The Rock and Roll world lost another great one today with the passing of Johnny Winter, who died in his hotel room in Zurich, Switzerland today at the age of 70. It is unknown at this time what was the cause of his death.
The distinctively looking Winter (he was born with albinism and horrific eyesight) would carve a place for himself in the Rock/Blues world. Winter first gained recognition in 1968 as a live act, and would put out his first album the following year. While Winter never sold a ton of albums, nor had radio friendly singles, he quickly became known for his live performances and would be one of the few musicians in the early 1970’s that could sell out an arena without the benefit of radio.
Winter, who was once introduced at the famed Fillmore East as the “baddest mother fucker” delighted crowds with the rapid speed in which he played the guitar, yet was still rooted in the Blues and had the soul and fluidity of the Blues legends he grew up on. He also sang with an earnest and intense growl, in a voice that could only match the way he played.
Perhaps the crowning achievement of Johnny Winter’s career was when he was able to produce his childhood idol’s album. In 1977, Winter produced Muddy Waters’ albums, which he also played on. The collaboration not only revitalized Waters’ career but also earned three Grammy Awards.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our condolences to the friends and family of Johnny Winter at this time.
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