Johnny Winter in 1974

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It took an in-depth study of Texas music, which was published in a national, contemporary music magazine, to dislodge Johnny Winter from his unwanted niche in rock, soul and country music. Winter, who returns to the War Memorial Thursday for a c o n c e r t at 8:30 p.m., yearned to devote himself to the blues. But performing on the Southern circuit, he had to give the audiences what they wanted. In the middle Sixties, blues was not it. However, the article covered Winter's guitar blues and brought him to the attention of the owner of a club called Paul's Scene. The owner, Steve Paul , flew to Houston and hired Winter. Within weeks, the young man had his wish — playing the blues steadily and packed houses. Late that year, he was introduced from the stage by an old friend while at New York's Fillmore East.

Winter joined his friend for a set which brought the audience to its feet, shouting for more. Not long after, the musician signed his first record contract with a major company. Titled simply "Johnny Winter," it was primarily a collection of Delta blues numbers.

Since that hit, he has continued his winning ways on records with four others. With the James Montgomery Blues Band supporting, Winter's is presented by WOLF.

Source & Full Article: 74-01-06 Syracuse Herald Journal.pdf

Synopsis: Johnny Winter, a seasoned blues guitarist, is eager to bring his music to Charleston on his current tour promoting his upcoming album, "Saints and Sinners". While he primarily performed in major cities in the past, Winter is now excited to reach new audiences in smaller towns. He acknowledges the potential challenge of playing for crowds unfamiliar with his work but remains optimistic based on the positive reception so far.

The concert will feature a mix of classic and new material, including a few potential singles from the upcoming album. Winter, who has never been to West Virginia before, is curious to see the crowd's reaction and aims to match the success of his brother Edgar's recent performance in the area.

Addressing past sibling rivalry, Winter notes that the dynamic has improved since Edgar's success. He recounts how Edgar used to criticize his music and dismiss rock and roll as illegitimate. The relationship has become more supportive over time.

Winter expresses anticipation for the Charleston show, highlighting his typical pre-show jitters. He is determined to deliver a great performance, despite any unfamiliarity the audience may have with his music.

Read the Full Article: Winter To Perform Here (Charleston)

Synopsis: This article traces the triumphant return of blues-rock legend Johnny Winter after a battle with heroin addiction. Winter, an albino blues prodigy from Texas, rose to fame in the late 1960s, but the pressures of stardom and relentless touring took their toll. After a two-year hiatus, Winter emerged with renewed vigor and a commitment to his music and personal well-being. His latest album, "Saints and Sinners," showcases his confidence and musical maturity, blending classic blues with rock and new material. Winter's story is one of resilience and redemption, proving that true artistry can overcome even the darkest challenges.

Read The Full Article: Saints and Sinners - Johnny Winter's Celebration of Freedom

Synopsis: This weekend, St. Petersburg and Tampa are rocking with two major concerts. Saturday night, genre-bending artist Todd Rundgren, known for his recent hit "Hello, It's Me" and work producing bands like The Band and Grand Funk, will play at Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa. His show promises an abstract sound and showcases his latest album, "Todd."

Sunday night, legendary rock and roll guitarist Johnny Winter will bring his energetic performance to St. Petersburg's Bayfront Center, alongside rock and roll band Brownsville Station. Winter's musical journey started at age five and has seen him rise to fame with his powerful blues and rock sound.

Read Full Concerts Preview: Groups will be appearing at Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa.

Synopsis: The article interviews Johnny Winter, who discusses the challenges of fame and touring. He opens up about a past hiatus, during which he questioned his career path. Winter's music has evolved from country blues to hard rock, a change driven by audience expectations. Though he misses the intimacy of small venues, he appreciates the energy of large concerts. He's honest about his admiration for other musicians, admitting he covers their songs because he can't write as well. Winter also touches on the logistics of touring and the importance of balancing work with personal life. He remains optimistic despite challenges and believes he's at his musical peak.

