Goldy McJohn

John Raymond Goadsby (May 2, 1945 – August 1, 2017), known as Goldy McJohn, was a Canadian keyboard player best known as the original keyboardist for rock group Steppenwolf. Originally a classically trained pianist, he was a pioneer in the early use of the electronic organ (Hammond B3) in heavy metal.

Career

McJohn was born John Raymond Goadsby to middle class parents in Toronto, Ontario. They enrolled him in piano lessons at a young age which eventually enabled him to become a pioneer in the use of the electronic organ in rock and roll. "I was up at 4 a.m. daily to practice from the age of seven until…I got stupid. ...I was classically trained. I played on a Lowrey".

In 1964, McJohn played with local band Little John & The Friars before moving on later that year to become a member of the Mynah Birds, which also included Rick James, Bruce Palmer and (after McJohn left) Neil Young.

McJohn lived in Burien, Washington, with his wife Sonja. His solo releases included New Visions, Fugue in D, Goldy McJohn & Friendz, Rat City in Blue, Set the World on Fire and Osmosis. Beginning in 2008, he performed with a national band under the name Gm and Friendz and with The Born To Be Wild Tour.

Death McJohn died of a sudden heart attack on August 1, 2017, at his home in Burien, Washington. He was 72 years old.