After years of ups and downs, Goldy McJohn, (best known as the original keyboardist for Steppenwolf,) is happier than ever; and, despite rumors, also still alive in the Burien area.

Born on May 2, 1945 Goldy, (birth name “John Raymond Goadsby”) was raised by middle class parents in Toronto, Canada. They put him into piano lessons at a young age and with this foundation he became a pioneer in the use of the electronic organ in rock and roll.

“I was classically trained,” said Goldy. He also stated that no one else in rock and roll was doing was he was at the time. “I played on a Lowrey,” he said. And this is part of what he said gave songs such as “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride” their unique sound.

“I was up at 4 a.m. daily to practice from the age of seven until…I got stupid,” Goldy said.

While school in general was not his thing, (he was suspended from high school for three months,) he always did exceptionally well in music.

“I got 100 in music, which brought my average up to maybe 14,” Goldy said. His parents could not afford private school that could have catered more to the needs of a student like him.

Prior to Steppenwolf, Goldy was in a few other bands, including Little John and the Friars and The Mynah Birds in 1964, (which included Rick James and Bruce Palmer and later after Goldy left, Neil Young). He then joined The Diplomats for a short time before he joined The Sparrows in 1965. It was during this time he was dubbed “Goldy,” as suggested by John Kay, the future lead singer of Steppenwolf.

The name ‘Goldy Goadsby,’ “just didn’t sound right,” according to Goldy. After thinking on it a while, Goldy decided to honor his mother, who had passed away in 1965, by adding “Mc” to his first name “John” thus becoming known as “Goldy McJohn.” Goldy’s mother’s maiden name had been McIntyre.

Goldy said at first his father did not appreciate the idea but came to accept it over time.

Steppenwolf had its first hit single, “Born to be Wild,” in 1968 on the self-titled album “Steppenwolf.” The song was featured in the opening scene of the film “Easy Rider” in 1969 which featured actors Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda.

“Born to Be Wild” is also accredited for being the first “heavy metal” song, and in the second verse of the song the words “heavy metal” appear for the first time in music.

“We were the first heavy metal band, man! Other groups have tried to say they were, but you know where the words ‘heavy metal’ came from?” Goldy exclaimed, noting the line “heavy metal thunder.”

The name “Steppenwolf” came from the novel by Nobel Prize winning author Hermann Hesse. The book was published in English in 1929. The group went through a number of changes in line-up and after the release of “Slow Flux” in 1974 Goldy was fired from the band by John Kay.

The original line-up included members of The Sparrows: Goldy, John Kay, Michael Monarch, Jerry Edmonton and newcomer Ruston Moreve. Goldy was indefinitely recognizable, sporting a large afro throughout his time with the band.

“My afro was natural!” he said.

Kay remains the only original member of the band still performing under the name “Steppenwolf,” today.

Not unlike many other stars of rock and roll during this time, Goldy had his own battle with substance abuse; including LSD, acid and Quaaludes. But what really brought him down was being taken advantage of by agents and former bandmates. He went from being a well-off rock and roll star to being completely broke; at one point even being homeless.

Body builder Dave Draper.

Surprisingly enough, the person who helped him get clean was famous body builder Dave Draper.

Draper had won the Mr. America, Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles in the 1960s and just like Goldy, had been a victim of scheming agents, according to Goldy.

Draper encouraged Goldy to get himself back on track, and it took many attempts before it finally worked.

Going clean was an extremely difficult task, Goldy explained.

“For three weeks my heart pounded and I was curled up on the kitchen floor,” he described.

“Want to know what the amazing thing about all this is?” he said, “I’m still alive!”

Today, Goldy is a happy man, having let go of the bad past experiences, married and living in King County, although he will be moving soon. He watches “House” reruns, not unlike the average Joe, has two bull terriers and still rocks out on his piano and keyboard. He has been a golfer for many years, is a painter, as well as a photographer.

“I really like texture,” he said.

If you look closely at his paintings, despite being abstract you can actually make out several faces of people.

