Steve Paul (Born Stephen Neal Paul 28 April 1941 – 21 October 2012)) is an influential figure in the music industry, best known for his role as the manager of the renowned rock and blues musicians Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter. Throughout his career, Paul played a vital role in shaping the success and careers of these talented brothers, helping them reach new heights in the music world. With his keen business acumen and deep passion for music, Steve Paul left an indelible mark on the industry and the lives of the artists he represented.
Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Paul was born in The Bronx, New York City, to a high school principal and a homemaker. He attended Dobbs Ferry High School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where he graduated at the age of 16. He began his career at the age of 17 doing public relations for a New York City restaurant and Peppermint Lounge.
Born in the mid-20th century, Steve Paul grew up with a profound love for music. His fascination with the blues, in particular, led him to explore the vibrant music scenes in his hometown of New York City.
In the early 1964, Paul opened a blues club called The Scene in Greenwich Village, which soon became a mecca for both established and up-and-coming musicians. The club quickly gained a reputation for showcasing remarkable talent, attracting legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones.
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Managerial Role:
Paul was the one-time manager of Johnny Winter, among other related performers, as well as being the owner of The Scene, a popular New York City club from 1964 to 1970, and the founder of Blue Sky Records. In 1969, Paul founded Blue Sky Records, an independent record label. The label released albums by Winter, Hendrix, and other artists. Blue Sky Records was eventually acquired by Atlantic Records in 1972.
Steve Paul's journey as a manager began when he discovered the immense talent of Johnny Winter, a blues guitarist and singer known for his electrifying performances. Recognizing Johnny's potential, Paul took him under his wing and became his manager. He worked tirelessly to secure record deals, book tours, and promote Johnny's music to a wider audience.
Paul's keen eye for talent didn't stop with Johnny Winter. He also recognized the exceptional musical abilities of Johnny's younger brother, Edgar Winter, who played multiple instruments and possessed a distinctive musical style. Inspired by his brother's success, Edgar embarked on his own solo career. Steve Paul recognized the potential in Edgar as well and became his manager, guiding him through the music industry and helping him establish his unique musical identity.
Contributions and Achievements:
Under Steve Paul's guidance, both Johnny and Edgar Winter achieved remarkable success. Johnny Winter, known for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful voice, became one of the most respected blues-rock musicians of his time. He released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "Johnny Winter" and "Second Winter". Paul's managerial expertise ensured that Johnny secured record deals with major labels, toured extensively, and gained recognition worldwide.
Meanwhile, Edgar Winter flourished as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. His versatility and genre-bending style, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and blues, captivated audiences and set him apart as a true musical innovator. With Steve Paul's guidance, Edgar released his groundbreaking album "They Only Come Out at Night", which included the chart-topping instrumental "Frankenstein" and the timeless hit "Free Ride".
Legacy:
Steve Paul's contributions to the careers of Johnny and Edgar Winter cannot be overstated. As their manager, he played an instrumental role in shaping their artistic paths, helping them navigate the complexities of the music industry, and introducing their music to a global audience. Paul's dedication to his artists, combined with his astute business acumen, set the stage for the Winter brothers' enduring success and their lasting impact on the rock and blues genres.
In 1990, he published a book about his life and career, called "The Scene: Steve Paul's Adventures in Rock and Roll."
Paul died in Queens, New York City, in 2012, at the age of 71. He was survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.
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