Today Rarified Heir is speaking to Shawn Kay, daughter of John Kay, founder of the iconic classic rock band Steppenwolf.
Classic rock anthems like “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride” pushed the band to enormous success with more than 25 million albums sold and eight gold records. Moreover, John Kay is credited with coining the term “Heavy Metal” and became synonymous with biker culture when the Steppenwolf’s music was used in the counter culture classic film, “Easy Rider”.
Shawn talks to Rarified Heir about being the only child of immigrant rock and roll parents from Germany, who met in Canada and moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960’s. She tells us what was it like to drink Shirley Temples at The Roxy nightclub in elementary school? Or having a mother who shared a boarding house in Toronto with Rick James? Watching her father reclaim the Steppenwolf name in the seventies and eighties and almost how a job at a recording studio almost led to her becoming the next Tiffany. I think we’re alone now?
If you ever wanted to know what it like having an iconic rock-n-roll dad? Well take a listen.
Another enjoyable podcast – congratulations! While I’m not what you would call a Steppenwolf fan (surprisingly, based only on her personality, my mother IS a fan as has an original album from the 60’s!), once again the conversation flow along with the memories that you and Shawn shared are entertaining and informative.
Looking forward to your next podcast.
Great episode. It’s a travesty that STEPPENWOLF is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Make it happen Rock Hall!!!
Aloha Shawn. You may not remember me but I was your nanny when you were 4 years old and attended the Montessory school. You were smart even than. I am so proud of you you are so articulate. The Steppenwolf group started to get back together and I was there to witness it. I always remember how we watched sesamy street together and you were sitting on my lap. You picked up everything so easily. I followed your journey in the elephant sanctuary. So nice to hear your voice. God continue to bless you.