JOHNNY WINTER in May 1969

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In May '69, Johnny Winter's debut album "The Progressive Blues Experiment" hit the scene, a raw, live-sounding set showcasing his masterful guitar skills despite hazy acoustics. The album received mixed reviews, with some praising Winter's talent and others criticizing his sidemen and production. Columbia Records signed Winter for a hefty sum and released his self-titled album, which quickly climbed the Billboard charts. Legal disputes arose between Columbia and Atlantic Records over Winter's contract, but the Texas bluesman remained focused on his music, delivering electrifying performances and staying true to his roots. Winter's music resonated with audiences, solidifying his position as a rising star in the blues world.

Album Front cover Photo of JOHNNY WINTER in May 1969 https://vinyl-records.nl/

Johnny Winter in May 1969

Johnny Winter’s Legendary 1969 Jam with Jimi Hendrix and Stephen Stills
May 1969

In May 1969, Johnny Winter had the extraordinary opportunity to jam with two music legends, Jimi Hendrix and Stephen Stills, at the iconic New York City club, “The Scene.” These unforgettable live performances have since been featured on numerous album releases, capturing a rare moment of musical collaboration.

Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter at The SceneNYC
Photo of Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter at The Scene NYC

Additionally, Johnny Winter and Jimi Hendrix teamed up for a recording session at the Record Plant, with Dallas Taylor on drums, Stephen Stills on guitar, and Hendrix playing bass. Among the tracks they recorded was “Things That I Used to Do.” Although the full version of this remarkable session has never been officially released, excerpts of the performance have appeared on the “Lifelines” box set, leaving fans with a tantalizing glimpse of this historic collaboration.

Stephen Stills, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter at the Scene NYC
Photo of Stephen Stills, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter at the Scene NYC
The "Progressive Blues Experiment" by Michael Joseph Heinrich
Published May 1969:

Synopsis: The article reviews Johnny Winter's album "The Progressive Blues Experiment." The reviewer acknowledges Winter's talent and mastery of the guitar, but points out some flaws in the album's production and the performance of Winter's sidemen. The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of each track, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the album. Overall, the reviewer recommends the album to listeners who appreciate blues music and want to experience Winter's unique style and talent.

Read The Full Article on The Progressive Blues Experiment

Johnny Winter's Cold War: Caught Between Columbia and Atlantic
6 May 1969 Chronicle Telegram:

Synopsis: Johnny Winter, hailed as a blues prodigy even before his career took off, faced financial struggles for years. His fortune turned when Columbia Records offered him a lucrative deal, leading to a rush to release his music. However, Atlantic Records claimed to possess a prior contract with Winter, purchased from Roy Ames, a Texan . Winter contested the validity of Ames' contract, stating Ames failed to uphold his obligations. The dispute between the two record companies left Winter caught in the middle. Despite Atlantic's claims, Winter expressed his unwillingness to record exclusively for them, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his future recording endeavors.

Read Full Article: Johnny Winter's Cold War: Caught Between Columbia and Atlantic

9 May 1969 The Albuquerque Journal:

A short note on Johnny WInter's first CBS album with focus ob corporatiob with blues giants: "Johnny Winter (Columbia C 882C) teams with a group of traditional blues artists, Including Willie Dixon and Walter "Shnkey" Horton, to turn out ono ol those good blends of electric pop guitar and Negro blues. The sound Is reminiscent of the more funky efforts by Canned Heat."

10 May 1969: Johnny Winter (Album):

Johnny Winter's first CBS album "Johnny Winter" aka the Black album, scores 24 in the Billboard charts

Winter Just Keeps on Playing Back Home
17 May 1969 Corpus Christi Times Caller Times:

Synopsis: Al Rudis' column tells the story of Johnny Winter, a talented blues guitarist from Texas who gained recognition after a long period of obscurity. Despite his undeniable talent, Winter's unconventional appearance and his decision to stay in Texas initially prevented him from achieving mainstream success. His fortunes changed after Rolling Stone magazine featured him in an article, leading to a bidding war between major record labels. However, Winter's sudden fame also led to legal complications and competing releases. The column emphasizes Winter's unwavering dedication to the blues genre, showcasing his authenticity amidst the chaos of the music industry.

Read the Story: Winter Just Keeps on Playing Back Home

17 May 1969 Dallas Morning News:
A short review of Johnny Winter's first album

Johnny Winter: Real Blues

JOHNNY WINTER (Columbia). This is the authentic debut album of the much talked-about albino bluesman. And it's doubtful that much production work had to go into it, for Winter's voice speaks for itself, He can sing as black as midnight and his style is straight blues, hard and heavy. His experiences and blues background are mirrored in his voice. In his own compositions (especially "Dallas" and "Leland Mississippi") as well as his true-to-form Interpretations of "Mean Mistreater," "Good Morning Little School Girl," Drawn in My Own Tears." Johnny Winter is a discovery. He's from Texas and he sings blues.

Source: 69-05-17 Dallas Morning News.pdf

23 May 1969 The News:
The Jazz Scene by Mike Davenport reports on Johnny Winters first album.

With the possible exception of new Beatles' albums, the most eagerly awaited release in recent times has been the first Johnny Winters album for Columbia. A white albino blues guitarist and singer, he was `discovered' by the outstanding rock magazine Rolling Stone, flown to New York from his native Texas, and given such a hype that Columbia Records paid a reported $600,000 for him. Is he worth it? Ask the Columbia accountants in a few years. In the meantime, pick up "Johnny Winter" Columbia CS 9826), and hear what I feel is the greatest blues guitar on record.

This may seem like a generous statement, but as far as I am concerned his technique, imagination and feeling has no equal in blues music anywhere, white or black Unfortunately, his singing Is not up to his playing. He belts out songs in a raucous style which leaves no room for subtleties. A little of it is all right, but It does not wear well and I feel It detracts from his total effect. His basic group, called Winter, consists of himself, Tommy Shannon on Fender bass, and John Turner on percussion. On this album they have added a horn and vocal section to "I'll Drown In My Own Tears" and Shakey Horton on harp to "Mean Mistreater."

The album is composed of nine tracks which are a mixture of blues standards like the above and originals of Winter's. On two tracks he plays a National standard steel guitar to great affect. The overall feeling of the album is breathtaking. Until someone better comes along, and I cannot see that happening for quite awhile, I feel that jcfhrmy Winter is going to be the standard against which all blues guitarists are judged.

Source: 69-05-23 Van Nuys CA News

30-31 May 1969: Detroit Rock'n'Roll Revival, Michigan State Fairgrounds, Detroit.:

"The Albino" - Johnny Winter, gave the best performance of his career for the enlivened crowd on Friday night 30 May 1969. Even with lackluster sidemen, his albino blues brought the crowd to its feet and even drew one admirer, unable to restrain himself to the stage where he ambraced the "phantom of black blues" with a hug and kiss before being whisked off stage. This two-day event featured advertised performances by the following (as listed on the original poster): The MC5 / Chuck Berry / Sun Ra / Dr. John / Johnny Winter / The Stooges / Terry Reid / The Amboy Dukes / SRC / The Frost / The Rationals / Teegarden & Van Winkle / Lyman Woodard / The Up / The Wilson Mower Pursuit / Third Power / The New York Rock & Roll Ensemble /David Peel & the Lower East Side / The Red, White & Blues Band / Sky / Train / Savage Grace / The James Gang / Cast /The Gold Brothers / Dutch Elm. Also appearing, but not listed on the poster: Brownsville Station/Plain Brown Wrapper.