The Johnny Winter Story
Fanmail
Mon, 28 Dec 1998 22:46:28 -0800
Hey Johnny!
When are you coming to scandinavia? We have been waiting for you a very long
time now and twice the tours have been cancelled,how about trying to get here
again? And you know a new CD sometime 1999 would be great!
A big fan in a small scandinavian country
Åke Nyberg,Sweden
Sat, 26 Dec 1998 22:44:00 +0100
Dear Winter Brothers:
I'm an Italian girl. I've a lot of your records, especially first recordings,
and I love them all. I've never seen your concerts but I hope you'll visit my
country one day and play for your Italian fans. Johnny & Eddy, you're great!
Lena
Sun, 22 Nov 1998 22:52:13 -0000
Found you website tonight and was sad to read of the bad shape johnny seems to be in. "almost blind " according to one concert review. I live in England and have been a fan since I was 16. Mainly through his CBS recordings and The Progressive Blues Experiment (still one of my favourite albums) For me he seemed to lose direction after Still Alive & Well but I still picked up the occasional Album Winter of 88 Guitar Slinger & his most recent Live in NYC which displayed a lot of his old Soulful playing. I have never seen Johnny play live and perhaps with him being in such bad shape I never will. I know he's lived and played hard but from the only recent tv I've seen of him he's a real Southern Gent !!!
There are obviously a lot of people who care about Johnny connected to your site and they seem to have an understanding of the politics involved in his career and management.
I would like to hear from anyone who cares to write and let me know what's going on
Best Regards to a great site for a great guitarist
Paul Messam
Sun, 22 Nov 1998 01:16:31 EST
only miles from beumont tx now but saw more of johnny in ohio and detroit. first time i saw him he was opening for alice cooper in detroit at east somethin theater...dand im old... well anyways i hitchhiked ther...cops picked us up dropped us at the theater. what a show....johnny...tapped the mike and said...something like...."fix this"...it was "sparkin" him...and he said .."it pisses me off"...we laffed for years about that... the highway song johnny and ..sheesh where is my brain....uh the other guitar player...crap...im 45yrs old and my brain is fried....well any ways they were runnin at each other bangin their guitars into each other....it was wild. they did "the edgar winter drum solo"..better known as frankenstienit was awesome.
i still have the original album and its still in good
shape...have all others too. glad to see he's still kickin around... also got
married at a winters concert in austin....right in front of stage!!!! well hope
to see johnny here sometime but with the most popular club closed here i dunno
where he would play...us oldies would sure love a dose.....rock and roll hootchie
coo
the frome
Fri, 20 Nov 1998 22:55:16 -0500
I'm really impressed with your website! I've never seen
a Johnny Winter website with such information before. I have a site dedicated
to him, but it's far surpassed by yours (http://www1.madbbs.com/~fstrat/jwinter.htm).
I just recently saw Johnny Winter play in Lackawanna, NY and I was really surprised.
I was expecting to see him come out with his old Firebird and play some rock
and roll! Instead, he came out with this mini-bodied headstockless guitar that
couldn't have weighed more than 5 pounds and started blowing me away with slow,
melodic blues. I noticed some of his old riffs had been slowed down and emphasized
a lot more. He looked so old and frail. I wish I could have seen him in his
prime, but at least I got to see him! I'm only 17 years old, and realized his
genius only 2 years ago. Well, just thought I'd let you know that he's "Still
Alive and Well" with me, and that you're website is TITS! Keep the faith!
§tRaTo
Fri, 23 Oct 1998 14:41:44 EDT
I have the original Johnny Winter album. I'm 46 years old and still drag it out every now and then. The only problem is that now it sounds like Johnny is playing in the middle of a forest fire. But what the heck, those scratches are memories too.
