The First Album (Blue Sky Records) is a re-issue of the first album Johnny Winter released on the CBS Record label and was also known as the Black Album. The year of release of this re-issue on Blue Sky is unknown and must after 1973 (The year Blue Sky records was formed).
Johnny Winter's self-titled debut album is a re-issue and has also referred to as "The First Album" or the "Black Album", marked the beginning of an extraordinary musical journey for the legendary blues-rock guitarist. Initially released on the CBS Record label, the album was later reissued under the Blue Sky Records banner, which was formed in 1973. While the exact year of the Blue Sky reissue remains unknown, it undoubtedly served as a testament to the enduring power of Winter's raw and electrifying sound.
"The First Album" introduced the world to the prodigious talent of Johnny Winter, who was already a seasoned performer by the time of its release. Born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1944, Winter began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly developed a deep passion for the blues. His exceptional skills on the instrument, coupled with his soulful vocals, made him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Winter's bluesy sound was heavily influenced by the greats who came before him, such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King. However, he added his own unique flair, infusing his music with a high-energy rock 'n' roll edge. His guitar playing was characterized by lightning-fast solos, intricate slide work, and a gritty tone that oozed with emotion. With his powerful voice and mesmerizing stage presence, Winter captivated audiences and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most electrifying performers of his generation.
"The First Album" showcased Winter's exceptional musicianship across ten tracks that ranged from blistering blues-rock to soulful ballads. The album opened with "I'm Yours and I'm Hers", a high-octane track that set the stage for what was to come. It featured Winter's scorching guitar work and dynamic vocals, leaving no doubt that he was a force to be reckoned with.
Other standout tracks on the album included "Leland Mississippi Blues", a soulful and haunting tune that showcased Winter's mastery of slide guitar, and "Dallas", an energetic instrumental that highlighted his dexterity and technical prowess. The album also featured Winter's rendition of the classic blues song "Good Morning Little School Girl", which further solidified his status as a true bluesman.
The Blue Sky reissue of "The First Album" on a 12" vinyl LP allowed fans to experience Winter's music in its purest form. The warmth and depth of vinyl provided a fitting medium for his rich, soulful sound, taking listeners on a sonic journey through the heart and soul of the blues.
Throughout his career, Johnny Winter released numerous albums and collaborated with a wide array of artists, including his brother Edgar Winter and blues icon Muddy Waters. His impact on the world of music cannot be overstated, as he helped bridge the gap between blues and rock and influenced countless musicians across genres.
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Music Genre: Blues Music |
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Collector Notes: Johnny Winter The First Album is a re-issue of Johnny Winter self-titled album aka the Black Album.This is the rare Blue Sky issue of the "First Album" , which has also been issued on the Embassy records labels. |
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Album Production Information: Produced by Johnny Winter |
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Record Label Information: Blue Sky SKY 32206 / CBS 63619 / CS 9826 / LC 3231 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
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Year & Country: 1969 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Johnny Winter The First Album |
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Track Listing of: Johnny Winter The First Album |
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"TheFirst Album" Record Label Details: Blue Sky SKY 32206 ℗ 1969 CBS IncSound Copyright
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.