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Johnny to appear at Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010!

2010-04-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

He's back for more: After earning kudos for his 2007 performance at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, Johnny will return to the scene of the original crime this June. Details are still being sorted out, but this much we can tell you now: Johnny will appear, and he'll be sitting in with the Allman Brothers Band. For details on the event, click here.

New record label! Paul Nelson, Johnny's guitarist, says Johnny is joining Megaforce Records, a label whose roster includes -- among many other great artists -- the Black Crowes. Keep an eye out for a long-awaited studio release from Johnny, his first album since 2004's I'm a Bluesman.

Winters on the water! Johnny and brother Edgar will be a part of the incredible lineup for this October's Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. Be sure to get all the details on this remarkable event, which will feature some of the biggest names in blues and roots music.

'Raisin' Cain: The Wild and Raucous Story of Johnny Winter' due in May from Backbeat Books...

2010-02-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

The book on Johnny: May 1 will see the release of Raisin' Cain: The Wild and Raucous Story of Johnny Winter -- a book nearly seven years in the making, and written with the cooperation of the artist himself. Author Mary Lou Sullivan spent hundreds of hours interviewing Johnny, and this book covers it all -- from his earliest days in Texas, to his fabled Woodstock performance, to his battle with addiction and beyond.

Click here for an interview with the author at LiveBluesWorld.com. More information on Raisin' Cain can be found at this link. And the book can be pre-ordered right here.

On the road: Johnny will play Higher Ground in South Burlington, Vermont on Friday (2/12), followed by a gig at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge, Massachusetts on Saturday (2/13). For a complete list of all Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

The 'Live Bootleg' train rolls on...

2010-02-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

Volume 6 arrives: The acclaimed Live Bootleg Series from Friday Music -- featuring quintessential live cuts selected by Johnny himself -- continues with the release of Volume 6. The latest offering finds the guitar hero putting his unmistakable stamp on some of his favorite tunes: Ray Charles' "Blackjack" (still a staple of Johnny's current live repertoire); Freddie King's "Sen-Sa-Shun"; and an epic, nearly 15-minute reading of B.B. King's "It's My Own Fault." For a complete track listing, and to learn more about the previous installments in this series, click here.

On the Web: Follow this link for an interview with Johnny's guitarist and bandleader, Paul Nelson. And fans of Johnny will most certainly enjoy this interview by Tim Mattox.

On the road: Johnny will tune it up tonight for a sold-out audience at the Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, New Hampshire. He'll then be off the road until next weekend, when he plays Higher Ground in South Burlington, Vermont (Friday, Feb. 12) and Mill Street Brews in Southbridge, Massachusetts (Saturday, Feb. 13). Other gigs this month include the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York (Feb. 19) and the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut (Feb. 20). (Johnny will be appearing in Stamford with the Debbie Davies Band.) These shows will be Johnny's last U.S. performances until April; he'll spend the entire month of March on a 17-date swing through Europe. For a complete list of Johnny's confirmed tour dates, click here.

Lennie Jones and Folk Art Blues...

2009-12-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

Tejas Firebird: Lennie Jones is a musician and folk artist whose blues run deep. Witness the many remarkable, evocative paintings that wonderfully capture the essence and passion of the music. Lennie, who is based in Naples, Florida, is responsible for dozens of creations featuring some of the blues' biggest legends, and he was kind enough to share a scan of his "Tejas Firebird" with readers of JohnnyWinter.net. Thanks, Lennie!

'Live Bootleg Series' continues!

2009-12-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

More classic Johnny: Johnny's acclaimed Live Bootleg Series rolls on with Volumes 4 and 5, the latest installments in the artist-approved series from Friday Music.

Volume 4 finds Johnny tackling classics like "Okie Dokie Stomp" and delivering an acoustic reading of "Rollin' and Tumblin'." Volume 5 continues the celebration of Johnny's fretboard mastery and features "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo."

Johnny on tour: Click here to see the latest concert schedule.

January is Winter time in New York City!

2009-12-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

Johnny in residency: Johnny will make B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill in Times Square his home away from home in the month of January. He'll play the Times Square venue on three consecutive Monday nights as 2010 kicks off: January 4, January 11, and January 18. All tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the show. (Popa Chubby will open the Jan. 4 show.)

On the road: Johnny has two dates left in 2009: He'll play the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury, Mass. on Friday, Dec. 18. And he'll appear at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River (with Joe Moss opening) the next night, Saturday, Dec. 19. January dates include The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J. (Friday, Jan. 8); Toad's Place in New Haven, Conn. (Saturday, Jan. 9); Showcase Live in Foxboro, Mass. (Thursday, Jan. 14); Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Mass. (Friday, Jan. 15); and Merrill Auditorium at City Hall in Portland, Maine (Saturday, Jan. 16). For a complete list of all of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

Johnny on JamBase.com: If you missed the site's fantastic interview with Johnny from November, you can check it out right here.

Johnny and Taj Mahal to headline Canton Blues Festival...

2009-05-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Johnny headlines first night: A great festival is happening in Ohio on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20. The best part? It's free. Read all about it right here.

On the road: Johnny is winding down his European swing with dates in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway. His next U.S. show will be a sold-out performance on Wednesday, June 17, at The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan, followed by a gig at Durty Nellie's in Palatine, Illinois, on Thursday, June 18. Other upcoming shows include the Lexington Music Theatre Company in Lexington, Michigan (Saturday, 6/20); The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, North Carolina (Friday, 6/26); and the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina (Saturday, 6/27). Johnny will also appear at Virginia Beach Sandstock in Virginia Beach, Virginia (Sunday, 6/28); the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon (Friday, July 3); and the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Sunday, July 5).

