EDGAR WINTER – The Edgar Winter Album 12" Vinyl LP Album

- 1979 Blue Sky Records studio album blending pop-rock, funk, and blue-eyed soul brilliance

Album Front Cover Photo of EDGAR WINTER – The Edgar Winter Album Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

Released in 1979, The Edgar Winter Album captures a transitional moment in Edgar Winter’s career — where his blues roots met sleek late-’70s production. Produced by Winter and remix pioneer Tom Moulton, the album glows with polished pop-rock charm, rhythmic funk grooves, and soul-infused melodies. Featuring standout tracks like “It’s Your Life to Live,” “Please Don’t Stop,” and the powerful reimagining of “Dying to Live,” this record remains a sophisticated snapshot of post-classic-rock artistry wrapped in Paula Scher’s clean Blue Sky design.

Table of Contents

"The Edgar Winter Album" Album Description:

The Edgar Winter Album, released in 1979, is a highly regarded musical masterpiece by the talented American musician Edgar Winter. Produced by Edgar Winter himself and Tom Moulton, with guidance from Steve Paul, this album showcases Winter's exceptional skills as a vocalist, keyboardist, and saxophonist. With a lineup of skilled musicians and performers, including Keith Benson on drums, James Williams on bass, Craig Snyder on guitar, and Larry Washington on congas, the album offers a diverse and captivating musical experience.

One notable feature of the Edgar Winter Album is its original custom inner sleeve, adorned with unique artwork and captivating photos. This attention to detail adds an extra layer of depth and visual appeal to the overall listening experience, making it a truly immersive journey for fans and collectors alike.

Edgar Winter, known for his versatility and proficiency across multiple instruments, brings his unique musical vision to life in this album. His soulful vocals, masterful keyboard playing, and expressive saxophone solos contribute to the album's distinct sound. Winter's ability to seamlessly blend various musical styles, including rock, jazz, and blues, further demonstrates his prowess as a musician and showcases his wide-ranging influences.

Supporting Winter's musical genius are the talented band members who contribute their individual skills to create a cohesive and dynamic sound. Keith Benson's drumming provides a solid foundation for the album's rhythmic sections, while James Williams's bass playing adds depth and groove. Craig Snyder's guitar work brings a melodic edge to the compositions, complementing Winter's vocals and instrumental performances. Additionally, Larry Washington's congas inject a rhythmic and percussive energy into the album, enhancing the overall sonic experience.

The Edgar Winter Album offers a diverse range of tracks that highlight Winter's exceptional songwriting abilities. From the energetic and catchy hooks of rock-oriented tracks like "Above and Beyond" and "It's Your Life to Live" to the more introspective and blues-infused sound of songs like "Take It Easy" and "Dying to Live", the album showcases Winter's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Pop Rock / Funk Rock / Blue-Eyed Soul

This album blends soulful vocals with polished 1970s pop-rock arrangements, showing Edgar Winter’s transition from experimental blues roots to a more radio-friendly sound that reflected the era’s crossover success.

Producers:
  • Edgar Winter – Producer
    Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter known for fusing rock, blues, and R&B. By 1979, Winter had already achieved major success with hits like "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride," cementing his place in American rock history.
  • Tom Moulton – Producer
    Often called the father of the remix, Moulton pioneered the extended disco mix and brought high-gloss production techniques to late-70s rock and soul recordings.
  • Steve Paul – Direction
    Steve Paul was a charismatic impresario who owned the legendary New York nightclub “The Scene,” a late-1960s haven for rock’s wildest innovators. Beyond curating electric nights for Hendrix and Clapton, he managed the explosive careers of Johnny and Edgar Winter with relentless vision and style. Learn about Steve Paul
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Arthur Stoppe – Engineer
    Philadelphia-based engineer associated with Sigma Sound Studios, known for his precise mix work on R&B and soul recordings during the 1970s.
  • Darrell Rogers – Assistant Engineer
  • Doug Epstein – Engineer (Additional mixing at Mediasound, NYC)
    Epstein worked on a range of New York studio sessions, later recognized for his engineering on projects by jazz and fusion artists.
Recording Location:

Sigma Sound Studios – Philadelphia, PA

A renowned studio that shaped the “Philadelphia Sound,” famous for artists like Patti LaBelle, The O’Jays, and David Bowie’s Young Americans sessions.
Mixing Studio & Location:

Mediasound Studios – New York City

One of Manhattan’s most sought-after studios of the late 1970s, frequented by acts such as The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder.
Mastering Engineer & Location:
  • Jose Rodriguez – Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound, New York City
    Sterling Sound’s veteran mastering engineer, responsible for finalizing numerous gold and platinum records during the peak of analog mastering.
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Paula Scher – Design
    One of America’s most influential graphic designers, later famed for her iconic typography work with CBS Records and Pentagram.
Photography:
  • Ken Robbins – Photography
    A leading music photographer whose crisp, high-contrast imagery appeared on numerous 1970s Columbia and Blue Sky album sleeves.
Orchestration:

Orchestra on “Dying To Live” and “Forever In Love” arranged by Edgar Winter and conducted by Peter DiBerardino.

Label & Catalognr:

Blue Sky Records – Cat#: JZ 35989

Blue Sky Records was a CBS-associated label founded to showcase Johnny and Edgar Winter’s projects and other artist-driven productions.
Album Packaging:

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with artwork/photos.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Weight: 230g

Year & Country:

1979 – USA

Special Thanks:

Teddy Slatus, Jacqueline Lau, Peter Kapp, Allan Carlin, Guillemmo Rodriguez, Sebou, Glenn Letsch, George Bogatko, Vivian Abbott and the entire staff at Sigma Sound Studios, Pa., Mr. Turner at the Barclay Hotel, Borck and Mensch, Eli Schoenfield, and Gordon and Hank at Mediasound, New York City.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Edgar Winter – Lead and background vocals, keyboards, saxophone
    Texas-born multi-instrumentalist and composer whose blend of rock, blues, and jazz made him one of the 1970s’ most versatile performers. He rose to fame with “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride,” showcasing both virtuosity and showmanship.
  • Craig Snyder – Guitar
    Studio guitarist with a smooth tone and melodic phrasing, Snyder played across genres from rock to funk and was a frequent collaborator in Philadelphia’s recording scene.
  • James Williams – Bass
    A respected bassist from Philadelphia’s vibrant studio circuit, Williams contributed to numerous R&B and jazz-infused rock sessions during the late 1970s.
 
  • Larry Washington – Congas
    Veteran percussionist deeply rooted in the Philadelphia soul movement, Washington’s conga rhythms featured on countless hits by artists such as The O’Jays and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
  • Keith Benson – Drums
    Philadelphia session drummer active in the soul and funk scenes, known for his steady groove and work with MFSB and the Philly International label.

Complete Track-listing: (From Edgar Winter's 1979 LP)

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. It's Your Life to LiveSingle
    Released as the lead single from the album, blending pop-rock hooks with Winter’s signature soulful vocals.
  2. Above and Beyond
  3. Take It the Way It IsOriginal
    An Edgar Winter original that channels a glossy late-70s funk-rock style. (Not a cover, as commonly credited to E. Winter).
  4. Dying to LiveRe-recording
    Originally from Edgar Winter’s 1971 album White Trash, re-recorded here with orchestral arrangements for a more cinematic tone.
Video: Dying to Live - Edgar Winter | The Midnight Special November 2, 1973
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Please Don’t StopSingle
    A funky mid-tempo tune released as a follow-up single, showing Winter’s shift toward polished pop production.
  2. Make It Last
  3. Do WhatGuest
    Features guest backing vocalists from the Philadelphia soul circuit, adding warmth and groove.
  4. It Took Your Love To Bring Me Out
  5. Forever in LoveAlbum Closer
    This romantic ballad closes the original record with lush orchestration and a reflective mood. It was the original final track (#9).
Video: Edgar Winter - Please Don`t Stop

Additional Information:

All selections written by Edgar Winter and published by Hierophant, Inc. (BMI).

Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of 'The Edgar Winter Album' (1979, Blue Sky Records). The image shows Edgar Winter standing on a pale sandy beach at sunset, dressed entirely in white—matching suit, frilled shirt, and tie—topped with a massive fur coat draped over his shoulders. His long platinum hair and beard glow under soft pastel light, giving the portrait an ethereal, dreamlike tone. The minimal frame and handwritten album title above reflect the refined, introspective style of this late-1970s studio release.

The front cover of The Edgar Winter Album (1979, Blue Sky Records) presents a striking and serene image of Edgar Winter posed on a pale, almost luminescent shoreline. He stands confidently, slightly turned toward the viewer, his hands tucked into the pockets of a pristine white suit that radiates under a cool, diffused light. Draped around his shoulders is an enormous fur coat, its warm beige tones contrasting with the washed-out seascape behind him.

The background captures a surreal horizon where the sand meets a faintly colored sky—pastel hues of lilac, cream, and blue merging into one another. Winter’s hair and beard, both naturally white, reflect the ambient light, making him appear almost otherworldly—part rock icon, part spectral figure. His calm yet direct gaze conveys both confidence and vulnerability, as if aware of the reflective nature of the album that bears his name.

The cover design is framed by a thin black border with a handwritten title, “The Edgar Winter Album,” in fluid cursive across the top. Its minimalist layout—devoid of logos, text clutter, or flashy typography—perfectly suits the late-’70s aesthetic of sophistication and introspection. The photograph captures not just an artist, but an atmosphere: the merging of artistry, personality, and introspection in a single timeless image.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of 'The Edgar Winter Album' (1979, Blue Sky Records). The image features Edgar Winter in a pale fur coat, standing against a softly glowing sky and sand-colored background. His white hair and beard blend seamlessly with the pastel environment, creating a ghostly, luminous effect. At the top, production credits list Edgar Winter, Tom Moulton, and Steve Paul, with a dedication to Monica Winter. Along the bottom edge runs the complete tracklist printed in simple sans-serif type, typical of CBS/Blue Sky’s minimalist late-1970s aesthetic.

The back cover of The Edgar Winter Album continues the ethereal visual concept of the front sleeve. It shows Edgar Winter once again wrapped in his voluminous fur coat, facing slightly over his shoulder as if caught in a moment of reflection. His white hair and beard shimmer in soft natural light, merging with the sandy tones of the background. The muted gradient of the sky, washed in pastel peach and cream, gives the scene an almost dreamlike stillness.

At the top of the sleeve, small text reads: “Inspired by and dedicated to Monica Winter.” Just below, the production credits name Edgar Winter and Tom Moulton as producers, with Steve Paul credited for direction. The barcode appears in the upper right corner, a mark of late-1970s retail standardization. The overall layout maintains a crisp balance between imagery and typography—minimal yet elegant, true to Blue Sky Records’ design ethos.

Along the lower margin, the tracklist spans from left to right, each title separated by small dots. Beneath, the CBS copyright notice and manufacturing information are neatly printed in fine text, completing the formal presentation. The composition reflects the era’s transition toward polished studio artistry—merging visual restraint, emotional intimacy, and commercial precision in one unified design.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Inner sleeve front side of 'The Edgar Winter Album' (1979, Blue Sky Records). A monochrome photograph shows Edgar Winter embracing a woman, both dressed in white against a bright background. Winter, in a light suit and scarf, gazes tenderly at her while she looks calmly toward the camera. On the left are detailed printed credits listing musicians, engineers, recording studios, and acknowledgements; on the right, the album’s tracklisting appears in a small block of text. The composition exudes intimacy and elegance, blending personal warmth with professional detail.

The inner sleeve front side of The Edgar Winter Album features a graceful black-and-white photograph capturing a moment of quiet affection between Edgar Winter and a woman, both dressed in light clothing. Winter, with his distinctive white hair and beard, wears a pale suit with a matching tie and coat, gently holding his companion close as he gazes at her. She faces the camera with a calm expression and soft smile, wrapped in a light shawl that matches the minimal tones of the image. The contrast between their dark hair and light garments creates a composition that feels both intimate and cinematic.

Printed along the left side of the sleeve is a full block of production credits, including musicians, engineers, and special acknowledgments. The text lists contributors such as Arthur Stoppe, Tom Moulton, and Steve Paul, with references to Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia and Mediasound Studios in New York. On the right edge, a smaller column displays the complete tracklist for both sides of the album, maintaining a clear and orderly layout. The design mirrors the understated elegance of the album’s sound—sophisticated, soulful, and personal—offering both visual warmth and professional transparency.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Reverse side of the inner sleeve from 'The Edgar Winter Album' (1979, Blue Sky Records). The design features a handwritten poem by Edgar Winter addressed to 'Dear Monique,' titled 'Forever in Love.' The text, written in delicate black ink on a plain white background, expresses devotion, reflection, and timeless affection. Signed 'I Love You – Edgar,' the page is simple and personal, framed by white margins with faint texture from the paper. The CBS catalog number 35989 appears subtly at the bottom right, marking the record’s authenticity and era.

The reverse side of the inner sleeve for The Edgar Winter Album presents an intimate handwritten poem from Edgar Winter titled “Dear Monique.” Centered on a blank white page, the delicate script flows across the surface in dark ink, creating a sense of quiet sincerity. The poem speaks of love, time, and devotion—lines such as “I want you to hear, I want you to know” and “If love is a dream, please let it come true” reveal the artist’s personal voice, blending lyricism with emotional candor.

The handwriting, neat but unpolished, carries the rhythm of spoken words rather than studio lyrics. At the bottom, Winter signs his name with the phrase “Forever in Love” followed by a small heart, adding warmth to the minimal design. The overall layout is starkly simple—no borders, no illustrations—allowing the handwritten note to take visual and emotional focus. At the lower left, the faint CBS ©1979 imprint confirms its production origin, while the number 35989 printed in the lower right identifies the catalog edition.

This inner sleeve stands apart as a personal artifact within the album’s design—a love letter rather than a technical insert. It merges intimacy and professionalism, showing a rare glimpse of Winter’s emotional world behind the polished sound of the record itself.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One label for 'The Edgar Winter Album' (1979, Blue Sky Records JZ 35989). The label background is a smooth gradient of sky blue fading into white clouds, overlaid with the stylized 'Blue Sky' logo in large cursive silver lettering across the top. Beneath the spindle hole, centered black text lists album details including artist name, title, and tracklist: 'It's Your Life to Live,' 'Above and Beyond,' 'Take It the Way It Is,' and 'Dying to Live.' The label includes publishing and copyright notes crediting Edgar Winter and CBS Inc., with manufacturing information circling the lower rim of the disc.

This close-up photograph captures Side One of The Edgar Winter Album on Blue Sky Records, catalog number JZ 35989. The label design features a serene blue sky background fading into soft white clouds, symbolizing the label’s signature identity. At the top, the sweeping metallic-silver “Blue Sky” logo floats across the horizon-like gradient, elegant and fluid in late-1970s style typography.

Below the spindle hole, the centered black text identifies the album title, artist name, and song listings for Side One: “It’s Your Life to Live,” “Above and Beyond,” “Take It the Way It Is,” and “Dying to Live.” Each track includes running times and songwriting credits to E. Winter. Additional information below notes Blue Sky’s trademark status and CBS Inc.’s copyright claim from 1979. The manufacturing credit—“Distributed by CBS Records / CBS Inc. / 51 W. 52 Street, New York, N.Y.”—wraps neatly around the outer edge, maintaining perfect alignment.

The overall presentation is clean, balanced, and unmistakably professional, reflecting the refined production quality and corporate precision of CBS’s late-’70s label aesthetics. The glossy vinyl surface surrounding the label subtly mirrors light, adding texture and depth to the minimalist design.

Index of EDGAR WINTER Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

Edgar Winter - The Edgar Winter Album front cover
Edgar Winter - The Edgar Winter Album

The Edgar Winter Album, released in 1979, is a highly regarded musical masterpiece by the talented American musician Edgar Winter. Produced by Edgar Winter himself and Tom Moulton, with guidance from Steve Paul , this album showcases Winter's exceptional skills as a vocalist, keyboardist, and saxophonist.

Edgar Winter - Hangin' Around b/w Frankenstein
Edgar Winter - Hangin' Around b/w Frankenstein Single album front cover

 EPIC EPCS 1236 , 1973 , Holland

Edgar Winter's 1972 7" single, featuring "Hangin' Around" and "Frankenstein," encapsulates the dynamic 1970s music scene. "Hangin' Around" blends rock and blues, reflecting the era's optimism, while "Frankenstein" pioneers electronic sounds, foreshadowing future genres. The vinyl's 45RPM format, coupled with a visually striking picture sleeve, epitomizes the era's music consumption trends. Winter's innovative fusion and experimentation left an indelible mark on the evolving soundscape of the time.

Hangin' Around b/w Frankenstein 7" Vinyl Single
Edgar Winter - Jasmine Nightdreams
Edgar Winter - Jasmine Nightdreams album front cover

Blue Sky (CBS) 1975, SKY 80772 , 1975 , Netherlands

Edgar Winter's 1975 masterpiece, 'Jasmine Nightdreams,' transcends genres, blending rock and jazz with experimental flair. Released as a 12" LP in the Netherlands, it showcases Winter's musical evolution. Collaborations with talented artists yield a timeless collection, praised for its innovation. This sonic journey, marked by classics like 'Jasmine Nightdreams,' continues to resonate, capturing the essence of the dynamic 1970s music scene.

Jasmine Nightdreams 12" Vinyl LP
Edgar Winter's White Trash - Roadwork
Edgar Winter's White Trash - Roadwork album front cover

EPIC AL 32150 / OEG 31249 , 1972 , USA

Edgar Winter's "Roadwork" 2LP VINYL, released in 1972, epitomizes the musical landscape of the early '70s. Produced by Rick Derringer and Steve Paul, the album's sonic richness is enhanced by the expert engineering of Pete Weiss and others. The visually captivating cover, designed by Ron Coro and John Berg, complements the live-recorded energy within. Featuring guest musician Johnny Winter, "Roadwork" stands as a timeless fusion of rock, blues, and jazz, leaving an indelible mark on its era.

Roadwork 12" Vinyl LP
Edgar Winter Group With Rick Derringer
Edgar Winter Group With Rick Derringer album front cover

 Blue Sky Sky 80970 , 1975 , Netherlands

The 1975 LP by the Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer, produced by Derringer and Steve Paul, embodies the musical spirit of the Leisure era. Recorded at LEISURE and mastered by Tom Rbastenek, the album's sound engineering by Dave Still ensures a seamless blend of instruments. With captivating cover photography by Hrio and a portrait by Steinbicker/Houghton, this timeless release captures the essence of a transformative period in music history.

Edgar Winter Group With Rick Derringer 12" Vinyl LP