The Johnny Winter Story
Fanmail
Jan/Mar 1997
Sun, 30 Mar 1997 12:02:02 -0600 (CST)
Steve Firman
Your page is unbelievable. I am huge Johnny Winter fan and am so glad to find other people who like him as much as I do. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and it is really tough to get his stuff here. I have all his major albums and a few of the odd one likes Leavin' Blues and White Lightning. I has been a real struggle to find his albums and find out information about him because it doesn't seem that people know much about him up here. I walk into a music store and they will probaly only have one of his albums; that's pretty sad. If I do find someone who knows about him the first question they ask is if I play guitar, that has happened a few times. By the way, your tabs are great you got all the best ones done. I love slide playing and when I play I use a slide at least 60% of the time.
I share the same opinion as you that Johnny is the greatest white blues player of all time, but I would go a bit further and say greatest blues guitar player of all time, hands down. I hate opening up guitar magazines and alwas hearing about Eddie Van Halen or Billy Corgan. Hell, Billy can hardly play what is he doing writing lessons in a guitar magazine. I hate all this new crap that comes out, and the guitar magazines take guys that are terrible and make them into heroes.
If you like Johnny Winter, you may like to hear Junior Brown. Junior is a country player, doesn't really play blues, but can he play. I also like Lightnin' Hopkins, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Mississippi Fred McDowell and Muddy Waters .
Fri, 28 Mar 1997 12:41:30 -0500
Tom Collentine
I sure wish Johnny would gig up in the Boston area.
I have been checking his tour schedule and he seems to stay around the New York Conneticuit area.
I have not seen him in this area for three years when I saw him at the paridise in Boston.
I have been considering driving down to the NY area but its difficult with my job and schedule.
I would sure like to hear him play the blues like "boot hill" and "you lie to much" or anything else for that matter. I need a good blues fix but most of the greats capable of curing this jones, like Freddie King are gone.
I sure heard a lot of johnnys playing in the late SRV but then Stevie always did immulate the masters like Winter, Albert King, and Hendrix.
Tom Collentine
Marlboro MA
Fri, 21 Mar 1997 23:34:16 -0600
laine Wrape & Tommy Webb
Great site, one of the best sites I have ever seen. Thanks
Wed, 19 Mar 1997 14:10:32 -0500
Al Spain
I've been a fan for over 25 years, but only got to see Johnny for the first time last September at a club called Park West in Clifton Park, near Albany, NY. There is a review of that show by a local reporter on the homepage, and I took some pictures.
That show was special to me because after buying many of his recordings for 25 years, I had always wanted to see him, but never had the chance. I went with my 16 year old son, because he had also become a fan after hearing the music in our house his whole life.
The crowd was a little edgy right off the bat because there was an hour and twenty minutes between the warmup band and Johnny's arrival. Then there was the excitement and the surprise of seeing him appear on stage. His gait was extremely slow, and he appeared to be much older than I had expected. I was shocked at his appearance, and didn't know what to expect from his guitar playing.
He immediately dispelled any doubts I had . He launched into some classic JW riffs, and everyone in the place (except him) was ROCKIN'. He was very stiff everywhere but where it really mattered - his fingers. His voice had lost a lot of his characteristic growl, but the man still moved the crowd like no one else can. His slide work on the old Firebird was still the best. On the way home in the car, I expressed my initial surprise at his appearance, and concern for his health. While the voice wasn't the same, Johnny still came through, and after the show, we agreed that we were privileged to have gotten to see him perform. He always was, and still is, one of my favorite blues men. I gotta wonder though, how long he can keep up the touring.
Sorry this was so long, I just wanted to let you know
that we (his fans) are out there, even if we don't contribute much to this group.