For a complete list of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

New! 'The Johnny Winter Anthology'

2009-05-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Johnny through the years: On Tuesday (5/26), Shout! Factory will release The Johnny Winter Anthology, a two-disc, 35-track collection that spans Johnny's entire career and includes tunes like "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," "Still Alive and Well" and "Silver Train."

Click here to view the complete track listing.

From Shout! Factory:

Take a few minutes to imagine a 130-pound, cross-eyed albino bluesman with long fleecy hair playing some of the gutsiest blues guitar you have ever heard, effused a Rolling Stone cover story in December 1968, in an overview of Texas music focused on Austin, where RS had run across 24-year-old blues dynamo Johnny Winter and his trio ripping up a local club. Johnny’s first taste of national publicity ran to just three short paragraphs, but they would nonetheless alter the then-struggling electric blues flash’s life forever.

In fact, within a year Johnny would be one of the top concert draws in America. But while the lanky albino blues rocker from Beaumont seemed like an overnight sensation to throngs of newfound fans on both sides of the Atlantic, Winter had already toiled the better part of a decade to get there.

This anthology’s opening track, “Rollin’ And Tumblin’” displays the blues ferocity RS had run across in Austin. Backed by drummer John “Red” Turner and bassist Tommy Shannon (who’d play the same role in Stevie Ray Vaughan’s own Texas trio a decade later), Winter’s snarling voice and aggressive, wildly expressive playing rebuffed the British Invasion’s claim on American blues with a vengeance. Recorded at the (apparently empty) Vulcan Gas Company club for indie Sonophone, The Progressive Blues Experiment established the template for subsequent Winter triumphs that carried him far beyond his humble Southern origins.

Finally! Johnny's Woodstock set due June 30...

2009-05-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Woodstock revisited: June 30 will mark the release of a special (and long overdue) piece of music history -- Johnny's complete Woodstock performance. Johnny Winter: The Woodstock Experience is finally seeing the light of day thanks to Legacy Recordings and Woodstock Ventures (www.woodstock.com), which will also release sets from the fabled 1969 festival by Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Santana and Sly & the Family Stone.

Johnny's release will be a double-disc offering that features the original Johnny Winter album, along with a second disc with his complete Woodstock performance (and seven previously unreleased cuts)! The eco-friendly, all-paper package will be an individually-numbered collector's edition featuring a 16 x 20” poster of Johnny captured in performance.

Johnny in Europe: Tonight he'll play a show in Switzerland, then he'll be off until Thursday (5/21), when he begins a run of nine performances in the U.K. before hitting Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway. For a complete list of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

40 Years of Johnny: Click here for a great recap of Johnny's life and times by Jerry McCulley of Gibson.com.

Next stop: New Orleans

2009-04-19T22:04:00.001-07:00

Johnny at JazzFest: This weekend, all roads lead to the Big Easy. Johnny will play the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Saturday, and the performance will mark his last scheduled U.S. appearance until June.

Johnny and Muddy, together again: April 21 marks the Shout! Factory release of Muddy Waters: Live at ChicagoFest, an electrifying 1981 performance at Chicago's top outdoor music festival. One of the legendary bluesman's last great performances, this 56-minute DVD features 12 performances, including Waters classics like "Mannish Boy," "Baby Please Don't Go," "Trouble No More" and "Got My Mojo Working." Johnny also gets into the act, handling vocal duties on "Going Down Slow" and "You've Got to Love Her With a Feeling."

Johnny and the Allmans: If you enjoyed Johnny's guest spot with the Allman Brothers band on March 10, be advised that you can take it home with you. That performance -- along with all the other star-studded gigs from the ABB's 2009 stand -- are now available on CD. Click here for more information.

On the road: After JazzFest, Johnny will be off until mid-May, when he'll embark on a three-week tour of Europe that includes scheduled stops in Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

For a complete list of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

'Live Through the '70s' review on About.com...

2009-03-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

DVD reviewed: Check out this comprehensive About.com review of Johnny's 'Live Through the '70s.'

On the road: Johnny will return to the stage this Thursday (3/26) at The Klein in Bridgeport, Connecticut. On Friday (3/27), he'll play Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, followed by shows Saturday (3/28) at The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown, New Jersey, and Sunday (3/29) at The Capital One Bank Theatre in Westbury, New York. Johnny will share the bill with the Edgar Winter Band for all four shows!

In early April, Johnny will do a midwest swing, including gigs at Harrah's St. Louis Casino in Maryland Heights, Missouri (Thursday, 4/2); Harrah's North in Kansas City, Missouri (Friday, 4/3); and the Horshoe Casino/Whiskey Roadhouse in Council Bluffs, Iowa (Saturday, 4/4).

For a complete list of Johnny's tour dates, click here.

UPDATE: Johnny sits in with the Allman Brothers...

2009-03-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

The latest: March has been a great month for Johnny, with a lot of news to share. First and foremost, the Illustrated Man -- for the second straight year -- took part in the Allman Brothers Band's annual spring residency at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Johnny sat in during its March 10 performance, ripping through "Red House" and "You Don't Love Me" before concluding with his slide guitar tour-de-force, "Highway 61 Revisited." Said Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks: "Johnny Winter doesn't know the word 'subtlety.' But it works, it works. It's just the blues wide open."

Johnny thanks the Allman Brothers for again making him a part of the band's annual Beacon stand.

Flying high: Johnny's March 6 gig at the Fillmore in New York City wasn't just special because he shared the bill with brother Edgar Winter. Johnny also was presented with a 2009 Doobie Award for Lifetime Achievement in music from the venerable HIGH TIMES magazine. Be sure to check out this unforgettable video, which shows Johnny receiving his award from HIGH TIMES associate publisher Rick Cusick and senior editor Bobby Black. (And thanks, HIGH TIMES!)

