Early Musical Roots
Born on October 28, 1952, in New York City and raised in Chicago, Karl’s musical journey began at the age of five, singing with his mother at church and for charitable organizations. By seven, he had picked up the guitar, eventually spending his high school years playing in various garage bands until his graduation in 1970.
Military Service and International Performance
Karl’s path took him to the Army, including a tour in Vietnam in 1972. While later stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, he performed as a solo act in the local area. Upon reenlisting and moving to Aschaffenburg, Germany, he joined "Ernie B. Hamm and The Nightshift" as a rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist. During this time, the band had the distinction of backing country music legends like Dolly Parton, Don Williams, and Little Jimmy Dickens.
The Blue Ribbon Band and Jakebrake
After receiving an honorable discharge in May 1978, Karl returned to South Holland, Illinois, where he formed his own group, "Karl D. Pabst and the Blue Ribbon Band." His travels continued in 1989 when he moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, to form the country-rock band "JAKEBRAKE." Though he briefly returned home in 1991 to perform with gospel groups, his move to Oklahoma in 1992 marked a new chapter.
Education and Ministry in Texas
In 1995, Karl enrolled at Oklahoma State University, reviving "JAKEBRAKE" to perform on weekends and fund his education. Following graduation, he spent 13 years as a teacher, a career that eventually brought him to Texas. In 2009, he began pastoring at Resurrection Ministries in Odessa, a role he held until the church closed in 2020.
A New Chapter of Recording
Karl and his wife eventually settled in Devine, Texas, where he recorded his debut album, Blessed and Highly Favored. After moving to Floresville in 2021, Karl faced the personal loss of his wife and took a hiatus from his career. He returned to the studio in July 2025 to record his second album, He Sent You, and has recently followed it up with his latest release, On Lonely's Sea.