He enjoys hearing his songs from the Steppenwolf days. “When I listen to my old stuff I think ‘who the f**k is playing the keyboard,” he said. He is proud of everything he’s done even to this day.

Goldy also runs a charity which donates to the Children’s Hospital of the USA and Canada.

He has a show coming up on May 7th at the Hard Rock Café in Seattle. The doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10 p.m. For further information on this show, visit http://www.goldymcjohn.com.

Here are some videos showcasing Goldy’s talents:

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Henley, a very popular young woman whose family lives in Normandy Park, was an aspiring singer and songwriter, and was also a member of the Delta Gamma sorority at the University of Washington.

Carly worked at many Burien businesses, including Angelo’s, and most recently, 909 Coffee & Wine, where she worked last summer.

Recently, Carly’s friends and family have been recording a tribute CD, using her music and vocals mixed with theirs, for a new CD that is scheduled to be released in May.

The Carly Henley Project is a website devoted to continuing Carly’s music; according to the website:

“The Carly Henley Project” is dedicated in the memory of an exceptional girl who touched the lives of many. Carly Henley left us at the young age of 20, but not before inspiring passion and love into the lives of hundreds of people, young and old alike. She was a shining light in this sometimes dark world, and it is with her light that this project is borne.

Our mission is to bring Carly’s dream and passion for music alive, so that she and her beautiful life are not forgotten. We will be taking any and all of her recordings that she had previously started and turn them into finished, complete, studio quality songs. This will be done in collaboration with artists close to Carly.  She was well connected in the music scene, and it would only make sense to have those who knew her and her music to pay tribute in this special way.

Thanks to the support of all of you, and your donations and contributions the end product of these efforts will be a CD of her work, Love Wins merchandise, a lyric book, along with other media that will be released to preserve Carly’s memory and spread her music to the ears of the world.

All proceeds of The Carly Henley Project, including donations, sales of her CD, and merchandise go to support organizations that we know Carly would have wanted to be part of.

Recently, our friends at KING-TV did a story on Carly’s music, which friends and family have been recording, adding vocals and instruments, bringing them to life again:

For more information, check out The Carly Henley Project website.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: On Wednesday, Oct. 6th, 2008 Highline High grad, aspiring musician and UW student Carly Henley was found dead behind a frat house in the U-District, the victim of suicide (read our original report here). Her death had a major impact on many residents. An Open Mic Memorial will be held for her Saturday night, Oct. 23rd, at BTB Advertiser Infusion Tea and Coffee, located at 15607 First Ave South in Burien (206-436-8440).]

by Rachel M. Lusby

“In the shower totally counts!” Carly Henley excitedly stated on her website as she recalled her years of singing experience.

Carly had been singing most of her life (in the shower included), and began writing songs and playing guitar within the last couple years.

She picked up the guitar not long after her older brother Bryce David Henley did; about four months after he had been working hard at learning to play the guitar.

In the following video, Bryce said “she was almost instantly better that I had been, after all that work. And I had to give it to her, the girl had talent”:

Click here to view the embedded video.

By all accounts, Carly was a happy and friendly young woman whose passion for music was only shadowed by her love for people and for the Lord.

Maddie Guidos, 20, was one of Carly’s best friends.

“The name “Carly” should be under the dictionary’s definition for “best friend” because she was the epitome of what anyone could ever want or dream of in a friend,” she said.

Maddie and Carly met in second grade at the bus stop. “I am so thankful for the day she walked into my life, or should I say the day she walked onto my sidewalk in second grade where our bus stop was. I am so proud to say that since that day 13 years ago, I have had Carly Henley as my best friend.”

Maddie said she and Carly had a “profound understanding” with each other and their bond was one which no one else could ever fully comprehend.

“I always said you know you have a true friendship when you don’t need anything but each other,” Maddie said. “Carly and I were always perfectly content with a Friday night consisting of me, her and nothing else. Those were my favorite memories; nights where we’d just sit and talk for hours. We’d have sleepovers but they didn’t ever consist of sleeping. I’d always have to say: ‘Hey Car, it’s 3:30am; we should probably get to bed.’”

