JOHNNY WINTER - THE BEST OF JOHNNY WINTER - JAPAN 12" Vinyl LP Album

This is the Japanese release of the album"The Best of Johnny Winter" it is a compilation of Johnny's best songs from the period 1970-1973. On the front cover there is a photo of Johnny Winter playing a White Gibson Firebird and on the album's back cover Johnny is playing a Gibson Les Paul.

Large Hires Front Cover Photo
Album Description:

When it comes to the world of blues and rock 'n' roll, few names command as much respect and admiration as Johnny Winter. A true guitar virtuoso and a master of his craft, Winter's influence on the genre is immeasurable. As a testament to his incredible talent and enduring legacy, the Japanese release of "The Best of Johnny Winter" on a 12" vinyl LP album serves as a comprehensive compilation of his greatest hits from the period spanning 1970 to 1973.

Adorned with a striking front cover featuring a captivating photo of Winter himself, his hands effortlessly gliding across the fretboard of a White Gibson Firebird, the album immediately captures the essence of his electric energy. The sheer intensity and raw passion that Winter exudes with every note are palpable, setting the stage for an auditory journey that will captivate fans old and new.

Flipping the album over reveals another iconic snapshot of Winter, this time wielding a Gibson Les Paul, a testament to his deep connection with the instrument and his ability to coax out its soulful voice. The back cover serves as a visual reminder that Winter's music was not only about technical brilliance but also about evoking profound emotions and connecting with his audience on a visceral level.

As the needle meets the grooves of the vinyl, a timeless collection of Winter's most memorable tracks begins to play. From the opening notes of "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo", his blues-infused rock anthem, to the soulful wails of "Still Alive and Well" and the electrifying riffs of "Mean Mistreater", each song showcases Winter's unparalleled skill as a guitarist and his ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and boogie-woogie into a sound uniquely his own.

"The Best of Johnny Winter" takes listeners on a journey through his critically acclaimed albums of the early 1970s, including "Johnny Winter And", "Second Winter", and "Still Alive and Well". These albums not only solidified his place in music history but also cemented his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

One cannot discuss Johnny Winter's discography without acknowledging his powerful collaborations. The album features standout tracks like "Highway 61 Revisited", a scorching rendition of Bob Dylan's classic, and "Rock Me Baby", a mesmerizing duet with the legendary blues guitarist Muddy Waters. These collaborations not only demonstrate Winter's ability to hold his own alongside some of the genre's finest but also highlight his unwavering dedication to the blues tradition.

With each track on the album, Winter's technical prowess and emotional depth shine through. From his lightning-fast guitar solos to his soulful vocals, he effortlessly delivers the raw essence of the blues, capturing the hearts of listeners worldwide. It is this rare combination of technical brilliance, emotional authenticity, and sheer passion that sets Johnny Winter apart and makes "The Best of Johnny Winter" an absolute must-have for any true fan of blues and rock music.

As the final chords reverberate through the speakers, one thing becomes abundantly clear—Johnny Winter's music transcends time and continues to resonate with audiences across generations. His artistry is a testament to the enduring power of the blues and its ability to evoke profound emotions within the listener.

Music Genre:

  Blues-Rock, Hard Rock-n-Roll 

Record Label Information:

  CBS/Sony SOPM 91

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1974 JAPAN
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Johnny Winter
  • Rick Derringer

    Rick Derringer (born Ricky Zehringer on 5 August 1947) an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He first gained fame as a member of The McCoys, a rock group that had a hit with the song "Hang On Sloopy" in 1965. He later became a solo artist and has worked as a producer and collaborator with many well-known musicians.

    Derringer was born in Fort Recovery, Ohio and grew up in Union City, Indiana. His family was musical, and he began playing guitar at an early age. In the mid-1960s, he formed The McCoys with his brother Randy and three other musicians. They had several hits, including "Hang On Sloopy," which was a number one hit in the United States in 1965.

    After The McCoys disbanded, Derringer formed the band "Johnny Winter And" with blues guitarist Johnny Winter. He also played on several of Winter's albums, including "Johnny Winter And Live" and "Still Alive and Well." In 1973, Derringer released his first solo album, "All American Boy," which featured the hit song "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo."

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    Derringer continued to release solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "Spring Fever," "Guitars and Women," and "Face to Face." He also worked as a producer, producing albums for artists such as Cheap Trick, Meat Loaf, and Mason Ruffner.

    In the 1990s and 2000s, Derringer continued to perform and record. He also worked as a collaborator with many musicians, including Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, and Kiss. He has been inducted into the Guitar Player Hall of Fame and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

    Throughout his career, Derringer has been known for his guitar skills and his ability to write catchy rock songs. He has influenced many musicians and continues to be a respected figure in the rock music world.

    Rick Derringer's career highlights

    1947: Rick Derringer (Born Rick Zehringer) is born on 5 August in Fort Recovery, Ohio, United States.

    1963: Derringer forms his first band called The McCoys with his brother Randy. The band gains national attention with their hit single "Hang On Sloopy", which reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

    1966: The McCoys release their self-titled debut album, which includes "Hang On Sloopy" as the lead single. The album achieves moderate success.

    1969: Derringer leaves The McCoys and embarks on a solo career. He releases his debut solo album titled "All American Boy", which features the popular song "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo". The album establishes Derringer as a notable guitarist and rock artist.

