Kent Henry
Encyclopedia
Kent Henry was an American
guitarist and songwriter best known for his contributions to Steppenwolf
and Blues Image.
after Mike Pinera
agreed to join Iron Butterfly
. His significant contributions to that album, although uncredited, included the tasteful clean solo and fills on "Ride Captain Ride
." Mike Pinera plays the distorted solo at the end of the song. After recording Red, White, and Blues Image, producer Richard Podolor
suggested to Steppenwolf that Henry would be a good replacement for departed guitarist Larry Byrom
.
and toured with the band on their farewell tour, in addition to his contributions on John Kay's
first solo album, Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes. Henry was not invited to rejoin the band when it reformed to record Slow Flux
and found out about it when new guitarist Bobby Cochran
called him for advice, believing it was Henry's choice to not be a part of Steppenwolf. Goldy McJohn
, the band's keyboardist at the time, says Henry was fired because he didn't get along well with drummer Jerry Edmonton
.
Henry remained on good terms with McJohn, and played with McJohn in 1977, 1978 and 1980 versions of Steppenwolf led by McJohn, but without lead singer John Kay
. At the time of Henry's passing, he was planning to rejoin McJohn as part of "Goldy McJohn and Friendz", a band that McJohn had formed to play Steppenwolf songs, following the announcement that John Kay and Steppenwolf planned to substantially cease touring.
Blues Band) and worked primarily as a guitar technician.
During his later years, Henry encountered increasing difficulties with seizures, which had originally appeared following a fall off the stage of the Whiskey A Go Go. He also developed the early stages of Alzheimers Disease shortly before his death. As a consequence of these challenges and given that care by family members was unavailable to him, Henry was under the constant care of friends, from 2005 until his death. His death was caused because he did not have a bowel movement for 4 days. Henry was taken to the hospital by his caregiver and died on the operating table.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
guitarist and songwriter best known for his contributions to Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf (band)
Steppenwolf are a Canadian-American rock group that was prominent in the late 1960s. The group was formed in 1967 in Los Angeles by vocalist John Kay, guitarist Michael Monarch, bassist Rushton Moreve, keyboardist Goldy McJohn and drummer Jerry Edmonton after the dissolution of Toronto group The...
and Blues Image.
Blues Image
Henry joined Blues Image during the sessions for OpenOpen (Blues Image album)
Open is Blues Image's second album and most acclaimed album, which featured the #4 hit single, "Ride Captain Ride".-Track listing:All songs by Blues Image except where noted.#"Love Is The Answer" - 2:35#"Running the Water" - 2:37#"Clean Love" - 7:49...
after Mike Pinera
Mike Pinera
Mike Pinera is an American guitarist who started professionally in the late 1960s with the group Blues Image, which had a #4 hit in 1970 with their song "Ride Captain Ride". After the breakup of that group, he joined Iron Butterfly, and later formed the group Ramatam...
agreed to join Iron Butterfly
Iron Butterfly
Iron Butterfly is a US psychedelic rock band best known for the 1968 hit "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".Their heyday was the late 1960s, but the band has been reincarnated with various members. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is the 31st best-selling album in the world, selling more than 25 million copies.-History:The...
. His significant contributions to that album, although uncredited, included the tasteful clean solo and fills on "Ride Captain Ride
Ride Captain Ride
"Ride Captain Ride" is a song recorded by the American rock band Blues Image. The song was co-written by the band's singer-guitarist Mike Pinera and keyboardist Frank "Skip" Konte. It was included on the group's 1970 album, Open...
." Mike Pinera plays the distorted solo at the end of the song. After recording Red, White, and Blues Image, producer Richard Podolor
Richard Podolor
Richard Podolor was a record producer.Richard Podolor, who is also known as Richie Podolor or Richard Allen, produced hits including "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night and "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf. His early hits were as guitarist and co-writer on the drummer Sandy Nelson's records...
suggested to Steppenwolf that Henry would be a good replacement for departed guitarist Larry Byrom
Larry Byrom
Larry Byrom is an American guitarist who has written, recorded, and toured with acts like Steppenwolf, Ratchell, Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Peter Frampton, Eddie Rabbit and Tanya Tucker.- References :...
.