I was drivin' in my car and heard Stevie Ray Vaughn doing an acoustic version of "Pride and Joy." I thought, "Man, I'm hearing licks that heard Johnny Winter doin' 30 years ago." I was really glad to find the web site. It's great to know that he is well and still makin' music. The last time I saw him was in Columbia, Missouri in 1970. He shared the stage with Linda Ronstadt and Stone Ponies. A most incredible experience.
The first time I heard that original album, it was playing
on an 8 track tape. We had just rolled into St. Augustine, Florida and we were
drivin' through some cobblestone streets. It was about 6:00am and there was
fog rolling through the streets and wisping around the corners of the Spanish-style
buildings. The Spanish moss was hangin' from trees and fences. Johnny Winter
was beltin' out "I'm yours and I'm Hers." Some memories are just destined to
last forever.
Thanks.
Mon, 12 Oct 1998 20:32:12 -0400
hey only call him the "best white" blues player because he's a white albino. Get it? I've seen johnny at least 15 times, the best being in 1987 in NC, just after Guitar Slinger was put out. He did Bonie Maronie and Zep's Rock And Roll. He absolutely COOKED. There will never be another like him. Stay healthy Johnny, TS
Tue, 6 Oct 1998 02:32:31 EDT
My name Is Jim Goodwin, I have just started playing blues guitar and look anywhere for inspiration, I think that you have an awesome site. It is one of the most complete I have ever seen. Thanks for the help and keep up the work on the nice site.
Wed, 30 Sep 1998 08:27:57 -0500
J.W. -
If you ever read this, Thanks. Thanks for thirty years of the most kick-ass
blues ever recorded, and thanks for starting me on a life long love affair with
the blues.
Sun, 27 Sep 1998 07:35:49 EDT
I REALLY LIKE THIS J.W. SITE. PEOPLE IDOLIZE STEVIE RAY
AND WITH GOOD REASON BUT I THINK JOHNNY WINTER IS THE ALL TIME GREATEST. BEING
A GUITAR PLAYER, I NOTICE RIFS AND HOW THEY ARE REPEATED IN A SAME SONG OR IN
OTHER SONGS. JOHNNY IS MORE ORIGIONAL AND THERE ARE VERY FEW PLAYERS OUT THERE
(IF ANY) THAT CAN COPY HIS STYLE.
THANKS
DAN
Mon, 21 Sep 1998 23:47:30 +0930
Hi there Johnny. Greetings from Australia. I could not
pass up the opportunity that THE JOHNNY WINTER WEB PAGE has given me--- to be
able to write to my all time favourite blues muso. Just want you to know that
you've been providing me with musical enjoyment since the early seventies. I
have most of your recordings and play them over & over. I have never tired of
your music & never will. Thanks a bunch. I do hope that you get to to read this
one day.
best regards John Walton
Fri, 18 Sep 1998 00:59:29 EDT
you shouldn't call him the best white anything!!! He is as black as they come. and he plays better than half of the old "black" cats!!---Brian
Thu, 17 Sep 1998 22:22:15 EDT
I dont know how to adress this letter to be honest i dont
really even know how to spell very well but there is something i would like
to say on tuesday September15 1998 Johnny Winters was here in my town littel
ol Kalamazoo i went to the concert while i had only heard two songs from Johnny
well if this is to you then from you and the only reason i went to the concert
was becouse i had heard your name and it was hountinglly highlly placed and
so i went to the concert which now is only two days ago and I was Blown out
of my mind i couldnt believe how muhc incrediblle music i heard this show ur
show Johnny was the best show i have ever seeen it was incrediblle and it had
so much soul in it for some reason ims till amazed by how you grabbed my attention
i thouhgt u would be one of those fast guitar players who really are jsut doing
exercises but when u played what u played it was like so incrediblle i couldnt
take my eyes of the guitar you and the whole show it was well im not a church
person but it was like looking at God that being you Johnny i mean i really
couldnt take my eyes off you you impressed me beyond a shadow of a doubt and
it was jsut what i needed. Im trying to learn how to play the guitar on my own
and i really was torn becouse i really placed my standards so higlhlly and i
went to your show and i was looking for an inspiration but i dont think i got
it i got something else something different all i know is even if i donwt become
