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Sonobeat Records, founded in Austin, Texas, in 1967 by Bill Josey Sr. and Rim Kelley (Bill Josey Jr.), quickly established itself as a pioneering independent label in Texas, capturing the burgeoning local music scene. Focused on recording blues, rock, and psychedelic music, Sonobeat became a platform for emerging Texas talent, including a young Johnny Winter, whose raw, electrifying blues style would soon gain him international acclaim.
In 1968, Sonobeat released Winter's single "Mean Town Blues" b/w "Rollin' and Tumblin'" (catalog number R-S107), recorded live at the Vulcan Gas Company, a legendary Austin music venue. Produced by Rim Kelley, the single features Winter's gritty take on McKinley Morganfield's classic "Rollin' and Tumblin'" and showcases his original "Mean Town Blues." The single captures Winter’s signature blend of intense slide guitar and soulful vocals, helping to solidify his reputation in the Texas blues scene. With Burton Wilson's striking photography and a unique filmstrip-style cover, the release is as visually compelling as it is musically, marking an important milestone in both Sonobeat’s catalog and Winter's early career.
Collector Notes: The "Rollin’ and Tumblin’" / "Mean Town Blues" single, originally from Johnny Winter’s breakthrough album The Progressive Blues Experiment , captures two quintessential tracks that showcase his raw, powerful blues style. Initially released on Sonobeat Records , this single is a collector’s treasure, available with both a two-sided picture sleeve (considered ultra-rare) and a single-sided picture sleeve (rare), making it highly sought after by blues and vinyl enthusiasts.
Notably, this release features Sonobeat’s debut of its now-iconic stylized “S” logo, marking a significant visual evolution for the label. Designed by Rim Kelly , the sleeve includes a striking black-and-white photograph of Johnny Winter, emphasizing the raw, gritty aesthetic of his sound. Some versions of this single were also released on the Liberty label , further extending its reach and appeal.
Issued in Solid State Stereo , the single provides exceptional sound quality for the time, capturing the depth and intensity of Winter’s performances on *"Rollin’ and Tumblin’"* and *"Mean Town Blues."* This release not only highlights Winter’s rise in the blues world but also represents a key artifact in Sonobeat’s history, tying together visual innovation with Johnny Winter’s powerful early work.
Blues
JOHNNY WINTER
SONOBEAT R-S107 A
SONOBEAT
Produced by Rim Kelley
SOLID STATE: STEREO
R-S107 A
C Music (BMI)
3:09
©1968 by Sonobeat Recording Co.
Made in U.S.A. Sonobeat Recording Co.
ROLLIN’ AND TUMBLIN’
(McKinley Morganfield)
WINTER
Blues
JOHNNY WINTER
SONOBEAT R-S107 B
SONOBEAT
Produced by Rim Kelley
SOLID STATE: STEREO
R-S107 B
Sonsong Music Company (BMI)
4:26
©1968 by Sonobeat Recording Co.
Made in U.S.A. Sonobeat Recording Co.
MEAN TOWN BLUES
(Johnny Winter)
WINTER
"This is STEREO recording; may be played on monaural equipment."