Ken Krupnik

Ken Krupnik has a unique life story. He has had two passions/callings in life. LA Paramedic Rescue & Singer/Songwriter. Ken is the former lead singer, guitarist, and leader of "The Rockerfolk Memorial". He got his first thrust at performing at 15 when he played rhythm guitar on a one night gig backing up his brother's band, "King George & Bruce". His brother was a 14 year old lead guitar virtuoso who was idolized by many of his peers. King George stated he had been a former member of "The Isley Brothers". That night Ken found that performing opened up the world of female fans. He was hooked.

At 16 years old Ken formed "The Rockerfolk Memorial" band. It started off as a Southern California garage band and over the next few years blossomed into a very successful performance band. The group consisted of 4 guys and a girl. Ken was the lead singer, frontsman, and guitarist. The group also consisted of Bob Mills on rhythm and bass guitar, Dave Yakerson on keyboards, Chuck Miller on drums and percussion, and Charlene Mattey on vocals. Four of the five members were strong vocalists. The group was known for it's signature sound of beautiful and stunning four part harmony. This was at a time when scream singing and hard rock was the norm. Their uniqueness and professionalism quickly brought them into demand. They could be found to be performing regularly at the best CA clubs such as the Universal Studio Sheraton's Main Ballroom, The Sportsman Lodge, and the infamous Avalon Casino on Catalina Island. The group was together for 7 years under Ken's leadership through the mid 70's. When the group disbanded they had contracts pending for the nicest performance venues in Las Vegas, Aspen, and Hawaii. They were considered a rarity in the rock band field to stay together for so many years. Ken had numerous offers over these years to join established acts such as the New Christy Minstrels. Also he turned down a record offer from a major record company to revive the Frank Sinatra style when Frank Sinatra had gone into one of his many retirement phases. Ken had turned these opportunities down telling each that he would accept the offer only if they would take the whole band. Loyalty to his band was something that he would not compromise on.

Upon the breakup of "The Rockerfolk", Ken moved out of California and tried to find himself. He performed as a singer/songwriter using a 12 string guitar as he crossed the United States and then landing in Cleveland, Ohio. He performed at Kent State just after the tragic Kent State University Vietnam war protest deaths. Two years later he returned to So. California.

Upon the birth of his first son, Justin, Ken began to see the importance of roots for his child. He made the hard decision to leave the music business and replaced his passion for performing with the brand new field of paramedic rescue. The paramedic rescue field was in it's infancy and Ken took his passion and enthusiasm for performing music and now turned it to saving lives. He started as a firefighter back east and then joined the elite metropolitan fire department in Los Angeles as a paramedic. He loved the challenge of working the worst gang neighborhoods of East Los Angeles. He thrived living on the edge of life. Violent shootings and gnarly traffic accidents became everyday life to him. He prided himself on being the best rescue paramedic he could be. Ken competed for and was picked to be a member of the elite Airborne Rescue Rappel Team during the 1984 World Olympics. The team's mission was to be rapidly deployed by helicopter in the event of another terrorist incident like what occurred previously. He was also hand chosen by his commanding officer to be assigned to President Reagan as the personal paramedic team for the President and the First Lady during their frequent visits to Southern California. The team's mission was to save the President and/or the First Lady, Nancy Reagan, in the event of an assassination attempt or a medical emergency. This was during the time President Reagan had a serious assassination threat placed on him by another country. Ken also volunteered on his days off as a public safety advocate, identifying major risks to public safety and legislating laws to protect the citizens. Needless to say, Ken had found his second calling. Interesting is that Ken was not the only musician to chose the Fire Department path. Tom Slack, keyboardist with the infamous Michael Jackson, (and also Jody Watley) followed the same firefighter/paramedic career path after Ken. So did "90210" actor and number 1 hit singer Jamie Walters who now lives his passion as a firefighter/paramedic with the same department. They all decided that they could not leave the excitement of the performing fields for just a 9 to 5 job. They needed an exciting passion. Ken also found that it gave his songwriting a unique and interesting perspective.

Ken also became a Hollywood actor. He played himself, Paramedic Krupnik/Port Charles Fire Department on TV's "General Hospital". This was a 2 year recurring role. He also acted on numerous others including "Code Red".

Now that Ken's retirement is nearing from the rescue field (EMS Battalion Captain) he has come full circle to the music business. He is currently under contract as a songwriter with "SyncMasters" a film and movie scoring company located at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The company is owned by legendary musicians Paul Bolotin and Dig Lewis who were Motown studio musicians and performers with Stevie Wonder, The Righteous Brothers, Tina Turner, etc. On his days off Ken can be found in the studio returning to his unfinished business of a singer/songwriter. His material is deep, dramatic, and unique to the life that he has chosen to lead. He lives in the mountains of Southern California with his wife of many years and his almost grown children. He lived his life on the edge. Now he sings it.