Blues rockers are in for a treat today as we honor Johnny Winter, one of the best there ever was. We can start at the end of his story and talk about guest appearances by Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Dr. John, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Joe Perry, Joe Bonamassa, and Ben Harper on Winter's last two albums. We can start at the beginning and talk about a 17 year old Winter hopping onstage and playing with B.B. King. Wherever you pick up the Johnny Winter story you are sure to hear pure blues glory.
Johnny Winter was born in Beaumont, Texas, on February 23, 1944. He formed his first band by the age of 15 and was on stage with B.B. King by 17. Prodigy, savant, whatever you want to call him, the boy was good. So good that he broke the record for album label advance money when he signed to Columbia Records in 1969. The previous record was held by a little old band called Led Zeppelin when they earned a $200,000 advance in 1968. Johnny Winter received a $600,000 advance in 1969.
Winter released successful albums from that point until his death in 2014. He was never a top 40 guy but he was widely respected among his peers and the general rock public. He found fame in covering Bob Dylan, like Hendrix before him, as well as through blues standards covers and original compositions.
There are a few things that separate Winter from hired blues guns of the past. He fired Eddie Kramer, yes, that Eddie Kramer, and finished his second album with the help of his brother, Edgar. He also produced Muddy Waters' renaissance in the 1970s on the "Hard Again", "I'm Ready", and "King Bee" albums, all of which earned Grammy awards.
Winter has an Ohio connection as well. We all know the McCoys as the band responsible for "Hang On Sloopy". When the McCoys broke up Winter hired them as his backing band. This iteration was known as Johnny Winter And, and included Rick Derringer and his brother Randy Z.
In 1988, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, the first non-African-American performer to be inducted into the Hall. If you talk to any blues guitarist about history there is no doubt that Winter's name will come up. Stevie Ray Vaughn might be the last, best Great White Hope, but Winter's got him beat by a mile.
Winter played slide on this track:
With Ben Harper:
Bob Dylan cover:
Prepare to have your balls blown off:
