Act #26 Johnnie Winter Monday, August 18, 1969... Midnight

Johnny Winter Woodstock Setlist Live

Johnny Winter, born John Dawson Winter III on February 23, 1944, in Leland, Mississippi, was an influential American blues guitarist and singer. He grew up in Beaumont, Texas, and was known for his distinctive style that blended electric blues, blues rock, and rock and roll. Winter and his brother, Edgar Winter, who is also a musician, were both born with albinism.

Winter's career took off after a 1968 article in Rolling Stone magazine highlighted the Texas music scene, leading to a major record deal with Columbia Records in 1969. This deal was notable for being one of the largest of its time for a solo artist. His debut album with Columbia, "Johnny Winter," was released in 1969 and was followed by "Second Winter" the same year. Winter was known for his energetic performances and his ability to play both simple country blues and electric slide guitar blues-rock.

Throughout his career, Winter collaborated with many legendary musicians, including Muddy Waters, whose career he helped revive by producing several Grammy-winning albums. Winter was also known for his performances at major festivals, including Woodstock in 1969.

Despite facing challenges, including a battle with heroin addiction, Winter remained committed to his blues roots. He continued to perform and record music until his death on July 16, 2014, in Zurich, Switzerland, at the age of 70. His legacy is marked by his influence on blues and rock music, and he is remembered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

My Take: Note: From Rolling Stone magazine: Johnny Winter's performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival has been highly regarded, despite not being featured in the original Woodstock film or soundtrack. His set was later released as part of "The Woodstock Experience," a series of recordings that paired live performances from the festival with the artists' studio albums from the same year. This release showcases Winter's exceptional blues-rock guitar skills and energetic performance, which contributed to his reputation as a guitar virtuoso.

His performance at Woodstock was one of the standout sets, highlighting his mastery of blues and rock guitar. His set included powerful renditions of songs like "Mean Town Blues" and "Johnny B. Goode," with his brother Edgar Winter joining him on stage for several tracks, adding saxophone and piano to the mix. The release of his Woodstock performance has been praised for capturing the raw energy and talent that Winter brought to the stage, solidifying his status as a significant figure in blues rock.

Rock On ♪♪♪...