a great guitarist i will try till death do me part from my guitar im really
blown away by your guitar playing i still cant believe that there are peaople
still out there like you that still play incrediblle music thats not commercial
and not a rip offf but something incrediblly just wonderfull soulfull and real
yes thats the word i wanted to use ur show was the most reallistic show i have
ever seen it was jsut you the drummer and the bassist and thw show was better
than any 5 piece band i have seen it was real it wasnt an artist jsut he comes
on stage and plays his songs and thats it and everyone loves them for it this
was well i really felt like you were playeg for the fans the peoaple that enjoy
ur music all across the world i dont know how to end this letter i really dont
so ill jsut end it with you are Johnny Guitar and you did play in my town and
im thankfull more than i can put into words thank you
Ugis Berzins (from kalamazoo Michigan(small blues town))
Tue, 8 Sep 1998 09:24:40 -0400 (EDT)
Just writing to say that I think your Johnny Winte page is extremely informative and shows that you love Texas blues and boogie. They don't make records like Still Alive, Saints & John Dawson anymore. Thank God for artists like Winter who made the early 70's a memorable and fun era.
Thu, 27 Aug 1998 19:57:49 -0400
Johnny Winter is one of the greatest guitar players of all time!!!! Cecil J. West
Tue, 28 Aug 1956 07:43:05 +0000
Johnny Winter only gets better with age! I've been diggin'
Johnny since the early 70's (Edgar Too) and what's even better is finding old
music now on CD. I bought the Progressive Blues Experiment last week with Tommy
Shannon on bass at there's nothing better than old music that is actually
brand new to you. I am a former disc jockey and believe me, we're missing out
even in the major markets where you don't hear Johnny, Buddy
Guy, or real guitar slingers. Call your rock stations and tell them to get
with it, because this music is good any decade and for the next millenium. Johnny's
current trio is tight and actually most all of his band members have been great
musicians. Johnny's at the House of Blues in Chicago on Saturday Sept 5th! By
the way, the new live album has some excellent jammin' as usual.
Keep Rockin' TH
Fri, 14 Aug 1998 00:08:19 +0900
Hi !
I 'm Daisuke sato from Japan. Sorry, I cannot speak and write English well,
I saw your homepage, feel so Great !! Great page!! I like Johnny winter very
well, But...... In Japan, no homepage about Johnny. So...at my homepage, I write
about "captured live"! Today, After I look up your page, I want to write to
about johnny more ! I hope to make a Johnny Winter no1 site in Japan!
Wed, 29 Jul 1998 17:18:31 -0700
Hello there Johnny,
never in my life, have I ever heard any one play the blues with such passion....I
have most all your releases... you really do deserve more credit these days...no
one really sems to know just how great you are....well hear this brother, I
know you are a guitar god, and one hell of a blues legend, you just remember
that theres a fan out there, and he never once gave up on your beautiful powerful
music....it makes my world turn...my biggest dream is to one day actually get
an autographed photo from you, that would really please me....big time, and
my wife. take care, and keep up the greatness. fans always, .....
shane and may
3435 Artesia blvd # 30
Torrance, ca 90504
Tue, 21 Jul 1998 15:54:49 -0500
I'm 46. Got turned on to Johnny in about 67 or 68. I've seen him perform numerous times over the years. The first time was at the Atlanta pop festival in 68 I think. I have 8mm film from that concert and some footage where I sneaked back stage and found Johnny jamming in a trailer with Canned Heat's singer (big fat guy) can't remember his name. It was great. When Johnny started to play Leland Mississippi Blues he had three false starts because the power went out. I guess he blew a breaker. Johnny played about some clubs here in Nashville a few years ago. I caught him every time. When I get a Scanner I'm going to find someone to let me put the pics on there web site. Johnny I wish you would come back to Nashville. There is a lot of blues music happening here.