Al Spain
Wed, 19 Mar 1997 10:56:19 -0800
Bob Rushford
Just a note to let you know I'm here! I live in Port Jefferson New York on Long Island. I'm 41 & first saw Johnny when he toured behind the"Still Alive & Well" album in the early '70s.I've seen him 20-30 times over the past 20 something years. I saw him in '91 or'92 at the River Blues Festival in Philadelphia with Jeff Ganz on bass & he was as good as ever. I saw him this past August out here on the island & it was pretty sad. He played about an hour, made alot of mistakes, & looked pretty sick. I'm hoping what I saw was just a bad night but from what I've been reading about other recent shows they were similar to what I saw. Has anyone seen him recently? I'm going to try to make it to the Bottom Line shows in the city and I"ve got my fingers crossed!!
Wed, 19 Mar 1997 04:26:13 -0500 (EST)
I am 28 and live in Huntsville, AL. I first started listening to JW when I was 8. Captured Live was new at that time and I have been listening ever since. I have seen JW twice. Steve Morse, Jeff Beck, Jethro Tull, and Robin Trower are the only others I have enjoyed seeing as much as JW.
I saw JW twice in 94, once in Atlanta, GA and the other time in Birmingham, AL. He did not move much more than his fingers but he played very well. I was especially pleased with the Birmingham show. He played Eyesight to the Blind off of the Who's Tommy lp. I liked that song before but after I heard him play it I liked it much more.
I hope everybody will continue to try to get the news out about where JW is going to play. If anybody hears about him playing in the southeast please let me know. I don't want to miss it.
Mr. Winter if you happen to read this, I hope the best for you. Take care of yourself and I hope I get to see you soon. As long as I can find CD's that I don't have I will continue to buy them. Thank you for all the music you have played and recorded for us.
Wed, 19 Mar 1997 10:28:47 +0200 Mika Lehtonen
I discovered this superb page couple of weeks ago when I was surfing the net trying to find some information about Johnny. I read all mails with great interest, because I haven't heard about Johnny since his last album.
I' ve been a big fan of JW since 1984. At the time I still studied economics and one of my fellow students used to listen to Johnny now and then. I got interested and obtained records and information about him. I had played guitar about ten years, but only then I really got interested in blues. Last ten years my favourite hobby has been playing on Johnny's records and trying to copy him as well as I can. Some of my friends say that I'm pretty good...
Unfortunately I' ve seen Johnny live on stage only once. That was 13th of January 1986 in Helsinki where he had a sold out gig at Kulttuuritalo. The place was not very suitable for Johnny's kind of music: you have to sit on numbered seats and you can not drink any alcohol in the hall. However, when Johnny started plaing I had to smile from ear to ear. He was amazingly good. The only thing I was sorry for, was that he seemed to be little absent and did not enjoy the happening very much himself.
It has been nice to hear that Johnny is still touring. I hope that his health is getting better and he comes to Europe in the near future. If he comes to Finland, I will be present at all events !
Many thanks for this magnificent page. Keep the mails coming !
Mika Lehtonen
Helsinki, Finland
Tue, 18 Mar 1997 21:28:42 -0500 David Roberson
Here's another 43-year-old JW fan who avidly reads the list and hopes desperately that Johnny will come back down South again. I've seen him four times, all in North Carolina -- in Greensboro and Charlotte in the early 1970s, once in Durham in the late 1980s, and in Chapel Hill in the early '90s.
I'm a tremendous fan of the live albums, as well as Second Winter. Of the more modern work, I think I like Where's Your Brother best, although that changes from time to time.
Bringing up a new generation: I have a three-year-old daughter whom I take to day care on my way to work each morning, and she frequently says, "Daddy, play some more Johnny Winter." She can sing about half the words to Boney Maroney and It's All Over Now.
Cheers,
David Roberson
18 Mar 97 20:21:38 EST Robert Keay
Up here in Toronto I don't get much news on JW, so I use the forum as my info line. I've been a fan of JW since '75 or so. Hve seen him many times in Toronto (The Pheonix Theatre, Massey Hall, RPM). He hasn't been up here for about 5 years now, so I don't have much to add I'm afraid. So I'll read the posts from you guy's and be happy with that.
P.S.-( Still talk about the version of Red House he did on my birthday at the Pheonix Theatre with my buddy.Came in at about 25 minutes. Unbelievable!!)
Tue, 18 Mar 97 14:58:36 EST Rick Bader
I've been a fan of Johnny since the first time I listened to Progressive Blues Experiment, back in '69.
