Johnny Winter

The Profile

American blues guitarist and singer from Beaumont, Texas (born 1944; died 2014 in Switzerland). A slide-guitar powerhouse who broke through in the late 1960s, played Woodstock, led the band Johnny Winter And, and reignited Muddy Waters’ career as producer and collaborator. Active on stage and record until his passing.

Born 1944 in Beaumont, Texas; died 2014 while on tour in Switzerland. Performed at Woodstock 1969. Renowned slide guitarist. Collaborated with and produced Muddy Waters (including Hard Again). Brother of musician Edgar Winter.

Texas albino bluesman Johnny Winter shows up in DeBaser reviews as a blazing slide guitarist, fierce live performer, and stalwart of blues rock. The pieces retrace his late-’60s breakthrough, the And-era live fire, drug struggles and comebacks, Muddy Waters collaborations, and the stripped-back Roots. His death in Switzerland in 2014 is noted, but the music’s grit and soul dominate.