Steppenwolf (band)

Steppenwolf is a 1960s rock & roll band, best known for the hits "Born to Be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride". They were named after the novel Steppenwolf by German author Hermann Hesse.

Frontman John Kay's mother escaped with him at age 4 from Soviet occupied East Germany, an event recounted in the song "Renegade" on the album "Steppenwolf Seven". His family resettled in Hanover, West Germany, where Joachim Krauledat (his real name) listened to AFRS radio before they went to Canada in 1958.

Steppenwolf rocketed to fame after their third single, "Born to Be Wild" was used in the movie Easy Rider, as well as "The Pusher". The former song coined the term "heavy metal". This was followed by several more hits, including "Magic Carpet Ride" and "Rock Me". Fans consider their double album "Steppenwolf Live" the best of Steppenwolf's releases.

The band broke up in 1971, and Kay went on to lead a somewhat successful solo career. He is now touring as "John Kay and Steppenwolf".

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