Mon, 29 Jun 1998 04:11:02 EDT
Glad I found your page. It's always good to see someone
back up their passion with productive outlets. Turned on to JDW in the late
seventies. Have never tuned out. Truly the greatest guitar player of all time.
Others have been more influential, Clapton, Hendrix, etc. However, if you put
all the type of guitar styles together then Johnny is the man. He plays with
speed, but is under control. His slide is second to none (sorry Duane). He lays
down incredible rhythm tracks while others are soloing. His energy and power
have never been matched on such a consistent basis. It really pisses me off
when some magazine or book lists the most influential guitarists and he's not
on the list. However, every one of those lists says something like "couldn't
fit everyone in, players such as Johnny Winter......," but the funny thing is
that at least 1/4 of the guys on the list mention him as a major influence.
If he were dead I'm sure he'd be on every list, and thank goodness that he's
not. He's is about the only guitarist whose style I can't copy. I'm talented,
but after listening and trying to keep up and sound like Johnny really puts
you in your place. On his first Columbia album the self entitled "Johnny Winter"
record he does a version of Be Careful With A Fool that every self indulgent,
speed driven, so called virtuoso should be forced to listen to. He is so incredibly
fast on that cut, but he knows when to pause. Every guitarist today should be
forced to listen to that cut and then maybe most of the music (sic) of today
wouldn't be such a piece of shit. Anybody should know the greatness of Johnny
Winter. If they don't it just means more tickets for his fans when he comes
around to play. Keep up the good work brother.
Peace, Michael Scott
Mon, 22 Jun 1998 15:35:04 -0800
I stumbled upon your page in my continuing search for MORE Johnny Winter music. He definitely is the most underrated blues guitarist around. In fact, I poised such a question to Coco Montoya during a break in one of his sets up here in Anchorage. His response: "Well, I don't know about that..." Montoya will never touch Winter when it comes to playing blues guitar or contributing to the blues resurgance in America. Credit that to Johnny when he produced Muddy Waters ' final set of LPs. As for my dream Johnny Winter CD... I'd like to see him rerecord "Progressive Blues Experiment". Those are some of the cleanest and hottest blues ever recorded. Winter was absolutely phenomenal on that album.
By the way... I'm 41 and have been listening to Johnny since I was in seventh grade. I wish him all the best for his contribution to blues and to my listening pleasure.
Thanks.
Brad Slama, Anchorage, Alaska.
Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:45:51 -0000
I'm a 42 year old guitarist from TN, and I grew up listening to Johnny, and Edgar. I really learned a lot of great guitar by doing that, and I've seen him many times during his career. I hope he's doing well and still getting around ok. That guy has influenced me tremendously, and I still think he's the BEST!!! I have put a link to your great page about Johnny on my page. you can view it at http://www.ecsis.net/~bluzchev/index.html if you would like. It may not be appropriate, but you can link me back, maybe on another link page, if you will
.
Anyway,,,,I think you guys have done a great thing for one of the most incredible musicians ever to walk this planet, and I want you to know that there's a bunch of us out here that APPRECIATE IT!!!!
Regards,
Mick Dycus
Thu, 11 Jun 1998 20:21:33 -0500
Just found your page about JW. I've been listening to
him since high school. I even bought a second edition Firebird when I started
playing guitar. The best concert I've ever seen was in 1982 and JW was playing
in Austin, Texas, with Stevie Ray Vaughan opening for JW. SRV was hot, but Johnny
was hotter. Johnny, next time your in Austin, play a place with some provision
for the handicapped to enjoy your shows as well. Age does catch us all.
