Through it all, the man’s measure as a guitarist, vocalist and bandleader seemingly leaps, evolves and tightens its rein. Selections from the Columbia debut, 1969’s Johnny Winter, include original songs like “I’m Yours And I’m Hers” and “Dallas,” along with “Mean Mistreater” featuring Willie Dixon and Walter “Shakey” Horton. It was Winter’s first visit to New York City, and resulted in landing him a six-figure advance from Columbia Records, reportedly the largest advance of it kind’s at the time. The next thing you know, Mike Bloomfield is introducing a young Johnny Winter to the Fillmore East, calling him the “baddest motherfucker, man” and adding “this cat can play,” which he proceeds to do for almost 11 minutes on John lee Hooker’s “It’s My Own Fault,” with Bloomfield and Al Kooper at his side. At once, you’re swept up by the fervent, agile guitar licks and Winter’s roar of a voice. Organized chronologically, True To The Blues: The Johnny Winter Story begins with the swampy, low-down acoustic blues of “Bad Luck and Trouble” and the upbeat, rollicking “Mean Town Blues,” both original compositions from Winter’s very first record, The Progressive Blues Experiment. Fans, freaks and curious onlookers can get the cream of the crop of Winter’s music on the four-CD box set, True To The Blues: The Johnny Winter Story. Through it all, he’s stayed true to his calling, overcoming personal demons, maintaining a busy and constant touring schedule, and making it all the way to the ripe age of 70 on February 23, 2014. Indeed, Johnny Winter’s career is one of extraordinary opportunities and challenges. “I was hoping I would,” he laughed, “I’m lovin’ it.” That love, passion and dedication to his craft and the blues have resulted in nearly 30 studio and live albums of his own, as well as contributions as a guitarist and producer on dozens of others, including the last four albums by Winter’s hero, Muddy Waters. ![]() ![]() During a brief phone interview in 2013, I asked Johnny Winter if he thought 45 years after playing Woodstock in 1969, he’d still be out playing and touring today.
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