Dennis Edmonton (born Dennis Eugene McCrohan; 21 April 1943), also known by the stage name Mars Bonfire, is a Canadian rock music musician and songwriter, best known for writing the chart-topper song "Born to Be Wild" for Steppenwolf.
Early career
Born Dennis Eugene McCrohan, his brother
Jerry Edmonton and he changed their surnames to "Edmonton" in the early 1960s. The brothers were part of the band the Sparrows, which later evolved into Steppenwolf. Another member of the Sparrows was
Bruce Palmer, who later became a member of Buffalo Springfield.
Solo career
Bonfire embarked on a solo career, while his brother Jerry became the drummer for Steppenwolf. After leaving the band, he often collaborated with
Kim Fowley, co-writing and contributing to the recordings of Fowley and artists associated with him. On 22 June 2015, Bonfire was awarded the Cultural Impact Award by
SOCAN at the 2015 SOCAN Awards in Toronto for "Born to be Wild".
Personal life
Bonfire was a prolific hiker in Southern California for many years. He has completed the Hundred Peaks Section list 25 times.
He was noted by the
Los Angeles Times for his "affability and flexibility" as a hike leader.
[ Reynolds, Christopher Been There. Done That. Once Again. Los Angeles Times 2004-09-28]
Discography
Songs by Mars Bonfire that were recorded by Steppenwolf include:
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"Born to Be Wild" ( Steppenwolf, 1968)
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"Faster than the Speed of Life" ( The Second, 1968)
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"Ride with Me" ( For Ladies Only, 1971)
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"Tenderness" ( For Ladies Only, 1971)
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"The Night Time's for You" (co-written with Morgan Cavett, For Ladies Only, 1971)
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"Caroline (Are You Ready for the Outlaw World)" ( Hour of the Wolf, 1975)
Albums:
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Mars Bonfire (1968)
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Faster than the Speed of Life (1969)
External links
