By Melissa Tilley
The "Still Alive and Well Homecoming Benefit" marks the first time Johnny and Edgar Winter have performed together in public since the 1980s. The brothers, who showed an early and intense interest in music, began their careers in Beaumont, playing local radio and television shows.
Just in time to lift the spirits of Southeast Texans after Hurricane Rita, American musical icons Johnny and Edgar Winter are returning home to Beaumont for a long-awaited reunion and homecoming benefit at the Beaumont Civic Center on Thursday, 17 November.
"The Winter boys are having a party, and you’re all invited," said Edgar Winter during a telephone interview from his home in Beverly Hills. "Beaumont is where we grew up, and we’re excited to return."
This benefit will be the first time the Winters have performed together since the 1980s. "Johnny is my all-time musical hero," Edgar added. "I can’t wait to get on that stage with him."
The brothers were raised in a musically inclined family. "Our father played guitar and banjo and taught us chords," Edgar recalled. "Our mother played classical piano. We have wonderful memories of playing music with them." Edgar, largely self-taught, developed his interest in music at the age of four. By 1959, Johnny (15) and Edgar (12) formed their first band, Johnny and the Jammers, making a name for themselves in the Beaumont music scene.
Edgar remembers some of the local venues they performed at, including the Red Lion, Yvonne’s, the Continental, the Black Cat, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, along with appearances on The Uncle Willie Radio Show and Don Mahoney’s Television Show. "I never understood how special the Beaumont music scene was until I moved to New York and started playing internationally," Edgar reflected. "Music in Texas is real, with its own unique personality—there are so many influences, like blues, country and western, Latin, Cajun, and more. The sophistication of it all is amazing."
Johnny’s big break came in 1968 when Rolling Stone magazine featured him in an article on the Texas music scene. A bidding war between several labels led to a deal with Columbia Records. His self-titled debut album was released in 1969 with his blues trio. Over the course of 30-plus albums, Johnny became a legendary guitarist, shifting between country blues and electric slide guitar blues-rock. His latest album, I’m a Bluesman—which earned a Grammy nomination—continues to impress fans and critics alike. Johnny is regarded as "one of the most respected singers and guitar players in rock, and the clear link between British blues-rock and American Southern rock."
Johnny’s hits include "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo," "Still Alive and Well," "Silver Train," "Hustled Down in Texas," and "It’s My Own Fault." He also produced and played guitar on Muddy Waters’ Grammy-winning Hard Again (1977) and Grammy-nominated I’m Ready (1978) albums.
Johnny is currently on a national tour promoting I’m a Bluesman, continuing through May 2006.
Edgar, after contributing to Johnny’s early records, embarked on his own path in 1970, signing with Epic Records and releasing Entrance, on which he played most of the instruments. He later formed White Trash, a band of boys he grew up with. The group found success with Edgar Winter’s White Trash (1971) and the gold-certified album Roadwork (1972). Later that year, Edgar formed The Edgar Winter Group, producing hits like "Frankenstein," which reached number one on the Billboard charts, and the ever-popular "Free Ride." His 1973 album, They Only Come Out at Night, was certified double platinum in 1986.
With more than 20 albums and numerous collaborations, Edgar expanded into television and film, appearing in the movie Netherworld and contributing music to over 15 film and television projects. His song "Dying to Live" was remade by Eminem as "Runnin’" for the film Tupac: Resurrection.
Edgar’s music, which blends rock, blues, and jazz influences, is known for its innovation. His fans expect something new with each album and performance.
Naming the concert The Still Alive and Well Homecoming Benefit seemed fitting. "We wanted to express sentiment for coming back to Beaumont," Edgar said, noting that the title comes from Johnny’s 1973 album. "We try to come back to Beaumont a couple of times a year," he added, mentioning that their mother and many friends still live there.
As for what to expect from their performance on 17 November, Edgar exclaimed: "Beaumont, get ready for a rockin’ good time!"
Tickets for The Still Alive and Well Homecoming Benefit are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show, available at the Beaumont Civic Center box office
All net proceeds from the benefit will be donated to the Southeast Texas Food Bank to help with recovery efforts.