“We’d be silent for about two minutes and then end up talking some more,” Maddie recalled.

Christina Marie Storms, 20, said she feels she’s been “touched by an angel” having been granted the privilege of knowing Carly. “She restored faith in so many peoples’ hearts with her unconditional love for the Lord and incredible zest for life.”

Photo of Carly Henley by Kinsey Gross. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34071170@N04/)

“Carly was one of the first people I met in high school,” said Christina.

Carly was always the first to greet her with a hug and a smile in the hallway, and always asked her how her day was, she noted.

“I just want to say, Carly Henley was a ray of sunshine, a light in so many lives, one that will burn bright always,” Christina exclaimed. “Though I am unsure who famously said this, a quote came to mind while listening to Carly’s music: “’The fingerprints never fade from the lives you touch.’ I promise you Carly, those fingerprints will never fade away.”

“Friday evening at her candlelight vigil, it was so clear how many fingerprints she’d left behind,” Christina said. “To see so many people gathered in her honor and memory was truly incredible, unbelievable almost. Carly’s life is the biggest inspiration I’ve beheld in a long time and will be the most outstanding one, for certain.”

Jamie Lee Carter, 19, agrees.

“Carly was the friend that you could go days, weeks, months, even years without speaking to, and be able to pick up right where you left off at a moment’s notice,” she said. “I loved her because I knew her love would always remain.”

Carly’s boss from Angelo’s of Burien and 909 Coffee and Wine, Kelly Ricci, feels the same and said Carly was was a “very kind, nice loving person who went out of her way to make other people feel better.”

“Carly was always positive and genuinely interested in everybody and what [they] had to say,” said Kelly. “She’s just a beautiful person inside and out.”

Aaron Jacobson, 20, was one of Carly’s high school classmates and closest friends.

“I had the fattest crush on her,” said Aaron about his best friend. “She’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. I thought I was supposed to marry her.”
Aaron met Carly in high school and says their friendship was really cemented their senior year.

“She gave the best hugs,” Aaron said and then laughed at the memory. “She taught me how to hug.”

Aaron stated he had an “awkward” hug, one where he leaned forward very oddly and barely touched whomever he was hugging; he said it was more impersonal.

“What was that?” Aaron said Carly had asked after he gave her one of his “awkward hugs.”

Carly and Aaron were Homecoming King and Queen of their class at Highline High School in 2007/2008.

After high school Carly began attending the University of Washington and Aaron moved to the University District and commuted to Bellevue College.

This is when, Aaron said, their friendship became even tighter. Their close proximity allowed them to spend more time together as friends.

Carly and Aaron did everything and nothing together. They went to concerts and on runs, but they also spent time kicked back doing nothing in particular.

“We went to see John Mayor and Keith Urban together,” Aaron reminisced. “We hid and dodged security guards to get to the front row!”

Photo by Kinsey Gross. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34071170@N04/)

Carly was the type of person who thought of everything. Aaron talked of a day when she asked him last minute if he would like to join her on a quick trip to Ellensburg. He was tired, but said yes anyway.

When she arrived to pick him up, she had a full dinner plate for him, because he hadn’t had time to eat.

“She literally thought of things to do out of the kindness of her heart.”

Aaron said when he got his wisdom teeth pulled, and “looked like a chipmunk,” Carly came over just to keep him company.

Carly was as outgoing and shining on the outside as she was on the inside.

When it came to personal style, Carly was eclectic.

“She had her ‘hippy look’,” Aaron said with a grin emerging.

Carly liked to hold her hair back with cloth headbands tied behind her head, occasionally long and flowing dresses, and her “leather satchel purse.”

“She wore jeans a lot,” Aaron said. “And she always rocked the Vans.”

A red, zip-up hoodie often completed her ensemble.

“Her favorite color was probably red.”

Aaron talked about a trip him and Carly and some other friends made to Hawaii. Carly’s family had surprised her with a trip for her birthday, and so about 8 days before leaving, Aaron said, they all got plane tickets.