Read The Full Interview: Johnny Winter Time has taught him to keep tours short

Synopsis: Saints & Sinners, Johnny Winter’s sixth album, is a pivotal release that showcases his evolution as an artist, blending his blues roots with a more diverse rock and roll sound. Released under Columbia Records, the album highlights Winter’s raw, intense guitar playing and distinctive vocals, which are enhanced by the expert production of Rick Derringer. The album includes covers of classic tracks like Leiber and Stoller’s "Riot In Cell Block No. 9" and Chuck Berry’s "Thirty Days," alongside a new Van Morrison song, "Feedback On Highway 101," and Allen Toussaint’s "Blinded By Love." The material reflects Winter’s versatility and energy, with standout moments that appeal to both long-time fans and new listeners. Despite his earlier struggles with fame and addiction, Saints & Sinners marks a strong comeback, cementing Winter’s place in the rock and blues scene.

Read The Full Article: Saint or Sinner?

By JOHN FISHER

Courier Tupnes Staff Writer, PHILADELPHIA -

It was a little warm for Winter this weekend at the Spectrum. Johnny Winter roe into the sold-out concert ball behind a fireworks display, which would have made the fourth of July envious. Unfortunately for Winter and several burned members of the 22,000 plus audience, the fireworks weren't part of the show. They were a distraction to what otherwise was a fairly decent show.

Winter, long white hair flowing as he gyrated across the stage. never claimed any laurels as a composer. His claim to fame throughout the years has been to entertain an audience with guitar work which on his worst night would have to be described as skillful.He has a knack, somewahat uncommon among today's groups. to involve the audience and keep them with him from the start of concert to its finish.

There aren't that many tunes which he plays which you can readily identify and hum but you can boogie to them. All of the songs played by the Johnny Winter group featured a wailing guitar behind a sound rythm background of bass ard drumsWinter, being the master of the shrieking wailing guitar, handled the majority of the solo work Different from his last concert in Philadelphia. Winter brought along a second guitar player who showed he also knew how to put down a few riffs when the occasion called for i The better moments of the concert occurred when the two guitar players faced off at center stage and engaged in a mock dueling of the guitars.

Although good, the second guitanst couldn't hold a match to the experience of Winter, but he did serve to compliment the style of the white-haired masterThe visual show with the Winter concert was downpLayeed. but the audience did respond !oud!y when the a sign lit up behind the concert stage announcing wishout any frills Johnny Winter

Synopsis: On the first warm night after a dreary winter, a crowd of 14,000 gathered at the Long Beach Arena to welcome the arrival of spring and rock and roll. Brownsville Station, despite a surprising depth beyond their hit single, ultimately fell short with a one-dimensional sound. Johnny Winter, however, electrified the audience with his raw, blues-infused performance. His guitar solos, emotional range, and crowd-pleasing energy left a lasting impression, proving that true artistry can transcend the limitations of a smoke-filled arena.

Read The Full Review: Winter's Electrifying Springtime Show

Synopsis: This article discusses Johnny Winter's challenging journey through fame, personal struggles, and his recovery from drug addiction. Once constantly on the road to uphold his record-breaking $600,000 deal with Columbia Records, Winter's relentless touring lifestyle took a toll on his mental health, leading him into a spiral of loneliness and heroin addiction. After spending nine months in a New Orleans hospital for rehabilitation, Winter reflects on how his values have shifted, prioritizing his personal life over career pressures. Now, he balances music with a healthier lifestyle, steering clear of the party scene. Despite these challenges, Winter’s albums continue to find commercial success.

Read Full Article: Johnny Winter talks about his addiction

Synopsis: This article, published in Zoo World on 9 May 1974, offers a deep dive into the life and career of legendary blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter. Written by Billy Altman, it chronicles Winter's meteoric rise to fame in the late 1960s, his struggles with the pressures of stardom, and his battle with drug addiction, which led him to take nearly a year off to recover. The article touches on his early success with Columbia Records, the challenges of maintaining a consistent band, and his eventual comeback with renewed focus and energy. Winter's reflections on his career highlight the evolving nature of rock stardom and the personal toll it often takes. Despite these challenges, he emerges as more than a rock survivor, continuing to captivate audiences with his powerful performances and multifaceted musical style.