I've seen him play at clubs in Long Island (Key Largo), New Jersey (Club Bene), and NYC (Bottom Line). I also saw him at Woodstock (I'm dating myself). Progressive Blues and Second Winter are my personal favorites, but I've loved most everything I've ever heard him play.
I think I just read somewhere that he is coming back to the Bottom Line in NYC next month. As my office is right around the corner, I'll be sure to be there. Hope to hear from others in the NY/NJ area.
Tue, 18 Mar 1997 16:00:51 -0600 Mike McIntosh
I've been a big JW fan since the early 70's when I was introduced to his music by a friend. Growing up in Eastern Montana, as I did, made it impossible to see Johnny in concert. I moved to Austin in 83, and I'm happy to report that I have seen him here in Austin three times. Each time is better than the time before. The last time I saw him was at Liberty Lunch, a semi-outdoor venue. Due to a mechanical problem, Johnny and the band were very late. When they arrived, they came out on stage and blew with an incredible intensity. As I say, I'd seen him twice before, but this was something else! The most memorable musical experience I have ever had.
If you haven't spent some time at the web site you're missing a treat. Be sure to check out the Roy Buchanan site as well.
Mon, 17 Mar 1997 15:49:01 -0600 (CST) James Barnes
I saw Winter in the spring of '93 in St.Louis. It was a great show, one of my buddies managed to get a "gorilla" (as Frank Zappa would have called it) recording of about 90 minutes of the show. The tape is very mono, sounds rough, but you can still make out the notes Winter is playing, if anybody on this list would like to trade for it send me an e-mail, I also have a Hendrix bootleg that has the song "Things we used to Do," with Johnny Winter playing on the song. He's not listed but you can tell it's him. I trade Zappa and Dead also. One of my tape decks is down right now but should be back in a couple weeks.
Fri, 14 Mar 1997 17:15:04 -0500 Marlo Lewis
Sadly, I've only seen Winter perform on two occasions. The first was his debut performance at Filmore East, in 1968 (I believe), when he was the warm up act for B.B. King. My friends and I (we were in high school then) were amazed at his speed, originality, and showmanship. A few years ago (in '93 or '94 I think), I saw him at the Bayou in Washington, D.C. As you'd expect, he was outstanding. I'd love to see him again. If he's going to play anywhere near the D.C. area, please let me know. And thanks for putting up such a beautiful web page!
Thu, 13 Mar 1997 22:28:59 -0800 Robert Reeder
Was just looking around the net and pulled up JW's page. I use to play drums with Johnny and Edgar in Beaumont in the early 60's. I'm now living in Thailand and am in the states for a few weeks. I have a club in Pattaya, Thailand.haven't seen or talked to Johnny in several years but do talk to his parents from time to time. Really enjoyed looking through the JW home Page.
Tue, 11 Mar 1997 22:09:06 +0100 Folkert Homma
Great site, great info!
Especially the recent concert reviews (in USA) are interesting, 'cause JW hasn't been playing in Holland/Europe recently. I didn't know he had troubles with his health.
My most recent concert was in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on Feb. 12 1987. JW played his Erlwine Lazer and the Gibson Firebird for slide. As I remember it was a very energetic gig, with a good mix of new songs and classics.
I'm "following" JW since the late 70's, and I 've got most of the albums (at least the songs on them...) that are in your discography. >From the "live in Essen 1979" recordings, I've got a 10 inch record, pressed in blue vinyl. It only contains the medley leavin blues/rollin' and tumblin' on one side, the other side is Rory Gallagher with catfish.
All for now, I'll visit your site every now and then to see if there's any news!
Regards, Folkert Homma
Sun, 9 Mar 1997 10:56:13 -0500 (EST) Rex Thomas
I have read numerous items recently about Johnny's health and I am concerned! I am a Chiropractor and I utilize various Acupuncture techniqes as well as some nutritional and energy related aspects in my healing practice! If you have any connection or avenue to address Johnny I would extend an offer to do whatever is necessary on a personal level to help him with his health problems. There would be no charge, I have already received my payment in music. I have been a JW fan since 1968 when I bought an eight track tape of Johnny Winter. Every time I am at a gathering of close friends I have introduced to JW, we always get together at some point and crank up "BE CAREFULL WITH A FOOL".
