Edgar Winter: A Lifelong Musical Journey with Johnny Winter and Beyond

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Edgar Winter is a renowned American musician, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has made significant contributions to the worlds of rock, jazz, blues, and pop music. Born on 28 December 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, Edgar Holland Winter was destined for a life immersed in music, given his family's musical background. His father, Johnnie Winter Sr., was a skilled saxophonist and guitarist, and his mother, Edwina, was a talented pianist.

Edgar Winter's musical journey began at a young age when he started learning classical piano and clarinet. However, it was his introduction to the alto saxophone during his teen years that sparked a lifelong passion for music. Alongside his older brother, Johnny Winter, a renowned blues guitarist, Edgar honed his skills and became a proficient saxophonist.

Edgar's early collaborations with Johnny date back to their high school years in the 1960s. They formed various "school bands," playing at local events and honing their craft together. One such group was "Johnny and the Jammers," where both brothers performed, blending blues and rock styles. These formative years cemented their musical synergy and marked the beginning of a partnership that would resurface throughout their careers.

In the late 1960s, Edgar became a key collaborator in Johnny Winter’s emerging career, particularly during the period when Johnny was gaining national recognition. Edgar often performed with his brother's band, contributing his saxophone, keyboard, and vocal skills. Their dynamic live performances and recordings reflected their shared passion for music and the deep bond between the brothers.

This collaboration extended into the early 1970s when Edgar was part of Johnny Winter's band during several recording sessions and live performances. Edgar’s versatility added layers to Johnny's raw blues sound, infusing elements of jazz and rock that would later become prominent in his own work.

In 1970, Edgar formed his own band, "The Edgar Winter Group," while still maintaining his collaborative ties with Johnny. His own breakthrough came with the release of the album Entrance in 1970, followed by They Only Come Out at Night in 1972, which featured the iconic instrumental track "Frankenstein." Despite this success, Edgar continued to work with Johnny, periodically joining his band for tours and special performances, especially throughout the 1970s.

Throughout his career, Edgar Winter collaborated with various artists and musicians, showcasing his versatility and proficiency on multiple instruments, including saxophone, keyboards, synthesizer, and vocals. He also ventured into producing and writing music for other artists.

In addition to his work with The Edgar Winter Group, Edgar pursued a solo career, releasing albums that explored different genres and musical styles. His solo discography includes albums such as Jasmine Nightdreams, Shock Treatment, and Mission Earth.

Edgar’s lifelong connection with Johnny Winter, beginning in their early "school bands" in the 1960s and continuing through the late 1960s and early 1970s, remains a key part of his musical journey. Over the years, he has remained active in the music industry, touring extensively and captivating audiences with his electrifying performances. His music continues to influence aspiring musicians and resonate with fans across generations.

Brothers Johnny and Edgar Winter started their professional musical careers back in the mid-Sixties when they played in a variety of local Texan bands, eventually moving to Chicago where, as members of an outfit called Black Plague, they worked many of the local clubs.

In 1968, while playing regular gigs at a New York club, The Scene, and being managed by its owner, Steve Paul , the brothers came to the attention of various record companies. Early the following year, Johnny was signed by CBS Records to a five-year contract for a reputed $300,000, and his debut album was released in June, reaching Number 24 in the US chart. The same year, 1969, saw Johnny Winter appearing live at various major gigs in the US, including the three-day Newport Festival in California, the Newport Jazz Festival on Rhode Island, and at the Texas International Pop Festival held in Dallas, where he appeared before an estimated 120,000 people.

The new decade saw the release of a second Johnny Winter album, Second Winter , which became a best-seller while a single from it, a revival of the rock and roll classic Johnny B. Goode, was also a minor hit. The album also gave Johnny a taste of British chart success, reaching Number 58. Live performances continued to play an important role in his career, and appearances included the Atlanta Pop Festival and a New York Shea Stadium anti-war festival, where he appeared on the same bill as Paul Simon, Steppenwolf, Janis Joplin, and many other top rock names.

Meanwhile, brother Edgar, who had featured on Johnny’s album Second Winter, had formed his own band, White Trash, and the debut album Edgar Winter’s White Trash became an American chart hit while a single, Keep Playin' That Rock 'n' Roll, entered the Billboard Hot 100. May 1972 saw the release of a White Trash double album, Roadwork, which reached Number 23 in the US chart, while a reworking of the soul classic I Can’t Turn You Loose was also a hit single. Soon afterwards, however, Edgar decided to disband the outfit and went on to form The Edgar Winter Group. The first album with the new line-up, They Only Come Out at Night, produced by Rick Derringer, was a major chart hit in the States, climbing as high as Number Three and earning Edgar his first gold disc.

In 1973, The Edgar Winter Group found themselves with a surprise Number One hit single in the US with an instrumental, Frankenstein, which had originally been the B-side of Hangin’ Around, suddenly starting to pick up heavy airplay and went on to sell a million copies. Frankenstein also became a British Top 20 hit, while Edgar enjoyed another Top 20 success in the US with Free Ride.

The mid-Seventies saw both brothers continuing to make an impression on the US charts. Hangin’ Around itself became a hit for Edgar after the success of its B-side Frankenstein, and a new album Shock Treatment reached Number 13 and gold status. Two Edgar Winter singles, River’s Risin’ and Easy Street, also found favour with record-buyers. Brother Johnny, meanwhile, had a Top 40 hit with the album Saint and Sinners.

In the summer of 1976, the two brothers teamed up for a new album, Together, then early the following year, Johnny produced a Muddy Waters comeback album and toured with the blues legend, who had been one of his heroes. He also recorded his own solo album, Nothin’ But The Blues, which was released in 1977, followed by White Hot And Blue in 1978.

The Eighties saw both brothers continue recording, albeit in different capacities. While Johnny has released several albums independently and appeared at events like the San Francisco Blues Festival, younger brother Edgar has concentrated more on session work, working with names like Meat Loaf and Bette Midler. Who is to tell what the future will bring, though—it’s not impossible that Edgar will return to recording in his own right or working once again with his brother.

Until that day happens, though, there is still the Edgar Winter catalogue to delve into, and this new compilation Brothers In Rock 'n’ Roll features 10 of his best recordings, alongside another 10 from brother Johnny. It’s a collection that justifies its title and underlines the contribution they have made to the rock and roll, and blues music scene.

Chris White