![]() He was reportedly working on a new album at the time of his death which featured superstars Eric Clapton, and Ben Harper, which is slated for release this September. He released almost 20 LPs over the length of his career, including the most recent 2011 album, Roots, which offered a host of classic blues tunes, and featured Warren Haynes and Edgar Winters, among others. Winter is best known for his distinct covers of songs like “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo” by Rick Derringer, “Johnny B Goode” by Chuck Berry, and “Highway 61 Revisited” by Bob Dylan, as well as originals like “Still Alive and Well” and “I’m Yours and I’m Hers.” In the 70’s he continued to tour and record, as well as producing albums for another legend in the blues genre, Muddy Waters. The audience could rest assured that Johnny was back, hopefully to stay. It included original material from Johnny, Derringer and Jagger/Richard. I know his body is departing this physical realm, but his presence, his music, and his spirit are undiminished, and alive as ever in my heart. With the addition of Susan (as Johnny’s wife), kidnapped from Steve Paul’s office, everything came together. That year, he played with idol BB King at the Newport Jazz Festival, and also made an appearance at Woodstock. The legal fight pits Winter’s former personal manager and bandmate, Paul Nelson, against the family of the bluesman’s late wife, Susan, who died in 2019. My wife, Monique, and I are shocked at the suddenness of Johnny's passing, especially since I was so looking forward with such joy and anticipation to seeing him again and playing together. The album featured Edgar on keyboards, and rose to number 24 on the Top 200. Winter’s first major release for Columbia, simply titled Johnny Winter, was released in June of 1969. He broke out from the Texas music scene in 1968 when a Rolling Stone magazine article brought him to national prominence, saying he played “some of the gutsiest, fluid blues guitar you ever heard.” The article brought a flood of record deals to the fledgling guitarist’s doorstep, leading to a deal with Columbia for a massive (at the time) $600,000. Johnny’s first major album release was the critically revered The Progressive Blues Experiment. Both of the brothers stood out early in the blues/rock music scene for their talented playing at a very young age, as well as their striking platinum hair and light skin due to albinism. Get the latest news, reviews and features to your inbox. His cause of death was never officially revealed. He travelled to Zurich, Switzerland where his next show was scheduled, but passed away in his sleep at the hotel. In remembrance of the legend, here are 10 great tracks from Winter, playable for free on Spotify.īorn John Dawson Winter III in Beaumont, Texas, Johnny was the older brother of Edgar Winter, another renowned guitar player. Johnny Winters passed away at the age of 70 after performing at the 2014 Cahors Blues Festival in France. We will remember Johnny Winter for his incredible talent, his gracious respect for music and the guitar giants with which he stood shoulder to shoulder, and his indelible touch on the blues. A tribute album celebrating the life and work of legendary blues guitarist Johnny Winter is coming soon, and will feature a stacked lineup of guitar stars from Joe Bonamassa to Steve Lukather.
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