Date:  Thu, 1 Jun 1995 15:24:32 -0400

From:  Jesse T Sheidlower <jester[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]PANIX.COM>

Subject: Re: Query about terms



> You did-

> n't list it, but I know the term "heavy metal" was coined in Steppenwolf's

> "Born To Be Wild."(the line ..."heavy metal thunder")



Not quite correct. First, the Steppenwolf line is talking about

motorcycles, not music ("I like smoke and lightning, heavy metal thunder,

racing with the wind" etc.). Second, the phrase "heavy metal"

occurred four years earlier in William S. Burroughs novel _Nova Express_

(1964). However, I have little doubt that the use of the phrase in

the Steppenwolf song did influence its later (1970s) application to

the music.



I missed the original post, so can't comment on the other terms.



Jesse Sheidlower

Random House Reference