JOHNNY WINTER in 1970

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Johnny Winter, the Texas-born blues-rock guitarist, emerged in 1970 as a towering figure in the world of electric blues. Known for his blistering guitar technique and raw, high-energy performances, Winter captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. That year, he embarked on his first European tour, delivering unforgettable shows at prestigious venues such as London's Royal Albert Hall and Montreux’s Golden Rose Festival. His ability to merge traditional blues with the burgeoning rock sound of the era set him apart, establishing him as a global guitar hero.

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Johnny Winter in February 1970

February 1970 was a month of reflection and anticipation for Johnny Winter. As the snow fell and the world braced against the winter chill, the bluesman found himself in the midst of a brewing storm of controversy. In the heart of Boston, a music critic penned a scathing review, dismissing Winter's blues as mere imitation compared to the authentic sounds of Chicago legends. The article ignited a debate about the legitimacy of white musicians playing the blues, leaving Winter to navigate the complexities of race and music.

Meanwhile, across the pond in London, plans were underway for a groundbreaking concert series at the Royal Albert Hall, "The Sound of the 70's." The event promised to showcase a diverse lineup of rock acts, including Winter himself. But the path to the stage wasn't without its hurdles, as organizers faced pushback due to a previous pop concert incident. The tension mounted as Winter prepared to prove his blues prowess on a prestigious stage, amidst a backdrop of shifting cultural tides.

Winter's Howl: A Night of Sled Dog Races and Electrifying Blues with Johnny Winter
Thursday 29 January 1970 Fitchburg Sentinel:

On Saturday, Feb. 7, In addition to the first day of the sled dog races, which will be run from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m., a mow sculpture contest judgng and coffee house (lower evel of the college union) will be held in the afternoon followed by banquet: for couples at 6:30 p.m. in the dining hall, and a concert in the field house at 8:30 p.m. featuring Johnny Winter. -

Source & Full Article: 70-01-29 Fitchburg, MA

Youth Beat: Winter Wishes
7 Feb 1970 Salisbury Newspaper:

The outpouring of love for Johnny's music is truly heartwarming. It's a shame we can't fulfill every request for 'Second Winter', especially Alice Johnson's touching plea to prove she's not "so square" to her kids. The power of music to bridge generations is a beautiful thing, and it's stories like these that keep Johnny's spirit alive.

Source & Full Article: 70-02-07 Salisbury, MD

Blues View by Sherman Rubin
18 February 1970 Mass Media, Boston:

Party scene anywhere hair grows long: "Yeah, I dig the blues, that Eddie Clampton really gets it on, he's the heaviest, dynamite mother there is." Well, how about that? That's the blues? That's 1969 white "hip" talkin' to ya. White "hip" has never quite come out of the white (into the dark). Years, ago he dug the "blues" of Mildred Bailey and even Sophie Tucker, that's ok, to each his own. But, that leaves to chance the lives of far too many black musicians who still play for pennies in places like Chicago's South and West sides, who don't even get credit for giving America a music that infiltrates even the Pepsi Generation's whitest of white institutions, the television commercial.

(Dig the melody behind the old "you get a lot to like with a Marlboro" ad!) Chess Records is a blues company. In its vaults are recordings by Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, etc., etc. Not a child of the post-war baby-boom among them. All of them spent time living in Chicago's nineteen forties and fifties Blues incubator, the birthplace of city blues. It is too easily forgotten that much of the music that has been miscarried upon us since them (most notably in the 60's would not even have been given the opportunity of conception without the organ of Chicago, and that modern blues possibly wouldn't have grown without the pioneering of Muddy Waters.