Thanks for any input,
Rex Thomas
Sun, 23 Feb 1997 12:31:49 +0900 Tim
I saw Johnny Winter in Martinsburg, WV in 1995 (?). He was great but I felt really sorry for him because he looked so weak. I hear he's not getting any better. Please pass this on to him: take a break, clean up your diet and get some wholistic treatment. We want you to stick around for a while longer and enjoy what you love most, playing blues and rock and roll.
Take care,
Tim and Zach
Fri, 14 Feb 1997 21:55:05 -0800 Jens
My name is Jens and I am mailing from Bonn, Germany. First of all let me thank you for this great homepage about Johnny Winter. I have seen two of his concerts in Germany - one at Duesseldorf and one at Cologne - some years ago
Sat, 15 Feb 1997 01:17:36 -0500 (EST) Rex Thomas
I have been a Johnny Winter fanatic since 1968 or 1969 when I bought my first Winter 8 track tape for my car. The Johnny winter album with "be careful to a fool" on it.
I think I have seen him about 8 or 9 times over the years. He used to make a regular appearance in Tulsa, where I live but it has not happened in quite a while.
Thank you for the home page, a blessing indeed!
Rex Thomas
Thu, 13 Feb 1997 14:21:55 -0800 jim moellman
I'm 53 yrs old (born two weeks after johnny winter) . Grew up in SF bay area listning to blues and have enjoyed blues music all my life. Without any doubt I believe Johnny Winter to be the best blues guitar player alive. Have never seen him live and keep hoping that he will play in Reno, NV someday.
Sun, 10 Feb 1997 17:11 +0100
I'm 39 years old and listened to JW in my teens (and still do). I live on the west coast. Do you expect Johnny to play out here? How about playing the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA. Derringer played in a restaurant in the mountain town of Ben Lomond,CA (near Santa Cruz) not to long ago.
Still waiting,
Thx,
Gary
Sun, 9 Feb 1997 23:35:31 +0100 Ulrik "Swedish Viking"
I'm a swedish Johnny Winter fan. I've seen him three times (1985, 86 & 88) I'm joining the mailinglist! But it would be great if you got any new news about Johnny! I would love to see the White Blues King again!!!!!!!!!
Sun, 9 Feb 1997 18:05:30 +0100
I have been a fan of Johnny's since the first CBS album came out.
I first saw Johnny at the Albert Hall in London during 1970 at the CBS Sounds of the Seventies concert series. Johnny was headlining the bill, supported by the American group Flock and a British group (Steamhammer I think). This is 27 years ago, so my memory fades, but I do remember an incredible version of 'It's my own fault', and a version of 'Help Me'which had Johnny jumping high into the air . Part way through the show Johnny was joined on stage by Edgar, together they did a couple of numbers, including 'Tobacco Road'. The band at that time was Johnny, "Uncle" John "Red" Turner and Tommy Shannon, suplemented by Edgar. I was fortunate enough to get both Johnny and Edgar's autographs at that time and to have a short conversation with them both.
The second time I saw Johnny was at the Bath Festival in Somerset, later that year, it was just after Johnny teamed up with the McCoy's and the set that they did was a stormer, far more rocky and less bluesy than the first time. Most notable was Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo.
The third time I saw Johnny was at the Mayfair Suite in Birmingham in about 1972, around the time of Johnny Winter And Live, and the set that they did was almost a carbon copy of that Album. I sat about three feet from the low stage and was awestruck.
The last time I saw Johnny was during 1993 at Wolverhampton Civic Hall a year or so after the 'Where's your Brother' Album. This was a far less energetic Johnny than twenty years before (hardly suprising really, time slows us all down!) but none the less it was an amazing set, probably the most fluid performance I have seen by Johhny, and certainly the most emotion packed, it was just pure blues all the way through.
I have been waiting anxiously ever since for a new album, and another tour of the UK, does anyone have any news on that front?