Cliff
Tue, 09 Jun 1998 16:45:18 -0400
Interesting website. I'm from Port Arthur, TX same age as Johnny. I remember seeing him and Edgar on Beaumont's "Uncle Willie's" local TV program playing guitars and singing as kids. Saw him several times playing around the Beaumont-Port Arthur area in the 1960's. The most memorable: once saw him jam on stage with Jerry (Count Jackson) LaCroix's band at the Big Oak Club in Vinton, LA. Must have about 1962. He played Johnny B. Goode. Winter could definitely rock, even then. Beaumont-Port Arthur area produced lots of good rock'n roll musicians during that era.--Ed
Sat, 23 May 1998 22:47:03 -0600
Hi Johnny!,
Since I was 17 years old (I'm 43 now) I am a fan of your music and specially
of your powerful guitar playing. You have been and will be a very important
part of my life, as I admire deeply the gift you were given to touch us all
deep in our souls and electrify our being while hearing the notes played only
as you can do!
Thank you for all the many years of good music!...
Arturo Ayllón, May 1998 (Mexico).
Thu, 21 May 1998 00:06:38 -0700
Just a quick note to say I really enjoy your page on Johnny
Winter. I had not listened to his music in years and now really appreciate the
cd's. You have put a ton of work into the web site - I know what it is like
to have a "magnificent obsession" as well for a web page hobby. Anyway, I probably
would not have started listening to Johnny again unless I had not found your
page. It got me interested to buy Live in NYC - and I was touched by his old
fan's caring that the recent concert reviews had of him. Real good web site,
Jim.
Best, Steve Williamson
Mon, 11 May 1998 22:48:14 EDT
LOVE YOU WEB SITE,IT IS TRULY INCREDABLE.I WAS DISSAPOINTED THOUGH THAT THE CONCERT AGENDA SEEMED TO CHANGE RE:THE FILLMORE/CATILYST SHOWS. BASED ON THAT INFO I MISSED HIM....I LIVE IN RENO AND MY LITTLE BRO IN SANTA CLARA. I KNOW YOU PUT A DISCLAIMER ON THE AGENDA SECTION SO I'M NOT SEEKING RETRIBUTION BUT AM WONDERING IF HE MIGHT POP IN TO RENO ON HIS WAY (INEVITABLY)BACK EAST? ANY INFO YOU COULD PROVIDE WILL BE GREATLY APPRICIATED. AGAIN DEDICATED TO THE GREATEST (BLACK OR WHITE IF YOU ASK ME)GUITARIST OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YOU DE MAN..THANX,BILL
Thu, 30 Apr 1998 00:12:18 -0700
Hello - I really admire your sites on Roy & Johnny - two
guitarists I really enjoy but have not heard for many years. In the past few
weeks I have been checking your page for good cds - have bought a whole handful!
thanks much! Steve Williamson
Hey, if you like Johnny Winter, you might like "princess" Opal Whiteley ......
Steve Williamson
Wed, 29 Apr 1998 22:31:32 -0700
Dude this site rocks! Johnny is for sure a great american
contribution to the world of music. I'm very fortunate to have tickets to his
upcoming show at the House of Blues in Hollywood on May 7, 98. I can't wait.
Thanks for a great site
doctor rodan
Mon, 27 Apr 1998 17:32:22 +0100
hi
im from southern england and have seen johnny three times in the last five years
at the town and country club in london............im glad there is a web site
and fans out there...over here in england winter is very popular.Between my
friends and i we probably have most of the albums;;my favourites are AND studio,progressive
blues experiment,walking by myself(live album on relix usa) which i purchased
in p.a. when i was there.....
Have you heard the album "John dawson winter the third"?? this is particularly
hard to get hold of here but its good!!!!!! Never forget hearing meantown blues
for the first time at age 13!!!!!!! Why doesnt he come back to england anymore?
And how come most americans dont seem to know the guy!!!!!!
