Johnny Winter in May 1970

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May 1970 was a month of significant change for Johnny Winter. In a bold move, he decided to part ways with his long-time bandmates Tommy Shannon and John Turner, signaling a desire for a fresh start. Shortly thereafter, he joined forces with the McCoys, a band known for their own brand of blues-rock, sparking anticipation for the music that would emerge from this new collaboration. Meanwhile, Winter's name was also linked to the upcoming People's Fair in Wisconsin, a major rock festival expected to attract over 30,000 people. As May unfolded, it was clear that Johnny Winter was embarking on a new chapter in his musical journey, filled with exciting possibilities.

Album Front cover Photo of Johnny Winter in the dressing room, a Young Rick Derringer on the background https://vinyl-records.nl/

Johnny Winter in May 1970

In a surprising move, blues guitar virtuoso Johnny Winter broke up his long-standing band with bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer John Turner. This marked the end of an era for Winter, who had achieved significant success with this lineup.

Winter didn’t waste any time. He pulled together a new band, and this lineup sparked the interest of blues enthusiasts and rock fans alike. He teamed up with The McCoys, a group with a pop-rock reputation thanks to their hit single, "Hang On Sloopy."

Rick Derringer, also known as Rick Zehringer, joined on co-lead guitar, bringing not just his playing but his voice, songwriting, and production skills to the table. He had just adopted his stage name before joining. His brother, Randy Zehringer, now Randy Z, handled drums, while Randy Jo Hobbs took on bass and backing vocals. Winter, of course, held down the guitar.

This new musical partnership promised a fresh sound and a renewed energy for Winter. Fans eagerly anticipated the music that would emerge from this exciting collaboration.

Timothy Leary Benefit
Monday, 4 May 1970 Timothy Leary Benefit

Johnny Winter, Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding attend a benefit for Timothy Leary

The 1970 Timothy Leary Benefit Concert was a significant event in the countercultural movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Held on 15 January 1970 at the Village Gate in New York City, the concert was organised as a fundraiser for Dr. Timothy Leary, a psychologist and prominent advocate for the use of psychedelic drugs like LSD. Leary had been arrested multiple times on drug-related charges and was facing legal battles, leading supporters to organise events like this to assist with his legal defence.

People's Fair under the sign of Cancer
Thursday 7 May 1970 Stevens Point Daily Journal

Synopsis: The Stevens Point Daily Journal previews the upcoming "People's Fair Under the Sign of Cancer" rock festival, slated for June 26-28, 1970. Organizers anticipate over 30,000 attendees. While the exact location remains undisclosed, it's rumored to be in the Town of Sharon. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of national acts including The Steve Miller Band, Buffy St. Marie, Johnny Winter, and more. Organizer Fritz Von Buchholtz assures ample facilities and medical assistance. Despite a minor dispute with a former partner, Von Buchholtz emphasizes the festival's non-profit nature, aiming to provide affordable entertainment.

Read The Full Article: People's Fair under the sign of Cancer

Promoters of festival work with Sheriff
7 May 1970 Stevens Point Daily Journal

Synopsis: Portage County Sheriff Nick Check collaborates with rock festival promoters to find a suitable location and ensure a smooth event. They prioritize minimizing disruptions to local residents and traffic control. Sheriff Check maintains open communication with festival organizers and authorities from a previous festival to learn from their experiences. He also considers measures like speed limits and a potential beer permit to enhance safety and control.

Read The Full Article: Promoters of festival work with Sherif

Johnny Winter Index 1970-1979

Johnny Winter in 1970
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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