“We surprised her with an ice cream cake,” Aaron said. “We begged the Baskin Robbins lady to have it ready by 8 p.m.”

Carly was majoring in women’s studies at the UW; a major which Aaron believes was an attempt to follow in her mother’s footsteps in a way.
Her real desire was, however, to pursue a career in music.

“I always told her she would be famous,” Aaron said.

Carly, though, said she just wanted to have an impact on people through her music.

“She did change peoples’ lives, without a doubt,” said Aaron. “She shaped who I am more than she knew. Now that she’s gone, I’m rethinking everything. She was one of those people who made me question how I was going to live the rest of my life without her.”

Aaron stated he is now giving more thought to what his life goals are; what he wants to study, what he wants to accomplish.

Also, Aaron said he wants to get a tattoo that states Carly’s motto on life: “Love wins” with a “C” as the period at the end of the statement.

“Love wins,” Aaron said was something he believes was inspired by John Knox youth group and an adage Carly based her life around.
Carly was a well-recognized face in the city of Burien.

Not only had she attended schools in the Highline District, but she also performed in a number of local locations and had a summer job at 909 Coffee and Wine.

Her family, according to many, was clearly where she got her compassionate personality.

Aaron Jacobson said this type of compassion runs in Carly’s family.

“Her family is great; I can see where she gets it.”

Carly drew inspiration from everything and everyone around her; “the world around me; the sky; the ocean; Seattle; the trees; people I love…” she listed on her website.

Her passion was music and her goal was to make her dream a reality. She loved people and God.

“She truly was God’s angel here on Earth who has and will continue to touch the hearts of many through her music, good-hearted ways, and strong faith,” said Jamie Lee Carter about Carly. “Unlike many people of our age, Carly always knew what was the right thing to do.”

“Six strings down, on a heaven-bound flight,” wrote musician Jimmie Vaughan and other artists about Jimmie’s brother Stevie Ray Vaughan. Just as SRV shared his talent and spirit with the world, Carly wanted to share hers through her own music.

“I love music and sharing my soul with the world,” Carly typed, “and would love nothing more than to pursue this dream of mine.”

Carly’s lyrics praised confidence and had an emphasis on loving one’s self.

This “zest” was portrayed through her inspiring music.

“She’s a real girl, with all her flaws, she’s a real girl, but she’s happy ‘cause she loves the skin she’s in” Carly sang in her track “The Skin You’re In.” “Just know you’re beautiful and one of a kind, too.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Some people have said Jesus needed a lullaby, and although Carly’s life may have been cut short on Earth, her lullaby lives on in the hearts of those who love her.

“You are such a beautiful, beautiful soul Carly Danielle. I hope you’re having a great time up there,” proclaimed Christina Storms.

Carly’s family and loved ones want to make sure her music continues to inspire other people, and have created “The Carly Henley Project. Love the Skin You’re In.”

The purpose for the project is to record and release all of Carly’s unreleased music.

“We will be taking any and all of her recordings that she had previously started and turn them into finished, complete, studio quality songs. The plan includes giving other artists close to Carly an opportunity to give her music life, as well,” the website noted.

The website for this project says “The Carly Henley Project’ is dedicated in the memory of an exceptional girl who touched the lives of many. Carly Henley left us at the young age of 20, but not before inspiring passion and love into the lives of hundreds of people, young and old alike. She was a shining light in this sometimes dark world, and it is with her light that this project is borne.”

For every donation made over $10 a prize will be rewarded.

A donation of $10 or more will receive a copy of Carly’s latest album; a donation of $30 or more will receive a copy of her CD and a “Love Wins” T-shirt packaged in a Love Wins tote bag. A donation of $75 or more will receive a Love Wins tote bag containing two copies of her album, a Love Wins T-shirt and a special DVD. $125 or more will be given all of the prior gifts with a lyric song book and a personal thank you note. A pledge of $500 will receive everything listed prior and a special invitation to the opening CD release party along with four tickets to The Carly Henley Project Benefit concert. And lastly, a donation of $1000 or more will receive all of the above plus your name in the liner notes of the CD.

