Johnny Winter’s 1981: Collaborations, Blues Festivals, and the Birth of Mad Albino Records

-

Johnny and Sonny Terry recorded the album "Whoopin'"", but when they faced a lack of interest from existing labels to release the project, Johnny took matters into his own hands. He established his own record label, "Mad Albino", to ensure the album's release.

Uncle John Turner reunited with Johnny Winter for a short, highly anticipated mini-tour.

In July 1981 Sonny Terry recorded an album called "Whoopin'" with Johnny Winter and Willie Dixon.

Johnny Winter launched his new label "Mad Albino Discs" by recording Sonny Terry in July at Baldwin Sound Productions in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Winter played guitar on the sessions and brought Willie Dixon from Chicago to play bass, while Styve Hominick, who has worked with Terry for the past 3 years, was on drums."

This album was initially released on Johnny Winter's own record label "Mad Albino" as "I think I got the blues" on Red Vinyl

Additional information:

1984 delivered Sonny Terry, Johnny and Willie Dixon on Whoopin'. Alligator billed it as, "Sonny Terry is the blues harmonica master, and his 60 years of touring have taken his famous sound all over the world. This lp, lovingly produced by Johnny Winter (one of his biggest fans), features Sonny, Johnny on guitar and piano, blues legend Willie Dixon on bass, Styve Homnick on drums. Whoopin' is a true blues jam - and it is as much fun to listen to as it was to make! Johnny on piano. My god you get news sometimes that just blows you away. Johnny sure knows his harp players.

Whoopin was recorded on Johnny's own Albino label, in 1981, but it sat on the shelves for 3 years waiting to be realeased in the US. The recording took place at Winter played guitar on the sessions and brought Willie Dixon from Chicago to play bass, while Styve Hominick, who has worked with Terry for the past 3 years, was on drums.

This album is a classic for it shows again what a bluesman Johnny is, always has been. One side of the album Johnny plays entirely electric, on the other, acoustic. Johnny backs up the howling "whoo-whee" harmonica master in the classic country blues tradition.

Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee were some of the first country blues recorded. Johnny loved them but always felt that Sonny was never quite in his element. Brownie had that mellow, pretty Carolina style where Sonny was more raw Mississippi Delta.

Johnny was pleased when Sonny asked if he would produce an album for him. Johnny and Sonny had the same sound running through their heads. Johnny's job as producer was to find people who fit in with Sonny's natural style, not trying to change it. Now Johnny had the opportunity to make a record that represented that sound - that Delta sound with lots of slide.

After the record was recorded Sonny told Johnny this was his favorite record. This really made Johnny feel good since it reaffirmed Johnny's thoughts on Sonny's sound - putting him in his proper element.

This album is classic from Sonny's familiar, famous falsetto "whoop" to Johnny's sound, both electric and National Steel. Johnny stays in the true Mississippi Delta style even when tinkling those ivories rinky tink style. Each song is a masterpiece.

The cover of this album came from a snapshot Susan Warford (Winter) took. All 4 guys hamming it up for the camera. Sonny seated holding his harp, Sonny's old drummer Styve Homnick with his brushes, Willie Dixon beside his stand-up bass, and Johnny crouching down with his old National Steel.

Johnny looks quite different from anything we ever seen before in this picture. He was extra thin at the time and his hair was short and combed away from his face. He looked like an old fella with one eye shut, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, and wearing a white sleeveless t-shirt. He was as gaunt as we had ever seen him.

The late Muddy Waters was one of the finest and most influential blues performers of all time -- just ask The Rolling Stones, who took their name from one of his songs. On video of this concert, Muddy was captured in fine form onstage at the Chicago Blues Festival, with friend and collaborator Johnny Winter sitting in on guitar; songs include Mannish Boy and I'm A King Bee.

Johnny Winter at the Old Waldorf/San Francisco, Uncle John Turner remembers: Catfish Hodge on guitar, Bob Hodge's brother Dallas Hodge and the bass player's name is Campbell (Catfish Hodge & Chicken Legs=; I think his first name was Chris. they are from Detroit. The place was San Francisco and it was 1981. The club was in the top of a downtown building and it was Bill Graham's place. We were in the middle of a little mini-tour. I think the bassist was in the Bob Seger band at the time. A bootleg recording of this concert was released at "The Lost Show"

Here's a summary of the typical setlist Johnny Winter performed during 1981:

Core Songs Frequently Played:

1. Hideaway – This instrumental classic by Freddie King appears in nearly every setlist.

2. Johnny B. Goode – A staple in Johnny Winter's performances, often featured near the middle or end of his sets.

3. Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo – Another regular in his live shows, showcasing his rock and blues prowess.

4. Highway 61 Revisited – A Bob Dylan cover that Johnny Winter often used to energize the crowd.

5. Rollin' and Tumblin' – Traditional blues standard that Johnny Winter often brought into his live performances.

6. It's All Over Now – A frequent song in his live sets, reflecting his blend of rock and blues.

Other Popular Songs:

- The Crawl – Played in several concerts, demonstrating his love for classic blues.

- No Money Down – Featured in at least two shows.

- Jumpin' Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones classic appears multiple times.

- Messing with the Kid – A blues favorite, appearing in a few of his 1981 setlists.

Notable Collaborations:

- With Sonny Terry (Pier NYC, 19 August 1981): Unique collaborations like "I Got the Blues" and "Roll Me Baby" show how Johnny Winter interacted with guest artists, enriching the blues experience.

Summary

1. Opening with "Hideaway" – Johnny Winter typically opened his sets with this instrumental, setting a bluesy, energetic tone.

2. Mid-set Blues Jams – Songs like "The Crawl," "Messing with the Kid," and "Mississippi Blues" show his deep connection to traditional blues.

3. Rock Favorites – Classics like "Johnny B. Goode" and "Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo" brought a more rock-oriented energy.

4. Endings with Instrumentals and Collaborations – The setlist frequently ended with collaborative or solo instrumental pieces, often featuring high-energy jams or blues standards.

This pattern highlights Johnny Winter’s ability to balance traditional blues, high-octane rock, and crowd interaction throughout his 1981 performances.