Founder, Vocalist & Primary Songwriter of Steppenwolf

After 50 years of performing, Steppenwolf played its final show in October 2018 and John Kay returned to his early musical days to perform solo. His first exposure to American music was through the Armed Forces Radio Network in Germany. After moving to North America, he studied the Library of Congress field recordings of John & Alan Lomax and later attended the 1964 & 1965 Newport Folk Festivals, where the topical songs of singer/songwriters had a profound influence on him.
John Kay is a legendary figure in rock music history, best known as the frontman of Steppenwolf, the band that brought us timeless classics like:
🎸 Born To Be Wild
🎸 Magic Carpet Ride
🎸 The Pusher
🎸 Monster

His highly-anticipated solo performances feature select songs from those albums as well as newly written material; showcasing the more private side of his music and songwriting. After five decades as a well-known player in the global music arena, John Kay has opened an additional chapter in 2019 to bring his more personal songs and stories to audiences; those familiar with Steppenwolf and John Kay and those who will encounter John Kay and his music for the first time. After 50 years of electrifying performances, Steppenwolf played its final show in October 2018. From there, John Kay began a deeply personal and reflective journey: returning to his roots in folk, blues, and the singer-songwriter tradition.