Woodstock, revisited: On June 9, Warner Bros. will release a 40th anniversary edition of Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace Music. And for the first time ever, Johnny ("Mean Town Blues") appears in the film. Other performers appearing for the first time include Creedence Clearwater Revival, Paul Butterfield, the Grateful Dead and Mountain. Read more about the four-hour director's cut right here.

Johnny in the Keystone State: Johnny returns to the road on Friday (3/20) with a gig at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, followed by a show Saturday (3/21) at the Rex Theatre in Pittsburgh. For a complete list of Johnny's tour dates, click here.

Johnny speaks! Living Legends Music conducted a video interview with Johnny late last year. As many of you know, JW isn't known for being chatty. Nonetheless, this interview has some good moments. To view all five clips, click here. And while you're at it, be sure to join the Johnny Winter forum on LiveBluesWorld.com.

Yours to be had: Don't forget that all four volumes of Johnny's acclaimed Live Bootleg Series are available from Friday Music. Volume 4 was released last month and -- just like its predecessors -- has cracked the Billboard Blues Chart. And Johnny's remarkable Live Through the '70s DVD remains available from MVD.

Around the Web: Click here to read an excellent post on Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy" -- the version he cut with Johnny on 1977's Hard Again album... Johnny is a big fan of Derek Trucks, who is interviewed extensively by Alan Bryson of All About Jazz... Johnny was interviewed for this article in advance of his show in Rochester, New York, earlier this month... And one artist's interpretation of Johnny can be viewed here.

The latest on Johnny...

2009-01-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

You can get a complete update, including details on upcoming performances, by clicking here and visiting our friends at LiveBluesWorld.com.

UPDATE: Johnny to play Jazzfest 2009...

2008-12-21T20:40:00.001-08:00

On the road: Mark your calendars: Johnny will hit the Big Easy next spring for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival -- and the 2009 lineup is simply killer. For specifics about the event, as well as details and ticket information on Johnny's upcoming tour dates, stop by LiveBluesWorld.com for the latest.

Venue changed for Jan. 3 Asbury Park show...

2008-12-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

On the road: We have word from Johnny's booking agency, Piedmont Talent, that his first 2009 performance has been moved. The Jan. 3 show originally booked for the Stone Pony in Asbury Park will now take place at the Wonder Bar, located at Fifth and Ocean -- just one block north of the Stone Pony, which is undergoing construction. Previously purchased tickets will be honored at the new venue. And if you haven't bought your tickets yet, you can buy them right here.

Johnny in New Hampshire tonight!

2008-12-19T04:36:00.000-08:00

On the road: Johnny plays the second of two shows tonight at the Tupelo Music Hall in Londonberry, New Hampshire, with a Massachusetts date slated for Saturday. Visit our friends at LiveBluesWorld.com to get Johnny's latest gig schedule, as well as a quick recap of his performance at the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam last weekend in Asheville, North Carolina. And while you're at it, stop by Johnny's personal page to say hello, and join the Johnny Winter discussion group!

(Above photo of Johnny and Warren Haynes courtesy of Dino Perrucci.)

UPDATE: Pat Ramsey remembered...

2008-11-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

The latest: Johnny and Co. would like to send out their best wishes to the friends and family of the late harp master Pat Ramsey, who died November 17 at the age of 55 after a long illness. Pat made some remarkable contributions to Johnny's 1978 release White Hot & Blue.

For a complete roundup of all things Johnny Winter, including his current tour dates and the details of his upcoming appearance at the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam in Asheville, North Carolina, visit our friends at LiveBluesWorld.com.

UPDATE: Johnny storms Europe...

2008-11-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

The latest: Johnny is currently on tour across the pond, and he'll be back later this month. In the meantime, get the latest update on his travels and happenings via our friends at LiveBluesWorld.com. We'll even give you an explanation of the above photo!

And while you're over there, check out the brand-spankin'-new discussion board, where you can discuss all things Johnny with fellow fans.

The latest on Johnny...

2008-10-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

... can be found over at LiveBluesWorld.com. And while you're at it, be sure to visit Johnny's personal artist page, where you can listen to tracks from Johnny's acclaimed Live Bootleg Series. You can also drop Johnny a line!

And don't forget! The Live Through the '70s DVD is scheduled for release on October 28. You can read all about it right here.

'Johnny Winter: Live Through the '70s' DVD...

2008-09-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

DVD set for October 28 release: Mark your calendars, folks. On the heels of the success of the first three installments of the Live Bootleg CD series, Johnny has decided to open his video vaults as well. And this upcoming release is a remarkable official collection of performance footage from around the globe.

This DVD offers an array of footage from the '70s, including performances from Danish TV "Gladsaxe Teen Club" (Denmark 1970); the Royal Albert Hall in London (1970); the Beat Club in Bremen, Germany (1970); Don Kirshner's Rock Concert - Palace Theater in Waterbury, Connecticut (1973); Soundstage - Blues Summit in Chicago (1974); Musikladen in Bremen, Germany (1974); and Rockpalast in Germany (1979). Intermixed with the live content is interview footage at Detroit Tubeworks in Detroit (1970). This is indeed the definitive document of Johnny's career in the '70s!

To see a complete track listing of this upcoming release, visit our friends at LiveBluesWorld.com. And you can read an about.com preview of the DVD right here.

Johnny to headline Kentucky Blues Festival...

