Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter was one of the most important blues and rock-blues guitarists in blues history. His playing has had a profound effect on generations of guitarists.
He was born on February 23, 1944, in Leland, Mississippi. A few years later, with his family, he moved to Beaumont, Texas. There he got acquainted with the blues music that the radio broadcasted there. Already at the age of 14, with his brother Edgar won local fame for the singles “School Day Blues” and “You Know I Love You”. Already fascinated by him playing the guitar B.B.King and T-Bone Walker. But on the style of play and the direction of music, Muddy Waters had the most influence on Winter. From him began to a fascination with playing slide guitar.
At the biggest festivals
He played at the biggest festivals (headed by Woodstock). A raging albino with the guitar is one of the most common photographs documenting those times and performances of the artist. Unfortunately, he fell into drug addiction, which turned him off for a few years with active musical life. In 1977 he re-appeared in the studio and on stage. He did it in a masterful style by recording and producing records of the master himself – Muddy Waters. Their joint albums – “Hard Again”, “I’m Ready” and “Muddy Mississippi Waters Live” – received Grammy Awards in 1977, 1978 and 1979.
Johnny Winter plays Highway 61. It is accompanied by Derek Trucks. The recording is from a live concert. Johnny plays on his famous Gibson Firebird using the slide technique.
Johnny loves steel on steel, it gives him such a ‘dirty’ sound. Every now & then Derek slides with his glass, what a sweet blend. Derek’s always learning, see him watching Johnny like an eagle!