    1970: Derringer collaborates with Johnny Winter, joining Winter's band and contributing his guitar skills to Winter's album "Johnny Winter And".

    1973: Derringer continues his collaboration with Johnny Winter, appearing on Winter's critically acclaimed album "Still Alive and Well". Derringer's guitar work shines throughout the record.

    1973: Derringer releases his second solo album, "Spring Fever".

    1974: The Edgar Winter Group releases their successful album "They Only Come Out at Night", which includes the hit singles "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride". Derringer's guitar work is prominently featured throughout the album.

    1976: Derringer releases his third solo album, "Derringer", which includes the popular single "Let Me In". The album showcases his blues-rock style and receives positive reviews.

    1980: Derringer releases his fourth solo album, "Face to Face", which includes the single "Goodbye Again". The album marks a transition to a more commercial sound.

    1983: Derringer forms the band DNA (Derringer and Appice) with drummer Carmine Appice. They release their self-titled debut album, which features a mix of hard rock and pop-oriented tracks.

    1987: Derringer releases his fifth solo album, "Back to the Blues", returning to his blues roots. The album receives critical acclaim for his guitar skills and soulful performances.

    1990s: Derringer continues to release albums and perform live, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter. He also collaborates with various artists, including Cyndi Lauper and Alice Cooper.

    2000s: Derringer remains active in the music industry, touring and recording new material. He also makes occasional guest appearances and collaborates with other musicians.

    2010s: Derringer continues to perform live and release albums independently. He also collaborates with Johnny Winter on various projects, including live performances and recordings.

  • Randy Jo Hobbs

    Randy Jo Hobbs (Full-name: Randy Joël Hobbs) was an accomplished bass player known for his exceptional talent, innovative style, and dynamic stage presence. Born on 22 March 1948, in Winchester, Indiana, Hobbs developed a deep passion for music at an early age. His innate musical abilities and dedication to his craft would ultimately lead him to become one of the most respected bass players of his time.

    Hobbs' breakthrough came in 1969 when he joined the band The McCoys, known for their hit single "Hang On Sloopy". This opportunity allowed him to showcase his bass-playing prowess on a larger stage and gain recognition within the industry. Shortly thereafter, he caught the attention of rock legend Johnny and Edgar Winter.

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  • Richard Hughes – Drums

    Richard Hughes was an American drummer who played with Johnny Winter's band from 1973 to 1976. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on 31 March 1950. Hughes began playing drums at a young age, and by his early twenties, he was playing in local bands in the New Jersey area.

    In 1972, Hughes was playing in a Johnny Winter cover band when he was spotted by Winter himself. Winter was impressed by Hughes's playing, and he invited him to join his band. Hughes accepted the invitation, and he began touring with Winter in 1973.

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    Hughes played on five albums with Winter, including Still Alive and Well, Saints & Sinners, John Dawson Winter III, Captured Live, and Together. He was known for his powerful drumming style, which helped to drive Winter's blues-rock sound.

    In 1976, Hughes left Winter's band to pursue other musical interests. He continued to play drums in various bands, and he also worked as a session musician. In 1981, he rejoined Winter's band for a brief tour.

    Hughes struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. In 1985, he took his own life at the age of 35.

    Hughes's drumming was a key part of Johnny Winter's sound. His powerful playing helped to drive Winter's blues-rock sound, and he was a vital member of Winter's band during his most successful period. Hughes's legacy as a drummer is still felt today, and he is remembered as one of the most talented drummers of his generation.

    In addition to his work with Winter, Hughes also played with a number of other notable musicians, including Rick Derringer, Bob Margolin, and Charlie Musselwhite. He was a respected figure in the blues-rock world, and his death was a major loss to the music community.

Complete Track-listing of the album "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan"

The detailed tracklist of this record "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Silver Train 3:33
  2. Still Alive And Well 3:24
  3. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl 2:45
  4. Memory Pain 5:27
  5. Boney Moroney 2:38
  6. Prodigal Son 4:15
  7. Let the Music play 3:12
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Rollin'Cross The Country 4:29
  2. Jumpin' Jack Flash 4:26
  3. Mean Mistreater 5:48
  4. Rock And Roll Medley - Great Balls Of Fire/Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 6:46
  5. Hurtin' So Bad 4:41
High Resolution and Quality Photos of Complete Album Covers  "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan"
High Resolution Album Front Cover Photo "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan"
Johnny Winter playing a Gibson Les Paul Guitar on the Album Back Cover  Photo
Johnny Winter playing a Gibson Les Paul Guitar on the Album Back Cover  Photo  
Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan" 12" LP Record - Side One:
Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan" 12" LP Record - Side One:
Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
Large Hires Photo

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

JOHNNY WINTER - Vinyl and CD Discography and Album Cover Gallery



Johnny Winter , was an American musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Best known for his high-energy blues-rock albums and live performances in the late 1960s and 1970s, Winter also produced three Grammy Award-winning albums for blues singer and guitarist Muddy Waters. After his time with Waters, Winter recorded several Grammy-nominated blues albums. In 1988, he was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and in 2003, he was ranked 63rd in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time'. He was also known for his collaborations with other musicians, including Muddy Waters and Edgar Winter. Winter's career spanned several decades and he released numerous albums throughout his lifetime. He died on 16 July 2014.