2008-08-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

On the road: Johnny will enjoy a few days of rest this week before heading off to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to headline next Saturday's (August 23) Kentucky Blues Festival. Tickets still available! In early September, he'll play a short string of northeast dates, starting at Stearns Square CitiBlock Concert Series in Springfield, Massachusetts on Thursday, September 4. That performance will be followed by two nights at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, Massachusetts (Friday, 9/5 and Saturday 9/6), and the The Turning Point in Piermont, New York (Friday, 9/12).

More shows on sale! Johnny will play seven shows in California starting at the end of September, including his headlining stint at the San Francisco Blues Festival on Sunday, September 28. He'll also return to the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Massachusetts in December. (Click here for ticket information.) And to learn more about this unique, non-profit facility in southeastern Massachusetts, check out this article.

For a complete list of Johnny's tour dates, click here.

UPDATE: Johnny in Milwaukee on Friday!

2008-08-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Friday-night blues: Johnny will hit the Turner Hall Ballroom on Friday night, and you can read a preview right here.

Live Bootleg Series, Vol. III

2008-08-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Latest Bootleg hits the streets: Johnny Winter and Friday Music have released another installment of Johnny's archival releases. Live Bootleg Series, Vol. III picks up where the second volume left off, serving up yet another heaping dose of vintage performances personally selected by Johnny himself. Tracks include "Mojo Boogie," "Stranger Blues," "I Smell Trouble,"Boot Hill," "Stones in My Passway," "I'm Gonna Murder My Baby" and "Highway 61 Revisited." Liner notes for the new album were penned by Johnny's friend Andy Aledort, who is the senior editor of Guitar World magazine.

On the road: Johnny just returned from a tour of Europe and is now gearing up for a few U.S. dates that will kick off this Wednesday (8/13) at The Cabooze in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Other dates include the Clearwater Theater in West Dundee, Illinois (Thursday, 8/14); and the Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee (Friday, 8/15). On Saturday (8/16), Johnny will headline Ribberfest in Madison, Indiana. He'll then enjoy a few days off before playing the Kentucky Blues Festival in Bowling Green on Saturday, August. 23. For a complete listing of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

Thirty-six years ago this month: Johnny joined the Allman Brothers Band onstage at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California for a smoking version of "Johnny B. Goode." It's online in all its glory at Wolfgang's Vault, and you can listen here.

Some great video: Here's Johnny at the Gibson Summer Jam '08 in Nashville with Slash, Larry Carlton and Paul Nelson. And last month in Italy, the legendary Dickey Betts teamed up with Johnny.

UPDATE: Johnny in Europe...

2008-07-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

On the road: Johnny is playing a series of gigs in Italy and Spain that will keep him occupied until early August. His next U.S. appearance is slated for Sunday, Aug. 10, when he'll close the Heritage Music BluesFest in Wheeling, West Virginia. Johnny will be taking the stage that night with harmonica master James Cotton. Other August gigs include The Cabooze in Minneapolis (8/13); the Clearwater Theater in West Dundee, Illinois (8/14); the Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee (8/15); RibberFest in Madison, Indiana (8/16); the Kentucky Blues Festival in Bowling Green, Kentucky (8/23); and the Texas Musicians Museum in Hillsboro, Texas (8/30).

For a complete list of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

One classic axe: Johnny's recent appearance in Nashville at the Gibson Custom Shop was more than just a showcase. It gave Gibson the opportunity to present Johnny with the very first Gibson Custom Shop Johnny Winter Signature Firebird V. The special guitar, which the company has been working on for some time, is a perfect re-creation of Johnny's 1963 Firebird V.

Johnny guests on new Edgar CD: Be sure to check out Edgar Winter's Rebel Road, which was just released and features Johnny on the scorcher "Rockin' the Blues." Edgar has been on the road with Ringo Starr lately as a member of the ex-Beatle's All-Starr Band.

Gibson.com: Gibson Summer Jam '08 recap

2008-06-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Johnny in Nashville: Gibson.com's Gabriel Hernandez delivers a complete recap, including Johnny's performance with Slash and Larry Carlton. And be sure to check out this photo gallery from the Chicago Blues Festival.

Johnny to be joined onstage by Slash!

2008-06-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Slash and burn: For a few lucky invited guests, the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville will be the place to be Friday night (June 20) as Johnny headlines the first night of Gibson Summer Jam '08 -- and he'll be joined by none other than Slash himself! Johnny is scheduled to take the stage at 9:45 p.m.

The 2008 Chicago Blues Festival: Johnny tore it up with James Cotton in a well-received set that closed the event's first night. Johnny even managed a shout-out in Newsweek magazine before things got rolling. A great photo gallery can be found here.

On the road: After Johnny's appearance in Tennessee, he'll be off the road until Saturday (June 28), when he plays the Blues From the Top festival in Winter Park, Colorado. In early July, a trio of Canadian dates are on the schedule: the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto (Thursday, July 3); Johnny B's in Whitby, Ontario (Friday, July 4), and the Tremblant International Blues Festival in Mont Tremblant, Quebec (Saturday, July 5). To see a full listing of Johnny's tour dates, click here.

Around the Web: Click here for a good write-up on Johnny in the Prague (Czech Republic) Post... Last month, Johnny's "Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down," which was recorded with Muddy Waters and James Cotton, received a 2008 Blues Music Award in the Historical Album category... Edgar Winter's Rebel Road is due out July 8 and includes guest shots from Johnny and Slash... And some kind words for Live Bootleg Series, Vol. II... Visit Wolfgang's Vault to listen to some incredible recordings from the 1960s and '70s, including this classic 1974 performance by Johnny. It's definitely worth your time! ... And last but not least, here's a photo that's a real blast from the past.