Read The Full Article: Much More Than Survival

Synopsis: On a rocking Saturday night in June 1974, Johnny Winter brought his high-energy boogie to a packed Madison Square Garden. With a new guitarist adding depth to his sound, Winter delivered a relentless set of rock 'n' roll that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish. Despite a few interruptions from overzealous fans, Winter proved once again why he's the king of the American boogie merchants.

Read The Full Article: Heats Up Madison Square Garden

A full page ad in Billboard Magazine June 1974 on Johnnny Winter, Thunderhead in BogalUsa.

What the hell brings Johnny Winter back to Bogalusa?

He's producing at Studio in the Country

It's not Johnny Winter he's producing this time. It's Thunderhead, a band that excites Winter. But why in Bogalusa? Because nothing distracts, nothing interferes with the fire of their creation. There's nothing here. Except a million dollars of audio engineering floating on a six-inch nylon sandwich. 24 tracks operating.

Bogalusa 48 tracks waiting on a custom console. Dolby noise reduction. And Mamie Tillman's cooking. After Johnny, Mandrill's here for a month.

Fly to New Orleans and we pick you up. Or 3600-foot paved landing strip here. Studio in the Country. Open 24 hours. Bill Evans, president and director of engineering; Jim Bateman, vice-president. (504) 735-8224. From New Orleans, (504) 523-1266. Or P. 0. Box 490, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427

In the seventies, Pat Rush co-founded a group called Thunderhead. During that time, blues guitar legend Johnny Winter was in New Orleans and would occasionally sit in with Thunderhead. He always remembered his time on stage with Pat, so when drummer Bobby 'T' Torello mentioned that Winter wanted to form a band with them, they joined. Both were hired for Johnny's band in 1977-78 and went on tour with him across the U.S. in 1977.

Pat played on Johnny's White, Hot & Blue album from 1978, including contributing slide guitar on the track "Walkin' By Myself." Besides Johnny, Pat is the only other guitarist to have ever played slide on one of Winter's albums.

When not touring with Johnny Winter, Pat and Torello performed with Michael Bolton in New Haven, Connecticut. While there, Pat met Dan Hartman, who wrote Edgar Winter's big hit "Free Ride." In Hartman's studio, Winter produced two classic Muddy Waters albums, I'm Ready and Hard Again. During this time, Pat had the opportunity to meet Muddy Waters, as well as harmonica legend James Cotton.

Synopsis: In this concert review, Chris Charlesworth captures the raw energy of Johnny Winter’s recent performance at Madison Square Garden. Winter, known as the king of boogie rock, delivered an evening of high-octane rock ‘n’ roll, keeping the crowd on their feet with his signature blend of loud, uncomplicated, and electrifying music. Accompanied by a newly expanded band, Winter’s set was a relentless wave of boogie, occasionally interrupted by his raspy calls to the audience, who enthusiastically responded. Despite a rowdy crowd that tossed beer cans and fireworks, Winter’s focus remained on entertaining his fans rather than educating them, with the audience—his brother Edgar among them—hanging on to every move. While some found the repetitive boogie a bit tiresome, the night was a triumph of showmanship and energy.

Read The Full Review: Boogie King at Madison Square

Synopsis: From a warped Spanish heirloom to the Gibson Firebird he wields today, Johnny Winter's lifelong bond with the guitar has been fueled by an insatiable passion for music. This Texas bluesman's collection spans generations of rock and roll, Chicago blues, and the soulful sounds of the Delta. In this August 1974 Guitar Player interview, we delve into Winter's musical influences, his evolving guitar preferences, and his enduring quest for the perfect tone. More....

