JOHNNY WINTER In 1978

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1978 was a pivotal year for Johnny Winter, marked by significant musical milestones and collaborations that further solidified his influence in the blues and rock scenes.

- Jon Paris Joins the Band : Midway through 1978, shortly after the release of Winter's album White, Hot & Blue , bassist and harmonica player Jon Paris joined the lineup. Paris's addition brought new energy to Winter's performances, enhancing the band's dynamic sound.

- European Tour : Johnny embarked on an extensive European tour, captivating audiences across the continent with his fiery guitar playing and charismatic stage presence. The tour further expanded his international fan base and reputation as a premier blues-rock artist.

- Producing Muddy Waters' Grammy-Winning Album : In 1978, Johnny Winter produced I'm Ready, an album by legendary bluesman Muddy Waters. The record went on to win a Grammy Award, underscoring Winter’s deep connection to the blues and his prowess as a producer.

- British Biscuit Radio Performance : During this period, Johnny delivered a memorable performance for the British Biscuit radio series, which included an extraordinary, mind-blowing rendition of "Hey Joe," a standout moment that showcased his ability to reinterpret classic tracks with passion and innovation.

- BBC TV Show with Muddy Waters : Winter also appeared alongside Muddy Waters on a BBC television special. Their collaboration on this broadcast remains a celebrated moment in blues history, highlighting the profound musical synergy between the two artists.

These highlights demonstrate the breadth of Johnny Winter’s influence in 1978, a year that saw him continue to push boundaries as a musician, producer, and live performer.

"... Johnny at the Bottom Line in NYC on 5 September 1978, where Edgar Winter jammed with him—and it was a great one! I was at that show, and it was killer! (...) Other than that, it was a great show, and the sound quality was really good. HOT STUFF!!! (...) Jon Paris sang two songs and played guitar while Johnny played bass. (...) I know they did 'It Hurts Me Too' while Johnny went backstage to take a pee or something (he drank a lot of Blue Nun wine that night). (...) I remember the show as if it were only 26 years ago. What a night! Actually, it seems more like a few weeks ago. Johnny played two nights at the Bottom Line, both sold out, and I didn’t know him then, so I had to think fast.

I called up the Bottom Line and told them I wrote for a rock & roll magazine called *ROCKET* (long out of business now), which I did, but I was a cartoonist for them. I told them I was writing an article about Johnny, so they got me on the VIP list! I guess they didn’t check too carefully back then. I went to the show, and the next day I called them up again, and they got me in again! I don’t think I could get away with that today (thank God I don’t have to!), but it worked beautifully then."