“Sookie Sookie” was originally released as the “A” side to the band’s second single in February 1968. Written by veteran R&B singer/songwriter Don Covay, “Sookie Sookie” was also the lead track of Steppenwolf’s self-titled debut album – the one that was released with a silver foil cover. Like the “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride,” “Sookie Sookie” not only featured the extraordinary guitar work of Michael Monarch and vocals by John Kay, it had that signature organ sound of Goldy McJohn that came to define Steppenwolf’s sound. While often mistakenly credited as a Hammond organ, McJohn played a Lowery outfitted with a Leslie speaker. Not only did he play his organ – he played at it creating all kinds of musical effects that inspired and defined a generation of rock organists. His style featured smashing the keys for a percussive sound and glissando swells and growls.
Jim Owston
“Sookie Sookie” was originally released as the “A” side to the band’s second single in February 1968. Written by veteran R&B singer/songwriter Don Covay, “Sookie Sookie” was also the lead track of Steppenwolf’s self-titled debut album – the one that was released with a silver foil cover. Like the “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride,” “Sookie Sookie” not only featured the extraordinary guitar work of Michael Monarch and vocals by John Kay, it had that signature organ sound of Goldy McJohn that came to define Steppenwolf’s sound. While often mistakenly credited as a Hammond organ, McJohn played a Lowery outfitted with a Leslie speaker. Not only did he play his organ – he played at it creating all kinds of musical effects that inspired and defined a generation of rock organists. His style featured smashing the keys for a percussive sound and glissando swells and growls.
Jim Owston
“Sookie Sookie” was originally released as the “A” side to the band’s second single in February 1968. Written by veteran R&B singer/songwriter Don Covay, “Sookie Sookie” was also the lead track of Steppenwolf’s self-titled debut album – the one that was released with a silver foil cover. Like the “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride,” “Sookie Sookie” not only featured the extraordinary guitar work of Michael Monarch and vocals by John Kay, it had that signature organ sound of Goldy McJohn that came to define Steppenwolf’s sound. While often mistakenly credited as a Hammond organ, McJohn played a Lowery outfitted with a Leslie speaker. Not only did he play his organ – he played at it creating all kinds of musical effects that inspired and defined a generation of rock organists. His style featured smashing the keys for a percussive sound and glissando swells and growls.
Jim Owston