Thank you John....Steppenwolf and Toronto rocks!
This interview absolutely blew me away. That is a very rare event, for anyone who knows me. ;) The interviewer did an outstanding job. Mr. Kay is of highest character and quality as a person, from what this interview contains. Wondered about the dark sunglasses for so long ..... I've listened to Steppenwolf since the 70s. Were they a new group called Starwolf or something similar, playing in East Grand Forks MN in about 1984 .... I thought I recognized John Kay and would have gone to introduce myself by wasn't sure. Kinda regret that shyness on my part.
I idolized Steppenwolf…..especially! John Kay as a younger woman in my teens.. esp. and I followed them everywhere as far as my parents allowed...I met them a few times, and as a young girl, I can tell you how much I was respected when I did meet them..(John said, "hello dear"!) ..back then, that is all I wanted...I was innocent and the whole band was so respectful....I have several autographs...and later in my life, after I was married, I ran into them at more intimate affairs, at Hollywood Raceway in Fl, Miami, Fl and in Connecticut...it was like meeting family....once again......
Starwolf was a band that Nick St. Nicholas put together in the mid 80's, so that most likely wasn't John Kay with him.
Very articulate dude. John Kay Holla!
John Kay is one of the best rock blues singers. Also he's very articulate and smart and aware on a lot more social issues then his art....It turns out there are some surprising people of genius that wind up in rock etc....The Doobie's lead guitar...or the actress Hedy LaMar...that's really a story...now I see I'm basically saying the same thing as the comment below...I also think Kay is an impressive man...in other words....a great guy.....
This is one of the greatest musicians ever.Steppenwolf was an awesome group,as a young teen I used to sit at the door of my oldest brothers room just to hear this music. wow. I really enjoyed my self. I,m 58 years old,and I still enjoy it. Peace
He's an extraordinary man and performing artist. Not to mention a wonderful humanitarian for wildlife. I saw him a year ago in St. Petersburg Fla. At age 70, he still sounds great. His music has been a part of my life since day one.
I always listened to Steppenwolf. I have always been a big fan. I enjoyed listening to John Kay's story.
I am always in awe when listening to John Kay; such an introspective guy. I wonder if this woman knew anything about him?
fantastic video, very insightful and interesting. great interviewer, she allows the artist to tell his story.
I have every vinyl album from Steppenwolf ,all still in the sleeves from the 70s when I was in Highschool ,so glad I ran across this.
Fantastic post. A really informative interview. I remember the Hungarian Revolution that Kay talks about. This man comes from and has overcame the very adversities that gave birth to music like rock and roll. We got to be acquainted with John's family and back ground. I have lived in the same era as John. My family was stationed in West Germany at the same time John was in East Germany.