I hope the news I'm hearing from this group about Johnny's health isn't anything serious, he has given me so much pleasure over the years I can only repay him by wishing him, via this mail, a speedy recovery, and best wishes from all of his fans here in the UK.
Love the news group, long may it continue, thanks for
listening....
Phil
Sun, 9 Feb 1997 16:51:30 +0100
To me, Johnny Winter is the greatest blues guitar player of modern times. He has the ability to play any style and to shift from blues to rock to blues and you never notice. There is something about the intesity of his playing that is overwhelming.
I first saw Johnny at the West Palm Beach festival in 1969. It was at a drag strip outside of West Palm on the way to Okechobee (sp?). The band at that time was Johnny, Edgar Winter, Uncle John Turner and Tommy Shannon. At that time, Columbia had released Johnny Winter and Second Winter. This was prior to JW hooking up with the McCoys. [I'll save the Atlanta '70 show for another post]. He played all three nights. He wore a black outfit that looked like a Wyatt Earp or Jesse James type outfit and stalked the stage ripping his guitar. I was amazed!
On the third night, he played, and after him, Vanilla Fudge and Janis Joplin played. All three of the groups came out and jammed. Edgar jammed with the drummers, Snooky Flowers, Janis' sax player, and with the organist from Vanilla Fudge. Tommy Shannon (SRVaughn's Double Trouble Band) jammed with both bass players and Johnny jammed with the guitar players. But the top of the show was Janis and Johnny doing some good ole scat singing Texas Blues style. It was what blew my mind when I was only 16! :-)
I have always wondered if there was a recording of this show floating around anywhere. He played some mean versions of Leland Mississippi Blues. If anyone knows of their existance, I would appreciate hearing from you.
Keep rocking,
Bentz
Fri, 7 Feb 1997 21:27:41 -0500 (EST) Greg Tabor
I have been listening to JW since I was a little kid. He is great.
Fri, 07 Feb 1997 15:09:52 -0800 Robert Keay
I've been a JW fan since '75 and have seen him a number of times in Toronto. The best time was on my birthday (April 10) can't remember the year (85-88) Did a smokin' version of Red House. Must've been 25 min. long! Still remember it!! Anyway, glad to find your page and have bookmarked it!
Thu, 6 Feb 1997 10:41:39 -0600 The Talbots
My name is Dirk Talbot. I'm a big Johnny Winter fan from
way back. I'm from Port Arthur, so I was exposed to his music at an early age.
I cant count the times I have seen him in concert. I still compare all guitarists
to Johnny Winter. Not too many come close.
Dirk
Tue, 28 Jan 1997 03:36:06 -0500 (EST) Zolby
I don't know were to start, I listened to johnny and edgar back in the 70's and did'nt really pay attention, until about 4 years ago when I started listening to the blues again. It was like finding god " I don't want to step on any toes by saying that but thats the way it felt". A neighbor of mine was listening to the music I was playing and knew I liked the blues, so he said you should get some johnny winter he's the best there is, and you know what after owning just about everything johnny has put out I've come to the concluion he's rite, I've never heard any other guitarist play as good. I feel sad in a way that I missed all the years of listening enjoyment but at the same time I feel like I was'nt ready to appreciate it like I am now. I play guitar but nothing like johnny, thier may be better out there but I've never heard it recorded on anything. In fact if anyone can name an artist that can even play as good as johnny I would like to hear it. Because i've never heard anyone else with such a wide spectrum of licks he's like an encyclapedia of music, I can't describe the way he makes me feel when I'm listening, It's like he plays exactly how I would like to play if I could play really well.His music was exactly what I've been looking for all my life and now that I've found it I can't let go. I don't understand why he's not the most famous artist in his field. there is so many blues players out there and they get alot of praise from loacal radio about how great they are and don't even hold a candle.All I want to know is does anyone know when he's coming to So. Cal. because I've never seen him and I sure would like to.If anyone can be of help e-mail me or leave a message on this fanmail screen
THANKS ZOLBY
Sat, 25 Jan 1997 09:23:21 -0500 Glenn Buxton
I've been rockin to the tunes of the two brothers from Texas since I was 15 years old, I am 42 years old now. "Second Winter" is a favorite, Edgar's "White Trash" too, but probably my favorite tune is "Still Alive and Well" on the "Live And" album.