His many bands listed personnel including Willie Dixon, Otis Spann, Fred Below, Jimmy Gotten, Little Walter, S. P. Leary, Francis Clay, Sam Lawhorne, George Smith and the great James A. Lane who comes to us as Jimmy Roger The liner notes tell us that Jimmy was in Chicago by 1945, soon started working with Little Walter, Sunnyland Slim and Baby Leroy Foster and joined Muddy in 1949. He played guitar with Muddy's band for eight years and retired to Chicago's West side in 1959. This album (long-awaited, little of Jimmy's work is available except for scattered cuts on Chess's Blues Volumes series and early Waters sides) contains 14 tunes recorded between 1950 and 1956. .

They range from good to incredible. All, however, are better than the pre-puberty mutterings of Johnny Winter, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and friends, (that goes without question) Included are Jimmy's most well-known tune "That's Alright" and the gem : "Walking By Myself" (recently given an interesting treatment by Paul Butterfield, one of the few REAL white bluesmen). There's lots of Little Walter's wonderfuK harmonica on this album as well as some fine work by the lesser known Big Walter Horton. The always welcome Muddy Waters'. guitar is heard on five cuts, aS personnel is listed in detail, on the album jacket. Chicago Blues, when it comes from Chicago is, if nothing else, real.

It has not been shaped by a world of Fillmpre's East and West, Suburban swimming pool bliss or Plastic Onos. I strongly advise that you don't run out and buy this collector's item unless you vomit at the sound of a Kooper Session, chuckle when you hear that this or that new young discovery has truly, "lived the blues" or feel more than a little sad when you realize that Muddy Waters can't possibly live as long as you and I. We're all awfully young you know.

Source & Full Article: 70-02-18 Mass Media Boston

On-And-Off Pop Ban At The Albert Hall
21 February 1970: Melody Maker (UK)

DESPITE a Royal Albert Hall ban on a week of Pop Proms shows in July, CBS Records and the Robert Paterson Agency are going ahead with plans to present "a mammoth two-evening concert" of "top rock acts" at the Albert Hall on April 17 and 18.

The Pop Proms were planned by promoter Roy Guest. Guest said he had been told by the Hall's management that while they did not object in principle to the odd pop dates, they felt a week of such concerts would attract undesirables and cause trouble.

He accepts there was trouble last year when Chuck Berry appeared. "It wasn't a very nice situation, and I wouldn't put on rock and roll again," he said. "But it is ridiculous to cut out the Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Pink Floyd, and people like that just because there was some trouble with rockers."

But CBS Records, in conjunction with Robert Paterson, are to stage their shows as planned. Their "Sounds Of The 70's" concerts will feature American groups Santana, Flock, Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal and It's A Beautiful Day.

Jay Vickers, assistant to Robert Paterson, told the MM on Monday that the Royal Albert Hall management had been told the format of the "Sounds Of The 70's" concerts and that "the shows had been cleared."

The concerts are being tied in with an ambitious CBS merchandising and promotional campaign on contemporary rock music at the beginning of March.

Under the slogan "The Sound Of The 70's," the campaign will be spearheaded by the release on March 6 of a two-record sampler album titled "Fill Your Head With Rock - The Sound Of The 70's."

The album carries 23 tracks featuring such American top-liners as Chicago, Flock, Santana, Blood Sweat And Tears, Leonard Cohen, Taj Mahal, Janis Joplin and Johnny Winter. British artists include Al Stewart, Black Widow, Skin Alley, Argent and Trees.

Source & Full Article: Melody Maker 21 Feb 1970 (External Link)

Johnny Winter Index 1970-1979

Johnny Winter in 1970
Johnny Winter AND in 1970 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl/johnny-winter/biography/index.html

