Goldy McJohn, one of the founding members of Canadian band Steppenwolf, has died. He was 72.
The musician, who was born John Goadsby, died Tuesday of a heart attack, according to a message on his Facebook page.
McJohn was a classically trained pianist and pioneer of the Hammond organ in rock music. He was a member of Canadian R&B band the Mynah Birds in 1964 (with Rick James) and went on to co-create Steppenwolf in Toronto with singer John Kay. The group found success with hits like “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride.”
He was fired from the band by Kay in 1975 but helped reform it two years later.
McJohn was scheduled to be a part of the Locals and Legends Benefit Concert in California on Sept. 1. The concert will go on as a tribute to the musician.
A funeral will take place next Friday in Washington state, where McJohn lived with wife Sonja.