TONIGHT! Johnny at the Chicago Blues Festival!

2008-06-05T04:56:00.000-07:00

Johnny headlines opening night: After spending much of this spring in Europe, Johnny's summer gets into full swing tonight with his opening-night appearance at the Chicago Blues Festival. His performance will find him joined by harp master James Cotton, and together the bluesmen will celebrate the legacy of Muddy Waters. Johnny's appearance tonight at beautiful Grant Park will mark the first time he's played the storied festival since since its inception in 1984, according to the Mayor's Office of Special Events.

UPDATE: Johnny sells out 'The Blob'

2008-03-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

On the road: After a fun weekend swing with shows in Pennsylvania -- where Johnny played to a capacity crowd at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville (made famous by Steve McQueen in the 1958 film classic "The Blob") -- and northern Virginia, Johnny will play Toad's Place of Richmond this Thursday night (3/27) before tuning it up Friday (3/28) at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pa., followed by a Saturday show at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, Conn. (3/29). (Click here for more on the Ridgefield gig.) Johnny will then enjoy some time off before he shares a bill with Robben Ford at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa, Florida. For a complete list of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

What's that guitar? Johnny's long-standing association with the Gibson Firebird is well known (keep an eye out for a signature model later this year), but one of the most frequent questions he gets on the road is about his other axe -- the he uses for the lion's share of each night's show. It's an Erlewine Lazer, and Johnny calls it "The closest thing I've found to sounding like a Strat and feeling like a Gibson." Click here to learn more.

Around the Web: A fan weighs in some great memories from "The Original Texas Guitar Hero," and Edgar Winter says he's not retiring anytime soon... The Black Crowes are including a great cover of Johnny's "Mean Town Blues" on the band's current sold-out run of theaters. And check out this review of Johnny's gig from earlier this month at the Oriental Theater in Denver. Writes the Denver Post's Jason Blevins: "And when Johnny Winter played the blues, church was in session."

A big thank you to Mark Simon...

2008-03-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

One special axe: Johnny Winter would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to Mark Simon and the Terraplane Resonator Guitar Company for the spectacular custom-made guitar that Mark presented to Johnny on Jan. 23 at B.B. King's in Times Square. The Terraplane Johnny Winter Zydeco Custom is truly a sight to behold, and you've gotta see it to believe it. The new guitar is featured in the March issue of 20th Century Guitar. You can see additional photos and learn more about the guitar and how Mark builds them on his Web site.

Mark is based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and has been restoring guitars for 35 years. In addition to the Terraplane link above, you can learn more about Mark at marksimonguitars.com. Thanks again for your amazing work, Mark.

UPDATE: Latest 'Bootleg' hits the streets...

2008-03-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Kudos for new release: Live Bootleg Series, Vol. II, the latest installment in Johnny's series of planned archived releases on Friday Music, hit the streets a few days ago -- and the buzz is building. The new CD has made its debut on the Billboard Blues Chart and earned a great review from All Music Guide's Thom Jurek.

On the road: Johnny, who has spent the last few weeks out on the West Coast (and celebrated his 64th birthday on Feb. 23), will be ripping it up tonight at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge, Massachusetts. He'll then enjoy a few days off before swinging through Pennsylvania and Virginia next weekend. Next Friday (3/21) he'll play the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, Pa.; and on Saturday (3/22)he'll be at the State Theatre in Falls Church, Va. For all of Johnny's current tour dates, click here.

Sweet home Chicago: One of the most exciting gigs of 2008 will most certainly take place on Thursday, June 5, when Johnny and James Cotton headline the first night of the Chicago Blues Festival. The four-day lineup is filling out, and it promises to be a lot of fun. Other headliners include Koko Taylor and Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater (Friday, June 6); Buckwheat Zydeco (Saturday, June 7); and the one and only B.B. King (Sunday, June 8).

Coming March 4: Live Bootleg Series, Vol. 2

2008-02-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

The vaults are open: Friday Music continues its series of vintage Johnny Winter live releases with Live Bootleg Series, Vol. 2, which will hit the streets on Tuesday, March 4. Tracks include "Black Cat Bone," "Parchman Farm," "Rock Me Baby," "Mississippi Blues," "Crossroads" and "Red House." Click here to read Goldmine magazine's interview with Johnny about the first release in the series.

On the road: Johnny's next gig is this Friday (Feb. 8) at Mohegan Sun's Wolf Den in Uncasville, Connecticut. He'll enjoy some time off before hitting the west coast for a string of dates starting Feb. 20.

In case you missed it: Johnny was featured on Scandinavian television during his European concert swing last September, during which he played a series of sold-out shows. The YouTube video can be viewed here.

UPDATE: Johnny plays Maryland...

2008-01-26T09:54:00.001-08:00

The road: Johnny was simply smoking Wednesday night at B.B. King's in Times Square (photo here) and played Friday night at Rams Head Onstage in Annapolis, Maryland. He's there for one more show tonight. Click here for ticket information.

On the Web: Here's a recent story from the Halifax (Canada) Daily News: "Old Man Winter Rocks On."

Johnny in Massachusetts tonight: SOLD OUT!

2008-01-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

On the road: Johnny's show tonight at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Massachusetts, is sold out. After this evening's gig Johnny will slip across the border for a one-nighter in Halifax, N.S., Canada (also sold out), before returning to the U.S. for his Wednesday (Jan. 23) appearance at B.B. King's in Times Square. After B.B.'s, Johnny gets a day off before heading down to Annapolis, Maryland, for two nights (Jan. 25-26) at Rams Head On Stage. Click here for ticket information.

