Steppenwolf

USA, 1967–now

Los Angeles hard rock band fronted by John Kay, formed in 1967 from the blues group Sparrow. 'Born to Be Wild' (1968), which contains the phrase 'heavy metal thunder', and 'Magic Carpet Ride' combined blues, garage and psychedelia into an early hard rock template.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Steppenwolf and 2 artists Steppenwolf influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Steppenwolf?

• Chuck Berry — Chuck Berry is in Steppenwolf's DNA — their debut album includes 'Berry Rides Again', an explicit uptempo homage to him.
• Muddy Waters — Steppenwolf's blues roots show plainly: their debut covers the Willie Dixon / Muddy Waters classic 'Hoochie Coochie Man'.

Which artists did Steppenwolf influence?

• Blue Öyster Cult — Steppenwolf's heavy biker-rock was a template for Blue Öyster Cult's early hard-rock sound — they covered 'Born to Be Wild'.
• The Black Keys — Part of the range Auerbach's influences cover, between the bluesmen and the glam end.