Read The Full Interview: Johnny Winter 1974 Guitar Player magazine

Synopsis: This interview with Johnny Winter during his 1970s UK tour, focusing on his musical evolution, band dynamics, and the challenges of balancing artistic expression with audience expectations. Winter discusses his collaboration with second guitarist Floyd Radford, the inclusion of John Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll People on his new album, and the mix of blues, rock 'n' roll, and more experimental material featured in his work. Reflecting on his career, Winter shares his struggles with touring, categorization, and his desire for creative freedom while still respecting the expectations of his fans.

Read The Full Article: An Interview with Johnny Winter

This guitar is made by Harmony and is based on their old 1265 model. It was made five years ago, a task which took approximately 600 man-hours. The guitar stands 9 feet tall and weighs 85 pounds (380 pounds in its packing crate). It measures 16,000 cubic inches, compared to the 1,024 cubic inches of a regular guitar.

It has been featured on The David Frost Show and Johnny Cash's Nashville Special , and will make an appearance in March on NET's Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood . Valued at $5,000, there are only three such guitars in the world, and it has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records .

By BARBARA LEWIS

Q: Haven't heard much lately about Johnny Winter. Does he have a new album coming out and will it be different from his previous stuff? — Florence Watts, Long Beach, N.Y.

A: Yes, Winter does have a new album due out soon, and the approach is most decidedly different. Winter made music for the album on the world’s largest playable guitar, and if you don’t believe me, see the accompanying photo.

Incidentally, while the guitarist is noted for his lightning-quick fingers, Johnny found it rough going playing up-tempo songs on a neck that needs Goliath hands for fretting. But he persevered, and the results are amazing.

On this brisk October day, Johnny Winter stepped into the iconic BBC studios to film a session for The Old Grey Whistle Test , a program known for showcasing the cutting edge of rock music. With his signature fiery blues licks and raw energy, Winter delivered two searing performances for the cameras. One of the standout tracks was his rendition of Jumpin' Jack Flash , a song that would later find its way onto The Old Grey Whistle Test Volume 3 DVD. The event, captured in the snapshots below, remains a vivid snapshot of Winter's electric presence during his '74 European tour.

Photo Gallery of Johnny Winter at the 1974 BBC Old Grey Whistle Test

Floyd joined the band just a few weeks ago, and this London concert marks his first appearance with Winter.

"We'd been playing as a trio for some time," explains Winter. "And I really wanted someone else to help me with my writing. I was looking for another guitarist all the time I was finishing off my record, and it looked as if we were going to come over here (London) as a trio. Then Floyd came up from California. I've known him for four or five years and we'd jammed together a few times before. Luckily, it worked out perfectly. We've had only four rehearsals, but it all fell together. We just got up and played."

Synopsis: The review reflects on a lackluster performance by Johnny Winter and his band, critiquing the repetitive nature of Winter's guitar riffs and the uninspired contributions from his supporting musicians. Despite a full house and the audience's initial enthusiasm, the performance fails to deliver, with Winter struggling to carry the show. His bandmates, including bassist Randy Jo Hobbs, drummer Richard Hughes, and guitarist Floyd Radford, are described as imitative and lacking in energy. Winter’s on-stage presence is noted for its odd fashion choices and awkward movements, while the setlist, including tracks like "Roll With Me" and "Mean Mistreater," offers little to salvage the evening. The highlight, if any, is a brief reference to "moonshine whiskey," but overall, the performance is deemed disappointing and uninspired.

Read The Full Review of New Victoria Theatre Show

Synopsis: In this interview, legendary blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter discusses his current European tour and preparations for his only British concert in London. Winter reflects on the evolution of his music, the dynamics of his band, and his decision to add second guitarist Floyd Radford. He shares insights into his recently completed album, which features a mix of old-school blues, rock, and experimental ballads, including a John Lennon-penned track, Rock 'n' Roll People. Winter also talks about his struggles with audience expectations, the pressures of touring, and his desire to explore multiple musical directions.