2008: Year of the Firebird! The folks at Nashville-based Gibson Guitars have announced plans for 15 new models this year, and one of them pays tribute to Johnny's signature axe. The Gibson Custom Shop Johnny Winter Signature Firebird V is a beautiful re-creation of the iconic 1963 instrument that has been readily identified with Johnny for decades. Johnny was given a chance to check out the prototype at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in late July, and suffice it to say that Gibson has done a remarkable job reproducing all of the tiny, intricate details of Johnny's actual axe.

On the Web: A killer album of Johnny photos can be found right here.

Jimi Hendrix and Johnny...

2008-01-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

On the Web: In May of 1969, less than two weeks after Jimi Hendrix's infamous Toronto drug bust, Johnny, Jimi and Stephen Stills found themselves jamming in a New York club. "He wanted to play the songs he grew up on: Freddie King, Earl King, and Muddy Waters," Johnny told Charles Cross, the author of Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix. "When I played with him, I deferred and let Jimi play lead."

According to Cross' book:

The jam lasted until three in the morning, at which point Jimi suggested they move to the Record Plant. That night he cut Guitar Slim's "The Things I Used to Do," using Winter on bottleneck guitar.

Take a listen by clicking right here!

And don't forget: Johnny's Live Bootleg Series, Vol. I is now on sale! Johnny, who produced this release, has teamed up with Friday Music and plans to open his personal vaults for a special series of archival releases. Click here to order.

UPDATE: Johnny in New Haven tonight!

2008-01-12T05:42:00.000-08:00

On the road: Johnny will play a one-nighter at Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut, tonight. Showtime is 8 p.m., and you can find tickets here.

Johnny will then be off a few days before hitting the road and rounding out January with the following shows: Dexter's at Riverdale, N.J. (Jan. 16); Kowloon at Saugus, Mass., where Johnny will be joined by friend and former bandmate James Montgomery (Jan. 17); The Stone Church in Newmarket, N.H. on Jan. 18 (see interview here); Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Mass. (Jan. 19); Rebecca Cohn Art Centre in Halifax, N.S., Canada (Jan. 21); B.B. King's Blues Club in New York City (Jan. 23); and Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Md. (Jan. 25-26). To see a complete list of scheduled dates, click here.

UPDATE: Looks like the Newmarket, Fall River and Halifax performances are sold out! Check with the venues to see if any additional tickets might become available.

For your reading pleasure: "A Winter Tale of Hot Blues at Clearwater." Published in the Elgin (Ill.) Courier-News.

Johnny to play Chicago Blues Festival: In what promises to be one of the year's highlights, Johnny will make an opening-night appearance at the Chicago Blues Festival on Thursday, June 5. His performance, which will celebrate the legacy of Muddy Waters (and will also include harp master James Cotton), will mark Johnny's first time at the storied festival since since the inaugural event in 1984, according to the Mayor's Office of Special Events.

Happy holidays from JohnnyWinter.net...

2007-12-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

Above: Johnny cuts loose with Pat Ramsey on "Hoochie Coochie Man" at the Freebird Cafe in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, on December 14.

The latest: Johnny will enjoy some time off at the beginning of 2008 after playing a trio of post-Christmas gigs this week in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; and West Dundee, Illinois. He'll spend most of January in the northeast before heading out to the West Coast and Pacific Northwest in the latter half of February. For a complete list of Johnny's current tour dates, click here. And to check out a couple of recent newspaper features, click here and here.

Johnny earns BMA nomination! "Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down," which features Johnny, Muddy Waters and James Cotton, has earned a Blues Music Award nomination for Historical Album of the Year. Winners will be announced May 8, 2008, when The Blues Foundation presents the awards at the Grand Casino Event Center at Tunica Resorts, Mississippi, just a stone's throw away from the event's longtime Memphis home. For more information and a complete list of this year's nominees, click here.

Around the Web: We're always on the lookout for all things Johnny on the World Wide Web. Some cool photos here.

For your post-turkey blues: Johnny at the Count Basie Theater

2007-11-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

When the eating is over: The Friday-night party will be happening in Red Bank, New Jersey, where our friend Joe DeJessa has assembled yet another killer bill at the fabled Count Basie Theater: Johnny, Rick Derringer and guitar-slinger J.B. Kline. Click here for ticket information. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Be there!

Crossroads on PBS: If you missed all the excitement of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, undeniably one of 2007's most unforgettable rock events, be sure to tune in to your local PBS station for broadcast times. And look for Johnny with the Derek Trucks Band, as well as during the show's finale! As of this post, the first broadcast is slated for November 28 by New York's WNET (Channel 13).

Johnny in Modern Guitars: Interview here!

Around the Web: Click here for shots of Johnny in action at Savannah, Georgia.

UPDATE: Johnny on Crossroads DVD...

2007-11-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

From the road: Johnny rocked the Inter-Media Art Center in Huntington, New York, on Saturday night (11/3), and now gets to enjoy a few days off before picking things up on Wednesday at the North Theatre in Danville, Virginia. Johnny will then hit the Handlebar in Greenville, South Carolina (11/8); Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta (11/9); the Roundhouse Blues & BBQ Festival in Savannah, Georgia (11/10); and The Pour House in Charleston, South Carolina (11/11).

Above Huntington photo courtesy of our friend Neil Calandra. (Thanks, Neil!) And for more of Johnny’s upcoming tour dates, click here.

Crossroads DVD: Readers of this space know that Johnny had a blast in late July when he took the stage at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in suburban Chicago, delivering a scorching reading of “Highway 61 Revisited” alongside the Derek Trucks Band. That performance, as well as Johnny’s participation in the all-star jam finale, can be found on Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 from Chicago, due November 20 from Rhino.

