The Sparrows (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Headquarters | Oshawa, Toronto, New York City, California , Canada, United States |
| Products | Albums, singles |
The Sparrows were a Canadian blues rock ensemble active during the 1960s, recognized for introducing musician John Kay to a broader audience before transforming into the hard rock band Steppenwolf.
Early years
The initial formation of Jack London and the Sparrows took place in Oshawa, Ontario, in early 1964. This lineup featured British immigrant Dave Marden (known as Jack London; born February 16, 1944, in London, England), guitarist Dennis Edmonton (born Dennis McCrohan on April 21, 1943, in Oshawa), and keyboard player Dave Hare.
British invasion
Starting out as a beat group, the band capitalized on Marden’s British roots by emulating the "British invasion" trend, even adopting artificial English accents. Dennis’ brother Jerry (born October 24, 1946) took over on drums, while Brent Maitland (who performed under the name Bert Enfield) joined as bassist. They cultivated a local fan base with performances at venues such as Oshawa’s Jubilee Auditorium.
After moving to Toronto, C.J. Feeney was added on organ; shortly thereafter Bruce Palmer replaced Maitland on bass. This lineup secured a contract with Capitol Records and scored a #3 position on the RPM chart with their first single "If You Don't Want My Love". Palmer departed due to dissatisfaction with the band’s affected English style and was succeeded by Nick St. Nicholas from the Mynah Birds in January 1965. Jazz pianist Art Ayre took over from Feeney on keyboards.
This configuration recorded the band’s sole album and singles. "I'll Be The Boy" reached #29 on Canadian charts in March 1965, while "Our Love Has Passed" climbed to #7 on RPM in May. By mid-1965, their musical direction shifted toward a North American blues-rock style. Disputes regarding London’s control over royalties prompted his exit to pursue a solo path. Subsequently, The Sparrows released their last single, "Hard Times With The Law," which peaked at #13 on the RPM chart in August.
The Sparrows
In September 1965, singer-songwriter and guitarist John Kay joined the group, also contributing harmonica. Art Ayre departed to focus on jazz projects including the Art Ayre Trio and later Moe Koffman; he was replaced by Goldy McJohn, previously with the Diplomats and the Mynah Birds.
The reformed Sparrows made their live debut at Waterloo Lutheran University (currently Wilfrid Laurier University) in Ontario, delivering a vigorous blues rock performance. The following month they opened for Gary Lewis & the Playboys at Toronto’s Massey Hall and established steady bookings at Yorkville spots such as Chez Monique and El Patio.
Following a stalled solo career, Jack London moved into production work and assumed leadership as president of the Canadian Association of Real Estate Investors.
New York connections
In early 1966, while The Sparrows solidified their presence in local clubs, they sought broader recognition. Their manager became electronics executive Stanton J. Freeman, who arranged performances at Arthur—Sybil Burton’s new New York venue—and subsequently facilitated showcases for major label A&R representatives in New York City. The band received favorable responses during this period, commuting between Toronto and New York over several months and playing at locations including the Barge in Westhampton and the Downtown club.
Recording with Columbia Records
Producer David Kapralik, who would later manage Sly & the Family Stone, was introduced to Freeman by Jerry Brandt from the William Morris Agency. After reviewing demo tracks recorded at Allegro Sound Studios in April 1966, Kapralik played a key role in securing a contract with Columbia Records. On June 25, the group recorded their debut single featuring Dennis Edmonton's "Tomorrow's Ship" backed with Edmonton and Nick St. Nicholas's "Isn't It Strange."
Neither track achieved chart success. The band returned to Columbia's New York studios in October to record a follow-up single: "Green Bottle Lover," written by the Edmonton brothers, coupled with "Down Goes Your Love Life," co-written by Edmonton and St. Nicholas. Released the following month, this single also did not enter the charts.
Sparrow's move to California
By the end of 1966, the band had shifted their base from Canada and New York to California. In November, Sparrow made their West Coast debut at It's Boss in West Hollywood before relocating to San Francisco to perform at venues such as the Ark in Sausalito, the Matrix, and the Avalon Ballroom. During this period, they shared bills with bands like the Youngbloods and Moby Grape.
Throughout early 1967, Sparrow traveled between Los Angeles and San Francisco, appearing alongside prominent acts including the Doors and the Steve Miller Band. In June of that year, Dennis Edmonton departed to embark on a solo career and was succeeded by American guitarist Michael Monarch in July. Edmonton subsequently adopted the stage name Mars Bonfire.
Formation of Steppenwolf
In 1967, Nick St. Nicholas joined the Los Angeles-based band Hardtimes, which was later renamed T.I.M.E. (Trust in Men Everywhere), securing a $500,000 deal with Capitol Records. After producing two albums alongside Mars Bonfire and bassist Rushton Moreve under producer Gabriel Mekler, St. Nicholas received an invitation from his former Sparrow colleagues John Kay, Jerry Edmonton, and Goldy McJohn to leave T.I.M.E. and establish Steppenwolf.
Following Steppenwolf’s rise to fame in 1969, Columbia Records issued a previously unreleased 1967 live album of Sparrow performing at the Matrix titled Early Steppenwolf, which included rare tracks and an alternate version of "Isn't It Strange."
Band members
| 1964 (as Jack London & the Sparrows) |
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|---|---|
| 1964–1965 (as Jack London & the Sparrows) |
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| 1965 (as Jack London & the Sparrows) |
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| 1965–1966 |
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| 1966–1967 (as Sparrow) |
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Under the name Jack London and the Sparrows
- Albums
- Introducing Jack London and the Sparrows (1965), Capitol Records
- Jack London and the Sparrows (2003), EMI International
- Singles
- "If You Don't Want My Love" paired with "It's Been One of Those Days" Today (1964), Capitol – Reached No. 3 in Canada
- "I'll Be the Boy" paired with "Dream On Dreamer" (1965), Capitol
- "Our Love Has Passed" paired with "Sparrows and Daisies" (1965), Capitol – Peaked at No. 7 in Canada
- "Give My Love to Sally" paired with "Take It Slow" (1965), Capitol
- "Don't Ever Change" paired with "Misery & Me" (1965), RCA (as Jack London solo)
Albums
- John Kay & the Sparrow (1967 [released 1969]), Columbia Records
- The Best of John Kay & Sparrow: Tighten Up Your Wig (1993), Columbia
- John Kay & the Sparrow (2001), Repertoire (reissued edition including bonus tracks)
- Contributions as supporting band on other artists' projects
- Molly Camp Sings ..... (1966), RCA Victor
Singles
- "Hard Times with the Law" paired with "Meet Me After Four" (1965), Capitol – Achieved No. 13 in Canada
- "Tomorrow's Ship" backed with "Isn't It Strange" (1966), Columbia
- "Green Bottle Lover" backed with "Down Goes Your Love Life" (1966), Columbia
- "Square Headed People" backed with "Twisted" (1967), Columbia (credited as John Kay)