Thank f@@K for us europeans!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad the FLAME still burns!!!!!
yours sincerely
Jason
Fri, 24 Apr 1998 01:43:03 EDT
The best Johnny concert I attended was at Alexander's, a real dive' long closed, in Brown's mill' New Jersey. The opening act didn't come on stage until 11, and the impatient crowd, seemingly all rabid J fans, was silent throughout this putrid band's first song. At it's conclusion, silence. Then one fan stood up in front and gave this band the finger, which DID draw applause. One more song, and the band's lead gave US the bird and stormed off. BIG ovation. Calls of "Johnny" rang plaintively through the room as we waited until past 12. Finally, JOHNNY! This was the Diving Duck trio with Jon Paris. They played for Three Hours, with Johnny and Jon doing duckwalks where Johnny would reach from behind Jon and play his bass, while Jon reached back and played guitar, and vice versa. The crowd was INSANE - jumping, screaming - you knowwhat it's like. PLUS it was such a small place that, when I wasn't jumping and screaming, I had my elbows on the stage, two feet from J, and ready to catch him if he stumbled off the stage. As you know, J can"t see when he's under the lights. Oh,did I mention we were drinking AND on on acid? Incredible!!
Thu, 23 Apr 1998 16:22:47 -0000
I always thought I was the biggest JW fan, great to know
there are so many of us out there still. Always have been and always wil be
a huge fan. I was at the Swing Aud. in San Berdoo in 77 when Captured Live was
recorded. Best show I ever saw. Edgar and White Trash played first then Johnny
then at about 12:30 both bands came back on stage and played. Two drummers,
bass players and johnny and Rick
Derringer , it was totally awesome. This was also recorded that night and
was released that year. The album cover had there faces together. Going to see
him next month at the House of Blues in L.A and the in Ventura, should be a
great couple of nights. Seen him 11 times , always in CA. Have most cds or lps
except jdw111. Would like to help anyone finish their collection. Well I just
have one thing to tell Jolnny......I LOVE YOU MAN......
Mojo Gerry
Thu, 16 Apr 1998 10:32:20 -0300
Hi, I'm from Brazil and I can say we have a lot of Winter's
fans down here, I consider Johnny Winter the top guitarist and most influential
in Rock'n'Roll... that's true. But the problem is that I can't go to USA just
to see his show, like most people around here.
HEY JOHNNY, if your reading this, remember your brazilian fans, meet this beautiful
country and see our pretty womans, our Rodeos, our amazing freezing beer, and
people who are born to rock... I really don't understand that you didn't come
here, but if you know, a lot of your buddies like BBKing, Buddy
Guy, Stones, John
Lee Hooker stepped in brazilian ground, and also your brother came in our
neighbor country(Argentina), and if you come here, you can bring your brother
too...
I would say to you that the best place to play are in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro,our
people are more interested in Legend like you.
I might be wrong but if your managers say where you will play, they have to
look down here, money is garanteed.
Fabricio
Wed, 15 Apr 1998 17:12:28 -0700
It was in 1970 that 2 friends and I hitch hiked to Cincinnati, Ohio from Franklin, Ohio to the Ludlow Garage to see Johnny Winter And. Johnny emerged to take the stage under a black light effect and looked incredible. He played with a Gibson Firebird and 3 stacked Fender Reverbs. We sat about 50 feet from the stage and to this date I still compare and rate all concerts to that show. I got the Johnny Winter And Live album and took it to Vietnam with me and brought it back home with me. It was a performance that got me through many a trying times. I have the recording on CD, but am unable to find the Johnny Winter And studio album, if any one can help me find a CD of that recording please let me know. I have seen Johnny on many occasions, and even saw him in Austin,Texas while stationed at Ft. Hood were I was a drummer in the 1st Calvary Div. Band. Keep rocking Johnny
Tue, 14 Apr 1998 23:21:37 -0500
Hi.
Just ran into this web-site--only seen Johnny in concert once--1973. I drove
all day to get to Louisville KY to see him play in this run-down old theater.
He was performing with a bass player and 2 drummers...( 2 drummers?) .
He came on stage, obvisouly very high...the clatter of 2 drummers,not playing
very well together ,was an annoying distraction....but despite it all.....he
was brilliant.