Got live blues? Two of Johnny’s recent releases have recently gained some traction on the Billboard Blues Chart. Of course, we’re talking about the new Live Bootleg Series, Vol. I, which finds Johnny opening up his personal vaults for the first time ever, and Breakin’ It Up, Breakin’ It Down, which captures Johnny on stage in the late 1970s with blues icons Muddy Waters and James Cotton.

Around the Web: We’re always interested to see shots of Johnny in cyberspace. Recent samplings can be found here, here and here.

And for some really incredible shots of a 25-year-old Johnny (taken in 1969), click here.

See you on the road!

It's Texas time for Johnny...

2007-10-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

On the road: Johnny hits the House of Blues in New Orleans tonight before cruising into his native Lone Star State for a Friday gig in Houston and a Saturday performance in the border town of Texarkana. And if you live in the Northeast, look for Johnny and Edgar at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Friday, October 19.

Above photo: Johnny and bassist Scott Spray tear it up B.B. King's in New York on September 15. Courtesy of our friend Neil Calandra. Keep checking back for more of Neil's shots.

You can get a complete list of Johnny's tour dates right here.

UPDATE: Johnny Winter: Live Bootleg Series Vol. I due October 9 from Friday Music...

2007-10-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Johnny opens his vaults: Fasten your seatbelts, folks, and get ready for next Tuesday. Johnny and Friday Music are pleased to announce Live Bootleg Series Volume I, a spectacular late-Seventies live recording and the first installment in what promises to be a remarkable collection of rare and previously unreleased releases.

Produced by Johnny Winter with Joe Reagoso and Paul Nelson as executive producers, the performance finds Johnny in vintage form as he tears it up with bassist Jon Paris and drummer Robert Torello, a.k.a. Bobby T.

For an iTunes link, click here.

Writes Dave Rubin of Guitar Player magazine, who penned the album's liner notes:

From his signature hair-raising scream of "A little rock and roll!" that introduces "Johnny B. Goode" to his stomping bonus track cover of Bobby Womack's R&B classic "It's All Over Now," this musical journey is one of blues and rock, heart and soul... These priceless, previously unreleased live recordings only further serve to fill in the gaps of a legacy that continues to be added to with every passing show and recording.

Tracks include "Johnny B. Goode," "Messin' With the Kid," "Help Me," "Hideaway," "Come On In My Kitchen," "Rollin' and Tumblin'," "Stranger," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Bonie Maronie" and "It's All Over Now."

On the Web: For a taste of life on the road with Johnny, click here. And also: Got photos? Some good ones here.

And last but not least: If you missed Johnny's electrifying performance at Crossroads in late July, never fear -- you can own it this fall. Looks like the DVD issue of this event is due in November.

More on Uncle John... and Johnny and Edgar Winter live in New York!

2007-09-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

More on Uncle John: A few more cool photographs from the Uncle John Turner benefit gig that Johnny played at Antone's in Austin, one of two that JW played for his former bandmate. There's an autographed drum you won't forget, Johnny jammin' away before a packed house, and Paul Nelson and Tony Beard iin action.

Click here to check out the action, and also to view tour dates for September and beyond.

The latest: Looks like Johnny and Edgar will each play two sets on Saturday, September 15 at B.B. King's in Times Square. The first show, according to the club's Web site, is sold out. Be sure to check directly with the club for showtimes and ticket availability.

UPDATE: More pictures and the story on Vegas...

2007-08-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Crossroads photo essay: Still more photos from a memorable weekend. Click here to see shots of Johnny with Derek Trucks, Steve Winwood, event host Bill Murray and the great B.B. King!

A message to Johnny's fans in Las Vegas: Johnny was very disappointed that he didn't make last Saturday's (Aug. 18) gig at Cannerystock with Sly & the Family Stone, but his absence was due to circumstances that were simply beyond his control. Blame it on the airline! Johnny & Co. unfortunately spent more than seven hours waiting at the airport... only to see their flight eventually cancelled. Word from Paul Nelson is that Johnny handled the sitiuaton better than most: a few pissed-off passengers apparently got angry enough that police had to be called in...

Johnny and Gibson Guitars: Great piece on Gibson.com that recalls the story of a teen-age Johnny boldly approaching B.B. King one night at a club in Beaumont, Texas, and asking B.B. if he could sit in. B.B., despite some initial hestitation, obliged. And the rest is history. (After reaching the Gibson site, see Johnny's link at left.)

Johnny appears in Blues Matters: Look for Johnny in the August-September issue of U.K.-based Blues Matters. Johnny has this to say to writer Billy Hutchinson: "I've always held true to one musical style, and that's the blues. I really have no interest in playing or listening to anything else. That's what I do best..."

UPDATE: More from Crossroads... Johnny gets ready for Northeast run...

2007-08-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

Crossroads photos: It has been more than three weeks since Johnny lit up the stage at Toyota Park, but that doesn't mean we're through sharing photos from the big weekend. Above, Johnny gets a visit from Hubert Sumlin.

What's coming up: Johnny gets to stay a bit closer to his home base this week. On Wednesday (8/22) he'll hit the Newport Blues Cafe in Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a Thursday performance at Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus, Massachusetts. Johnny, Paul & Co. are looking forward to connecting with harp master James Montgomery, a great friend (and former sideman) to Johnny, and also a veteran of The Inflatable Tour.

Sold out in New Hampshire: On Thursday and Friday, Johnny plays a two-night stand at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Both shows are sold out.

Johnny, Eric Clapton in Rolling Stone!