Steppenwolf
Henry recorded For Ladies OnlyFor Ladies Only
For Ladies Only is the sixth studio album by the band Steppenwolf, released in 1971 . It is a political concept album mainly about feminism but with several more conventional songs about romance as well, both unusual themes for Steppenwolf...
and toured with the band on their farewell tour, in addition to his contributions on John Kay's
John Kay (musician)
John Kay is a German-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist known as the frontman of Steppenwolf...
first solo album, Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes. Henry was not invited to rejoin the band when it reformed to record Slow Flux
Slow Flux
Slow Flux is an album released by the band Steppenwolf in 1974 , under the label Epic. In the U.S. it was released on the Mums Records label, a short-lived CBS Records subsidiary. It was the first of three albums the band created after reforming in 1974 before they disbanded again in 1976...
and found out about it when new guitarist Bobby Cochran
Bobby Cochran
Bobby Cochran is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has worked with many bands, including Steppenwolf, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Leon Russell, and Bobby and the Midnites.-External links:*, official website of Bobby Cochran...
called him for advice, believing it was Henry's choice to not be a part of Steppenwolf. Goldy McJohn
Goldy McJohn
Goldy McJohn is 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 in heavy metal...
, the band's keyboardist at the time, says Henry was fired because he didn't get along well with drummer Jerry Edmonton
Jerry Edmonton
Jerry Edmonton was the drummer for the rock band, Steppenwolf.He was born Gerald McCrohan in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Both he and his brother Dennis, also known as Mars Bonfire, changed their surnames to Edmonton during the 1960s, when they performed in a group called The Sparrows...
.
Henry remained on good terms with McJohn, and played with McJohn in 1977, 1978 and 1980 versions of Steppenwolf led by McJohn, but without lead singer John Kay
John Kay (musician)
John Kay is a German-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist known as the frontman of Steppenwolf...
. At the time of Henry's passing, he was planning to rejoin McJohn as part of "Goldy McJohn and Friendz", a band that McJohn had formed to play Steppenwolf songs, following the announcement that John Kay and Steppenwolf planned to substantially cease touring.
Later years
Henry settled in Portland, Oregon, as of the early 1980s, and would remain there for the balance of his life. He played in local bands (principally the Paul deLayPaul deLay
Paul Joseph deLay , was an American blues vocalist and harmonicist from Portland, Oregon.-Life and career:Paul deLay was born January 31, 1952 in Portland, Oregon....
Blues Band) and worked primarily as a guitar technician.
During his later years, Henry encountered increasing difficulties with seizures, which had originally appeared following a fall off the stage of the Whiskey A Go Go. He also developed the early stages of Alzheimers Disease shortly before his death. As a consequence of these challenges and given that care by family members was unavailable to him, Henry was under the constant care of friends, from 2005 until his death. His death was caused because he did not have a bowel movement for 4 days. Henry was taken to the hospital by his caregiver and died on the operating table.
Studio albums
- Charity Now
1969
Uni RecordsUni RecordsUni Records was a record label owned by MCA Inc. The brand, which long featured a distinct UNi logo, was established in 1966 by MCA executive Ned Tanen and developed by music industry veteran Russ Regan... - Lord Sutch and Heavy FriendsLord Sutch and Heavy FriendsLord Sutch and Heavy Friends is the debut album of English rock singer Screaming Lord Sutch. It was recorded in September 1969 at Mystic Studios in Hollywood and released on Cotillion Records in 1970...
1970
Atlantic RecordsAtlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz... - OpenOpen (Blues Image album)Open is Blues Image's second album and most acclaimed album, which featured the #4 hit single, "Ride Captain Ride".-Track listing:All songs by Blues Image except where noted.#"Love Is The Answer" - 2:35#"Running the Water" - 2:37#"Clean Love" - 7:49...
(uncredited)
1970
Atco RecordsAtco RecordsATCO Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group, currently operating through WMG's Rhino Entertainment.-Beginnings:Atco Records was founded in 1955 as a division of Atlantic Records. It was devised as an outlet for productions by one of Atlantic's founders, Herb Abramson, who... - Red White & Blues Image
1970
Atco RecordsAtco RecordsATCO Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group, currently operating through WMG's Rhino Entertainment.-Beginnings:Atco Records was founded in 1955 as a division of Atlantic Records. It was devised as an outlet for productions by one of Atlantic's founders, Herb Abramson, who... - For Ladies OnlyFor Ladies OnlyFor Ladies Only is the sixth studio album by the band Steppenwolf, released in 1971 . It is a political concept album mainly about feminism but with several more conventional songs about romance as well, both unusual themes for Steppenwolf...
1971
U.S. #54
Dunhill RecordsDunhill RecordsDunhill Records was started by Lou Adler, Al Bennett, Pierre Cossette and Bobby Roberts in 1964 as Dunhill Productions, originally for the purpose of releasing Johnny Rivers recordings on Imperial Records. It became a record label in 1965 and was distributed by ABC Records... - Forgotten Songs and Unsung HeroesForgotten Songs and Unsung HeroesForgotten Songs & Unsung Heroes is a country-blues album by German-Canadian musician John Kay, released on Dunhill Records in 1972.Kay was well known as the lead singer of the band, Steppenwolf, in the 1960s. This album is his first solo work since Steppenwolf's split. It mixes pure acoustic tunes...