I have been a been a devoted fan ever since the first week the "Johnny Winter"
Columbia album hit the street...(1969?). Today, I have a 10cd changer in my
car and there are always at least 3 JW cd's loaded, and 2 of the 3 are usually
the "Johnny Winter" and Progressive Blues Exp" albums.
I remain in the midwest hoping Johnny makes it back to St.Louis or Chicago,
or Memphis..etc..
Tom
Fri, 20 Mar 1998 23:43:00 EST
John Dawson Winters the 3rd,
Hey, you won't beleive it, but I grew up on L.I. , N.Y. and youwere the first
show I ever saw live. It was in Huntington at a place named "My Fathers Place".
Anyway, I moved to Texas 10 years ago and always wished you would come and play
here. Been in Austin for three years and haven't heard of you playing here once.
What happens? I have a wedding to go to during SXSW and you are playing at Stubb's
BBQ. Only one night and then on to OK. What is up with that?
You are the "BEST BLUES GUITARIST" going and I would like the chance to see
you perform again. If not in Austin, then in L.I. as I visit there frequently.
You really need to come back to Austin and spen a weekend. I would even offer
to put you up for a weekend.
Let me know when yu plan on coming back or your tour date on LI.
Thanks,
Mark Glennon
Mon, 16 Mar 1998 19:24:43 -0600
I believe it was August 1978 that I was laying on the
beach at Wildwood NJ when the radio started playing Rocknroll Hootchie Koo.
I was thrilled to hear Johnny on the radio. It turned out to be an advertisement
for Johnny's upcoming concert at Art Shooks Playhouse. I bought 2 tickets. The
concert was in a nightclub setting. He came on stage and said that he was going
to do something different that night.... he said something to the effect that
he was going to play all blues all night. He sat down on a chair, pulled down
his hat, crossed his legs and played the blues for 3 hours! It was unbelievable.
I repeat, 3 hours of incredible guitar work. His encore was a country western
song. It was a surprise and refreshing. I think he should do the country western
album he talked about years ago.
Bill and Linda
Sun, 08 Mar 1998 21:27:54 -0500
1973. I jumped the lawn railing, rushed the stage, and
ended up in the orchestra pit at Merriwether Post Pavilion in MD. Elbows on
the stage. Right next to the speaker column. Out comes the 'mad albino' with
Randy Jo Hobbs and a beautiful blonde (I heard it was his wife at the time).
Johnny started playing "Rock Me", and the place went nuts. We were packed in
like sardines, and we didn't give a shit. And LOUD....... My ears rang for a
week. It is the fondest memory of my 15th year. Not just for the music and the
energy, but also for the cheap feal I copped while helping a passed out nymphet
get over the pit fence after the show was over.
I have seen Mr. Winter seven times in all. I look forward to number eight. I
also look forward to getting "Live From NYC", due out this month (March 98).
Johnny, if your reading this, please come to Baltimore. I need to find another
nymph, ya know. RA
Wed, 04 Mar 1998 22:42:13 -0600
Hi,
Hey great page. Thanks alot for putting it up. But WHAT A DRAG to read that
RJ Hobbs AND RHughes are both dead. Back in the late ' 70s, I saw those two
back up JW. It was in the Chicago Auditorium theatre. The place had three or
four balconies. Without exaggeration, the last row is about six stories up from
ground level. Believe it or not, our group was in THE last row of the highest
balcony. &I could FEEL Hobbs' bass. It was a GREAT experience. AND JW. Man,
talk about a resume!! I sure HOPE he is "still alive & well."
Thank you again for your VERY cool page, Jack Jalove from Chicago IL.
Wed, 25 Feb 1998 22:01:45 EST
johnny winter has been one of my favorites because of his style of playing. the way of his music has inspired me to play.
