Joey Gregorash interview with John Kay of Steppenwolf, 1968

As the main host of Winnipeg’s television show Young As You Are, Joey introduced audiences to both local and touring musicians, helping to showcase up-and-coming talent. The Mongrels themselves performed on the show, alongside acts such as Robbie Lane and the Disciples and 49th Parallel. The program provided a vital platform for Canadian music and played a key role in solidifying Winnipeg’s reputation as a thriving music hub. During this time, in 1968, Joey also had his first experience as an interviewer. His first-ever interview was with John Kay of Steppenwolf, conducted at the airport. “I was just a kid, standing there with a microphone, trying to act professional while interviewing the frontman of one of the biggest rock bands in the world. I had no idea what I was doing, but John was great—he made it easy.” The interview touched on Steppenwolf’s rise to fame, their struggles with Columbia Records, and their transition to Dunhill Records. Kay also reflected on the emergence of supergroups, comparing the trend to the jazz era, where musicians constantly shifted between different lineups. John Kay also praised The Guess Who, saying, “It really surprised me to see a group based in Canada, from Canada, without actually... you know, the record did very well. If I remember correctly, These Eyes was number two in the entire country in Billboard or Cashbox.” ...full bio now on Museum of Canadian Music (citizenfreak) and manitoba museum websites. -Robert Williston