1972
Dunhill RecordsDunhill RecordsDunhill Records was started by Lou Adler, Al Bennett, Pierre Cossette and Bobby Roberts in 1964 as Dunhill Productions, originally for the purpose of releasing Johnny Rivers recordings on Imperial Records. It became a record label in 1965 and was distributed by ABC Records... - My Sportin' Life (Sing with the Children only)
1973
Dunhill RecordsDunhill RecordsDunhill Records was started by Lou Adler, Al Bennett, Pierre Cossette and Bobby Roberts in 1964 as Dunhill Productions, originally for the purpose of releasing Johnny Rivers recordings on Imperial Records. It became a record label in 1965 and was distributed by ABC Records...
Compilations
- 16 Greatest Hits16 Greatest Hits- Personnel :* John Kay – lead vocals, guitar* Jerry Edmonton – drums, vocals* Goldy McJohn – organ, vocals* Michael Monarch – guitar, vocals* Rushton Moreve – bass, vocals* Nick St...
1973
U.S. #152
Gold
Dunhill RecordsDunhill RecordsDunhill Records was started by Lou Adler, Al Bennett, Pierre Cossette and Bobby Roberts in 1964 as Dunhill Productions, originally for the purpose of releasing Johnny Rivers recordings on Imperial Records. It became a record label in 1965 and was distributed by ABC Records... - Lone Steppenwolf
1987
MCA RecordsMCA RecordsMCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003... - Born to Be Wild - A RetrospectiveBorn to Be Wild - A RetrospectiveBorn to Be Wild – A Retrospective is a 1991 greatest hits album by Steppenwolf.-Track listing:Disc 1#"Twisted" - 03:14#"Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" - 03:43#"Sookie Sookie" - 03:15#"Everbody's Next One" - 02:57...
1991
MCA RecordsMCA RecordsMCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003... - All Time Greatest Hits
1999
MCA RecordsMCA RecordsMCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003... - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Steppenwolf20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Steppenwolf-Personnel:*John Kay – lead vocals, guitar*Jerry Edmonton – drums, vocals*Goldy McJohn – organ, vocals*Michael Monarch – guitar, vocals*Rushton Moreve – bass, vocals*Nick St. Nicholas – bass, vocals...
2000
Gold
Universal Music GroupUniversal Music GroupUniversal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
Singles
| Release date | A-side | B-side | US Chart Peak | UK Chart Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | "Ride Captain Ride" (Pinera Mike Pinera Mike Pinera is an American guitarist who started professionally in the late 1960s with the group Blues Image, which had a #4 hit in 1970 with their song "Ride Captain Ride". After the breakup of that group, he joined Iron Butterfly, and later formed the group Ramatam... /Konte) |
"Pay my Dues" | #4 | |
| 1970 | "Gas Lamps and Clay" | "Running the Water" | #81 | |
| 1971 | "Ride With Me" (Bonfire Mars Bonfire Dennis Edmonton , also known by the stage name Mars Bonfire, is a Canadian rock musician and songwriter, best known for writing the hit song "Born to Be Wild" for Steppenwolf.... ) |
"For Madmen Only" | #52 | |
| 1971 | "For Ladies Only" (Edmonton Jerry Edmonton Jerry Edmonton was the drummer for the rock band, Steppenwolf.He was born Gerald McCrohan in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Both he and his brother Dennis, also known as Mars Bonfire, changed their surnames to Edmonton during the 1960s, when they performed in a group called The Sparrows... /Henry/Kay John Kay (musician) John Kay is a German-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist known as the frontman of Steppenwolf... /McJohn Goldy McJohn Goldy McJohn is 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 in heavy metal... ) |
"Sparkle Eyes" (Biondo George Biondo George Michael Biondo was the bass guitarist of the American rock band, Steppenwolf, from April 1970 to October 1976... /Kay John Kay (musician) John Kay is a German-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist known as the frontman of Steppenwolf... ) |
#64 | |
| 1972 | "I'm Movin' On" (Snow Hank Snow Clarence Eugene "Hank" Snow was a Canadian-American country music artist. He charted more than 70 singles on the Billboard country charts from 1950 until 1980... ) |
"Walk Beside Me" (Kay John Kay (musician) John Kay is a German-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist known as the frontman of Steppenwolf... ) |
#54 | |
| 1972 | "Somebody" (Kay John Kay (musician) John Kay is a German-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist known as the frontman of Steppenwolf... ) |
"You Win Again" (Williams) | ||
| 1975 | "I Found You" | "Coming Down" |