Read The Full Review: Revisiting Roots, Collaborations, and New Directions on Tour

Synopsis: In this interview, blues-rock icon Johnny Winter talks about his excitement for an upcoming European tour and the near completion of his new album. He reflects on how UK audiences respond just like American ones and addresses the growing issue of disruptive fans throwing firecrackers and bottles at concerts. Winter also teases the new album, which blends classic blues with unexpected tracks, including five original songs—one of which is a self-reflective country tune titled "Love Song To Me." The album promises a mix of familiar and fresh sounds from the artist.

Read The Full Interview: Touring, Fan Mayhem, and His Bold New Album

Synopsis: The article is a candid interview with American blues rock guitarist Johnny Winter, conducted during his European tour in late 1974. After a long hiatus due to drug rehabilitation, Winter returned to the stage, performing sold-out concerts in Munich and Frankfurt. In the interview, he discusses his passion for playing in Europe despite financial losses, reflecting on the state of the rock music scene, which he feels is in a creative lull but poised for revival. Winter shares details about his new album, *John Dawson Winter III*, highlighting his personal involvement in songwriting and his collaboration with John Lennon, who contributed the track "Rock 'n' Roll People". The interview also recounts an incident at a concert where an overzealous fan stormed the stage, along with Winter's lighthearted reaction to a girl dancing wildly on stage. Through the conversation, Winter emphasizes his dedication to music over financial gain and his optimism for the future of rock.

Read Full Interview: Let A Girl Dance On Stage

Synopsis: This article reflects on Johnny Winter's triumphant return to the stage after nearly five years of absence, drawing comparisons to other legendary musicians like Leonard Cohen and Eric Clapton, who also made comebacks after personal struggles. The author describes Winter's electric performances in packed concert halls across Europe, where his raw, primal energy and masterful guitar solos reignited audiences. Despite a troubled past, including a battle with heroin addiction, Winter's ability to captivate and energize the crowd was as strong as ever. The article highlights the timeless appeal of these veteran musicians, suggesting that their temporary retreats from the spotlight may have made them even more powerful upon their return.

Read The Full Article: What a hot start to winter

By Jeff Kline

Rock star Johnny Winter was referred to once in an article in Rolling Stone magazine as a “cross-eyed albino with long fleecy hair” who played “some of the gutsiest fluid blues guitar you've ever heard.” At the time this was written, Dec. 2, 1968, Winter was not exactly the most popular performer of the day. He may still not be the most popular performer but he ranks in the top 10 at least.

Yet as with most musicians' “overnight success,” Winter played for years in his native Texas with brother Edgar and with his own groups playing white blues.

No sooner had the magazine article hit the street than a man named Steve Paul, proprietor of the New York nightspot "Steve Paul's Scene," flew to Texas and eventually convinced Winter to come to New York for a while. He did, and Paul somehow got such musicians as Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Slim Harpo, Stephen Stills, and Buddy Miles together with Winter for one big jam session.

One thing led to another and soon Winter signed a recording contract with Columbia Records which guaranteed him $100,000 a year for three years, a contract billed as including the highest advance ever paid to a new artist in the history of the music business.

Soon Winter recorded an album and began drawing critical acclaim for his guitar playing. His original backing group left, and he replaced them with members from the old "McCoys" group who recorded the smash hit “Hang on Sloopy,” but who had gone steadily downhill since then.

More albums, including Johnny Winter Live, were made, and things were going well. Too well, actually, for Winter got hooked on drugs.

Eventually, though, he decided drugs were not the scene he wanted to play. He entered a hospital for a year and got off the stuff. When he got out, he went into music again and has been working steadily.

Instead of spending months on the road, he now only tours for four or five weeks at the most, returning home to New York to rest up. And Friday, Lakeland is on his tour with the concert taking place in the Arena at 8 p.m. Tickets are $6 and are available at the box office or through Central Florida Belk-Lindsey stores.