Introduction: Ken Krupnik has a very unique life story. He has had two callings in life: LA paramedic rescue and singer/songwriter. He got his first thrust in performing at 15 when he played rhythm guitar on a one-night gig backing up his brother's band, "King George and Bruce".
His brother, a 14-year-old lead guitar virtuoso, was idolized by many of his peers. King George was said to have been a former member of "The Isley Brothers". That night, Ken found that performing opened up the world of female fans. He was hooked.
Ken was the former leader, lead singer, and guitarist of "The Rockerfolk". The band consisted of four guys and a beautiful girl and became known for their signature sound of stunning four-part vocal harmony. They worked at the best clubs that LA and Southern California had to offer. Ken turned down numerous offers over the years to join established acts such as the New Christy Minstrels.
He turned down a record offer from a major record company when Frank Sinatra had gone into one of his retirement phases. Frank's label wanted a young new artist to take over his success. Ken was loyal to his band and would not accept an offer unless it included all of his band members.
After many years, the band eventually broke up. Ken moved out of California and to find himself. He left the band concept for the life of a solo singer/songwriter/12-string guitarist. He performed at Ohio's Kent State University just after the Kent State tragedy. Two years later, he returned to California.
Upon the birth of his first son, Ken began to see the importance of roots for his child. He made the tough decision to leave the music business and replace his passion for performing with the field of paramedic rescue. Ken took his passion for performing and now turned it to saving lives.
He joined the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). He loved the challenge of working the worst gang neighborhoods of Los Angeles and East LA. Violent shootings and horrific traffic accidents became his everyday life. He thrived on living life on the edge. Ken prided himself on being the best he could be. He was picked to be a member of the elite Airborne Rescue Rappel Team during the World Olympics.
The team's mission was to be rapidly deployed by helicopter in the event of terrorist tragedy like what occurred previously in Munich. He was also hand chosen by his commanding officer to be assigned to President Reagan as the personal paramedic team for the president and first lady during their frequent visits to Southern California.
The team's mission was to save the president in the event of an assassination attempt or a medical emergency. This was during the time when President Reagan had a serious assassination threat placed on him by another country. Ken also became a tenacious public safety advocate in his days off, identifying a major risk to thousands of lives in the event of an earthquake.
He guided California to legislate a senate bill to help prevent the loss of thousands of lives. It is interesting that Ken was not the only musician to choose the paramedic rescue path. Tom Slack, former keyboardist with superstar Michael Jackson (also Jody Watley, Barry White, etc.), also followed the same path and joined the LAFD to perform firefighter/paramedic duties.
So did "90210" actor and number 1 hit singer Jamie Walters who now lives his passion as a firefighter/paramedic with the LAFD. They all decided that they could not leave the excitement of the performing fields for a normal 9-5 job. They needed a new passion to replace the stage.
Ken, while working for the fire department, also became a Hollywood actor. He played paramedic Krupnik/Port Charles Fire Department on TV's "General Hospital". This was a 2-year recurring role with his name in the credits. He also acted on other TV shows, including "Code Red" starring Lorne Greene.
Now that Ken's retirement is nearing from the rescue field (EMS Battalion Captain), he has come full circle back 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.