In 1970, Johnny Winter solidified his reputation as a premier blues-rock guitarist. He embarked on his first European tour, performing at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Montreux’s Golden Rose Festival. Despite critical debates regarding his role in the blues, Winter's ability to blend traditional blues with rock captivated audiences. That year also marked a pivotal moment in his career as he restructured his band, setting the stage for his evolving sound and continued success.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1970
Johnny Winter in 1971
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In 1971, Johnny Winter experienced both musical success and personal challenges. He completed a successful European tour, delivering electrifying performances and collaborating with icons like Willie Dixon. However, his intense touring schedule, combined with substance abuse, culminated in a breakdown by year-end. This marked a pivotal moment, forcing Winter to confront his struggles and embark on a journey toward recovery. Despite these challenges, 1971 showcased his blues-rock prowess and deepened his connection with international audiences.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1971
Johnny Winter in 1972
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In 1972, Johnny Winter made a remarkable comeback after a nine-month recovery from heroin addiction. Moving to Woodstock, New York, he resumed performing, joining his brother Edgar Winter’s band, White Trash. This year marked his renewed energy and determin

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Johnny Winter in 1973
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In 1973, Johnny Winter made a powerful comeback with the release of *Still Alive and Well*, after overcoming heroin addiction. The album reached #22 on the US charts, and Winter embarked on an extensive tour with Foghat. This year also marked a shift in his guitar preferences, as he adopted the Gibson Firebird. Winter’s electrifying performances, particularly at venues like Madison Square Garden, solidified his reputation as a blues-rock powerhouse.

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Johnny Winter in 1974
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In 1974, Johnny Winter, the renowned blues-rock guitarist, embarked on extensive North American and European tours, releasing two albums, Saints & Sinners and John Dawson Winter III. Both albums featured his signature gritty sound, while his live performances, marked by energetic guitar work, solidified his status as a top blues-rock performer. Notably, Winter made a triumphant return to Europe after a four-year absence, performing to sold-out crowds in major cities. His relentless touring schedule and powerful stage presence cemented his international reputation.

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Johnny Winter in 1975
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In 1975, Johnny Winter, the renowned blues-rock guitarist, experienced a resurgence in his career. Having battled personal struggles, including drug addiction, Winter returned to the stage with renewed energy. His live performances showcased a mix of classic blues and rock hits, alongside material from his album John Dawson Winter III. Despite his personal critiques of his performances, audiences were enthusiastic, and Winter continued to evolve as an artist. The year marked a pivotal moment in his career, further cementing his legacy in the rock and blues scenes.

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Johnny Winter in 1976
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In 1976, Johnny Winter embarked on a tour alongside his brother Edgar Winter, guitarist Floyd Radford, and bassist Dan Hartman. This tour included several performances across Canada. Notably, during the months of July and August, Johnny and Edgar Winter frequently shared the stage to promote their collaborative album "Together", marking a significant highlight of the tour.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1976
Johnny Winter in 1977
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In 1977, Johnny Winter toured with blues legends Muddy Waters and James Cotton, showcasing a powerful collaboration that revitalized classic blues. Winter produced Muddy Waters' *Hard Again*, which won a Grammy and led to a dynamic tour. The performances featured Cotton's intense harmonica playing and Waters' iconic vocals, with Winter adding his signature gritty guitar work. This tour, a standout in Winter's career, reaffirmed his role in preserving and elevating traditional blues alongside these legendary musicians.

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Johnny Winter in 1978
Johnny Winter in 1978 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1978, Johnny Winter's career saw significant milestones. He embarked on a European tour, produced Muddy Waters' Grammy-winning album I'm Ready, and welcomed Jon Paris into his band. Winter also delivered a standout radio performance for British Biscuit and appeared with Muddy Waters on a BBC television special, further solidifying his legacy in blues and rock. This pivotal year highlighted his versatile talents as a musician and producer.

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Johnny Winter in 1979
Johnny Winter in 1979 album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

In 1979, Johnny Winter's career was marked by significant performances and collaborations, including his appearance at the Rockpalast Festival in Germany, where his blend of blues and rock captivated audiences. During this period, he worked closely with blues icon Muddy Waters, further cementing his legacy in the genre. Despite his personal battles with drug addiction, Winter's influence remained strong, and he continued touring extensively, with a detailed timeline of his tour dates and setlists from key performances like Rockpalast.

Read About Johnny Winter in 1979