Sun, 15 Feb 1998 19:08:50 -0800
A quick Johnny story. I saw him at the Satellite Lounge
in Cookstown N.J. in the mid 80's. I was right in front of the stage. He was
smoking. So after the show the wife and I(the wife was an employee at the Satellite)ran
around to the back of the club to get his autograph. This station wagon pulls
up and Johnny appears from the back door. Now my wife ( I should say ex-wife
now) and I are the only ones there. Johnny walks right by me. I said "Johnny
Im a hugh fan how bout an autograph". At this time I stick a cassette cover
of Still Alive and Well in his face. He totally ignors me and gets into the
station wagon. Then as the car pulls out he turns and looks right at me with
this smirk and waves. I was pissed. The bar was empty, the wife and I were the
only ones to ask for his autograph, and here this guy is acting like he's at
Woodstock or something. I never bought another J.Winter album again. I wish
he could read this. I'd tell him to KISS MY ASS. Everytime I see him on T.V.(which
isn't too often) I think of him laughing at me. Guess he really appreciates
his fans. Don't count me as one of them though.
Pete
Sun, 1 Feb 1998 02:54:27 EST
Glad i found your site .just turned 40 and have known since i was 13 that NOBODY can play with the feeling and skill of Johnny! probably seen him live about 6 or 7 times and it can't be described.Hope he starts feeling better if it's true his health isn't that good right now. Keep Up The Good Work! Roy B. Owings 111
Fri, 16 Jan 1998 23:55:22 -0900
Hey man;
I just spent the last two hours going over your Johnny Winter site and I'm still
not done. Fantastic job!!!! How did you compile all this??? I went to a Johnny
Winter concert in Portland, Oregon in 1974 when Black Oak Arkansas opened for
him. I was a stupid 18 year old kid, and drowned myself thoroughly in Black
Velvet before the show. I never saw it. The janitor woke me up and when the
coliseum was almost empty. To this day, I deeply regret it, and when I think
about it, I just groan. I would give ANYTHING to re-live that moment and stay
sober. I have never done that again, but I think was the best concert I ever
missed outside of Stevie Ray Vaughn. But that's another story. For now,I gotta
get back to the Johnny Winter Story!
Wild Willy
Fri, 16 Jan 1998 21:00:48 -0500
Johnny, Im a big fan of yours. I recently bought a video
of yours at Rockaplast, Germany 1979. I really love it. Well take it easy and
I look forward to hearing more of your music.
Dave and Pat
Tue, 13 Jan 1998 12:18:26 EST
I am originally from Beaumont, TX and have been following
JW literally all my life. I continue to read comments about JW being unhealthy
and I hope and pray that he outlives all of us. I can't imagine NOT being able
to see him. That said, and with all due respect to "the man", I can't remember
him ever looking particularly healthy. The point is, when I go to a JW show,
I have my eyes closed about 90% of the time anyway. So a word to the wise, if
Johnny Guitar comes to your town, go see him as he is STILL the most outstanding
guitar player alive. I saw him about 5 months ago in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and
he was amazing.
PS: He is way overdue for a Texas gig!
Go, Johnny, Go, Go!
Sun, 04 Jan 1998 11:02:16 PST
Hi,
I just found your Johnny Winter page yesterday. I've spent the last day reading
about Johnny and his bands. What a career that man has had. He has been my favorite
blues man for almost thirty years, and has given me great pleasure in my life.
I've seen him live only four times, wish I could see him again sometime. He
brings back my youth everytime I hear him sing and play. I can remember singing
"Jumpin' Jack Flash" while mowing the lawn as a kid, to break up the monotony.
I still sing his songs to myself as I drive to work and listen to his music.
I play the blues harp, have only ever liked the blues, and have always felt a kinship with Johnny, though there have been many great bluesmen over the years. He has always been my favorite, and the best, in my mind.
I read in your page that "Be careful with a fool" is Johnny's
favorite song. Mine too, it is just like a theme song to me, and in my life.
Anyway, thanks for your page, and thanks very much to Johnny. I understand his
health has been poor, if anyone can contact him, tell him I'm praying for his
health and well being.
Thanks again and Godspeed,
Terry Brennan, just a fan