John Kay

John Kay was an original member of the rock band Steppenwolf, whose hit song “Born to be Wild” helped redefine hard rock in the 1960s.  The band enjoyed several other hits including “Magic Carpet Ride” and a dozen top albums.  John has been closely associated with the music products industry going back to the 60s when the band was endorsed by Sunn Amps.  John attended his first NAMM Show in 1974 and began building friendships with suppliers and retailers alike.  The Rickenbacker Guitar Company created a John Kay signature model, which he proudly displays on his wall at his home, where his NAMM Oral History interview took place in 2016.