The Carly Henley Project site says after the project is complete, all proceeds will go towards two causes Carly would have been passionate about.
“The donations will be passed through “The Carly Henley Project: Love the Skin You’re In,” which will focus on organizations that engage youth in music and art programs, as well as teaching them the importance of embracing who they are.”

Bryce says in the online video the purpose of the Carly Henley Project goes far beyond just the distribution of her music.

“It’s to keep her dream alive, to keep that energy, that music that effect of hearing Carly’s words, keep that growing, to keep that spreading to more and more people,” he says.

For more information on The Carly Henley Project:

• Carly Henley Project Page
• Facebook Page

Click here to view the embedded video.

According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Carly D. Henley, 20, a 2008 graduate of Highline High School, was found dead

Henley’s death was ruled as “asphyxiation due to hanging.”

Seattle Police reports that Henley’s body was found at the Phi Delta Theta frat house, located at NE 47th Street and 21st Ave NE.

Henley, a very popular 2008 Highline High grad, was an aspiring singer and songwriter, and was also a member of the Delta Gamma sorority on campus.

Thursday afternoon, Carly’s family released the following statement:

Carly Danielle Henley was 20 years old when she took her own life on October 6, 2010 near the University of Washington. Her tragic death has left hundreds of family, friends, sorority sisters and classmates grieving. The family appreciates privacy and an honoring of both Carly’s life and death.

A candlelight vigil will be was held Friday night in the U-District for Henley – see our Slideshow of it here.

Here’s a quote from her MySpace page:

I’m Carly Henley, 19 year old singer songwriter from Seattle and I absolutely love music. It’s my passion, my best friend, my outlet, my soul. I love it with all of my being and that’s why I do it. Thanks for listening!

Carly worked at many Burien businesses, including Angelo’s, and most recently, 909 Coffee & Wine, where she worked this last summer.

Numerous condolences are already appearing on Carly’s Facebook Page; here’s one that was emailed to us:

“If I had to choose one word to describe Carly, it would be soulful. Her passion, beauty, and ability to show her love for those she cared about went above and beyond what most people merely dream of. Everyone will miss her music, friendship, and ability to spread smiles to every corner of her life. What I will never stop missing is knowing a divine woman who had the ability to express just how wonderful, crazy, brief, and fragile every moment we have is. She’s still with us, lightening our souls when we need it most.”

Cheers,
Sarah Fuhrman

Here’s a report KING-TV did:

Here are some photos of Carly:

Here are some videos we found online of Carly:

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Here she is performing at Highline High:

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The “Wall” on Carly’s Facebook Page has numerous condolences and memories – check it out here.

There’s a lot of chatter on Twitter about Carly, which you can read by clicking here.

This is indeed a terrible, terrible tragedy, and our heartfelt condolences go out to Carly’s family and friends.

Internationally-renowned Christian musician Steve Bell will be a featured guest artist on Sunday, April 26th at both the 9:30am worship as well as a 7pm concert at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Christian musician Steve Bell will perform two shows

WHEN: Sunday, April 26th at 9:30am and 7pm

WHERE: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, located at 15003 – 14th Avenue SW (map below)

COST: Suggested donation is $15.

INFO: To purchase tickets, please call (206) 242-6023.

Bell has recorded 15 albums, received multiple JUNO awards and other industry accolades, and criss-crossed the globe performing his songs of devotion, transcendence and praise.

Influenced by artists such as Bruce Cockburn, Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Allison Kraus and John Michael Talbot, Steve Bell is sure to inspire the entire family.

Here are some video clips of Bell:

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And this Friday (Feb. 6th), Eddie and his band will be playing it at a tribute to Diamond in LA. Other bands on the bill include Coldplay, Foo Fighters, and Tim McGraw, among others

Read the full story here.

Here’s a video we found of Los Volcanes on MySpace:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Or have we been duped into a Purple Haze?

And if you know this kid, or perhaps you are this kid, please email us ASAP!

Click here to view the embedded video.