Johnny Winter
at Woodstock 1969
Johnny Winter's electrifying Texas blues guitar work at Woodstock confirmed him as one of rock's most exciting new discoveries.
Johnny Winter — Woodstock 1969
Johnny Winter was born John Dawson Winter III on February 23, 1944 in Beaumont, Texas. A rare albino with snow-white hair, Winter brought a Texas blues ferocity to Woodstock that differentiated him from many of his peers.
Winter had been discovered playing the Texas blues circuit and was signed to Columbia Records for a then-unprecedented $300,000 deal — one of the largest recording contracts in history at the time. By the time of Woodstock, he was one of the most anticipated new artists in rock music, with Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix both citing him as an influence.
His Woodstock performance featured his raw, high-energy blues guitar style, blending traditional Texas blues with rock energy. Winter could coax an almost inhuman speed and sustain from his guitar, and his slide guitar work was without peer.
After Woodstock, Winter went on to produce Muddy Waters' comeback albums in the mid-1970s, work that revitalized the great bluesman's career and won Winter enormous respect in the blues community. His own albums, including "Second Winter" and "Johnny Winter And," are considered classics.
Johnny Winter continued touring until his death on July 16, 2014, maintaining his reputation as one of the greatest blues guitarists who ever lived.