I used to live in Smyrna, Delaware as a young man in high school and the places I partied at, and there were a lot of places to party in those days, almost without exception, had a collection that included Johnny and Edgar. Heck, half the kids in town would hang out the window of their car and growl "Rock and Roll" just like Johnny.
I remember hitchiking to see Johnny from Smyrna to Philadelphia when I was 17 years old. In those days most of Philly was wearing those darned disco clothes. I showed up at the Spectrum wearing a pair of beatup cowboy boots, jeans with a patch on the knees, a tee shirt, a jean jacket, and hair down to my armpits. I sat in the middle of the "Gold Chain" crowd and was pretty much ignored while the James Cotton Blues Band opened up the Show. Then Johnny walked on stage. He was wearing an old pair of cowboy boots, patched up jeans, a tee shirt, and a jean jacket and no noe cold miss that long flowing white hair. He growled, I growled, the show started and all the Philly crowd that was sitting around me started passing things my way.
I just moved from California to go to school here in Dayton Ohio for a Masters degree and I seem to be having a problem. The local "classic rock" station seems to be treating me like that Philly crowd did when I first showed up. I've asked repeatedly to hear them play some Johnny Winter, but so far they've shined it on. If anyone reading this would please let them know that there is more than one fan of Johnny's around I sure would appreciate it. The station is FM 102.9 WING in Dayton and their phone number for requests is 937 457 1029 and requests can be faxed to 937 457 3299. HELP !!! This town is listening to too damned much pop rock. "Every now and then, I know its kinda hard to tell, but I'm STILL ALIVE AND WELL."
Tue, 21 Jan 1997 21:06:09 -0500 Brian Maloney
Thanks for the great Johnny site. Wonderful!
Sat, 11 Jan 1997 23:45:39 -0800 tomas.weidenius
Thank s for beatiful playing, is there planned any european
concerts during 1997. A swedish J W fan.
Tomas
Thu, 9 Jan 1997 22:18:23 -0500 (EST) MKilmer
Great Page ! I' ve been a J W fan since the late 60's, saw him at Shady Grove in Maryland in 68? (It was the 60's, who remembers?) I also saw him several times in Daytona Beach, FL in the late 80's, early 90's. He hasn't been down here recently that I know of, but I keep watching for him.
Tue, 07 Jan 1997 22:34:13 +1100 neil carroll
As a firm JW fan for about twenty five years, I really enjoyed your comprehensive listing especially in the areas of his early material. I'm a casual collector (of sorts) of JW's early output (typically Relix stuff) as I find it to be extremely musical and interesting in its diversity. Of all the guitar heroes of the era such as Page, Clapton, Beck, Blackmore etc, Johnny's earliest output is the only material that stands the test of time in my humble opinion.
One of my favourite JW curios is an Edgar and Johnny interview LP that was released in the same jacket as the live Together LP. Intended as a promotional disc for radio stations, it contains a lot of amusing anecdotes from the pair including an hilarious account of how they (as the Black Plague) were mistaken at one time for the Beatles (no less).
I really think your page is an amazing resource for the casual and hardcore fan alike. I would expect Johnny himself would even be impressed!
Neil Carroll
Melbourne Australia
Wed, 01 Jan 1997 21:38:49 -0800 Gary Laplaca
Excellent job. I am a big JW fan, seen him over 50X.
Wed, 01 Jan 1997 16:59:38 -0800 John G Dorsey
I just stumbled onto your site today. Although Johnny Winter will probably never get his due as one the All-Time Greatest Guitarists Ever(!), it's great to see there is a forum for his hard-core fans. Thanx. I'm too busy doing boring work-like things to really get into your site for a week or so but I skimmed around and didn't notice any reference to the Winter/Hendrix connection. They did jam together and some of their collaborative (though not exceptional) efforts were published some years back.