2007-08-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Johnny graces the pages of RS: The current issue of RS (Zac Efron on cover) features an excellent photograph of Johnny and Eric Clapton hanging backstage at Crossroads. The shot anchors a fine article written by Gus Wenner. If you’ve followed Johnny’s incredible return to form in recent years, you know what a true milestone this is. The Illustrated Man is back, baby!

Duluth News Tribune: Johnny Winter dazzles bluesfest crowd...

Here's a small taste from writer John Myers:

... Johnny Winter has defied the odds, survived, and on Saturday night wowed a packed Bayfront Blues Festival with five decades of blues rock magic... Guitar Johnny sat down for a scorching 10-song set with another two songs for his encore, casting aside any doubts that he still had the magic that made him a blues and rock legend nearly 40 years ago.

Click here (free registration required) to catch a bit of the vibe from Saturday night.

UPDATE: Johnny remembers Uncle John...

2007-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

Remembering Uncle John: Johnny followed up his scorching July 28 appearance at Crossroads with two special shows in Texas, both benefits for the late Uncle John Turner. The second of these sold-out gigs took place August 1 at the legendary Antone’s in Austin. On a night that found Pinetop Perkins in the audience, Johnny welcomed to the stage two special guests: Tommy Shannon and James Cotton. Shannon, who along with Uncle John played on Johnny’s early seminal albums, handled bass duties on “Johnny Guitar,” and the harp legend sat in on “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Johnny also had a chance during the evening to meet with Uncle John’s wife, Morgan. A friendly reminder to members of the Johnny Winter online community: Help is still needed. Learn what you can do by visiting www.uncathon.com.

On the road: Johnny wraps up a two-week road swing tonight in Duluth, Minnesota, where he’s headlining the Bayfront Blues Fest. Tonight’s appearance follows shows in Minneapolis; Springfield, Missouri; Kansas City; St. Louis; and Fayetteville, Arkansas. After tonight, Johnny will be taking it easy for a few days before he hits Las Vegas on August 18. The rest of the month includes shows at Newport, Rhode Island (8.22); Saugus, Massachusetts (8.23); and Londonderry, New Hampshire (8.24-25). For an updated show schedule, click here.

UPDATE: Johnny rocks Crossroads...

2007-08-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

Crossroads weekend revisited: If you didn't make it to Chicago to see Johnny do his thing at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, we've got great news: The national media is raving about Johnny's guest spot with the Derek Trucks Band. Here's what David Fricke of Rolling Stone had to say:

Trucks later said that Winter had missed soundcheck the day before... But on stage, Winter, sitting on a chair and hunched over his guitar, tore off squealing lines with his metal slide that meshed viciously, and perfectly, with the vocal-like shriek of Trucks’ bottleneck responses.

Shows for Uncle John: Johnny is scheduled to play the second of two benefit shows for his late bandmate, drummer "Uncle John" Turner, tonight in Austin. Stay tuned for information from the road. To learn how you can lend a hand, click here.

Uncle John Turner: 1944-2007

2007-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

A message from Johnny and Susan Winter: "Rest in peace, good friend. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers."

Legendary Texas Blues Drummer Dies at 62

B.B King once exclaimed, "Man, I can set my watch to your time!"

"Uncle John" Turner died Thursday, July 26th, in Austin, Texas from complications related to hepatitis C. He was 62 years old.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Uncle John was a childhood friend and bandmate of Johnny Winter. While playing drums with Winter in 1968, Turner convinced him to try a full-blown blues band format and sent for his friend Tommy Shannon to play bass. Success quickly followed, and the trio went on to record what many consider to be three of Johnny's finest albums: The Progressive Blues Experiment, Johnny Winter and Second Winter. With fourth member Edgar Winter, they played Woodstock in 1969, as well as numerous other festivals and shows around the world.

Johnny to play Crossroads, Uncle John benefit gigs...

2007-07-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Seven days: Okay folks, just one more week to go before Johnny takes the stage with Derek Trucks at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago! Johnny, Paul & Co. are looking forward to this major step in Johnny's return to form. JohnnyWinter.net and LiveBluesWorld.com will be covering the action!

Uncle John Turner benefit gigs: Once he's done at Crossroads, Johnny will catch a southbound and ride to Texas to headline two benefit gigs for former bandmate Uncle John Turner, the powerhouse drummer who is currently battling Hepatitis C and is in need of a liver transplant. The first will be in the San Antonio area on July 31, with another the next night in Austin.

And there's more! Click here to see a photo essay by Johnny fan Tami Goldsmith, who captured Johnny in action at the Canyon Club in June. (Thanks, Tami!) There's also a great YouTube moment over at LiveBluesWorld.com. See you in Chicago!

2007-07-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

Johnny on the cover of Blues Revue: Veteran music writer Don Wilcock takes readers through four decades of Johnny's life in the August-September issue of Blues Revue, which is on newsstands now. The article, which is accompanied by a 1970 interview with Johnny, includes insight from the likes of Tommy Shannon, Bill Wax of XM Satellite Radio's Bluesville, producer Dick Shurman, Alligator Records boss Bruce Iglauer, brother Edgar Winter, Bob Margolin and Paul Nelson...

Countdown to Crossroads: Johnny is gearing up for his big performance at the sold-out Crossroads Guitar Festival, which is scheduled for July 28. Robbie Robertson has also been added to the bill...

And Introducing Tony Beard on drums... Powerhouse Tony Beard has assumed the role of Johnny's full-time drummer. The British-born Beard, who played his first shows with Johnny last month, has an extensive list of credits, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business during the course of the last 35 years:Roger Daltrey, Robin Trower, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jeff Beck and David Lee Roth among them...

For this and more, including a review of Johnny in Finland, click here.

Johnny to play Crossroads Guitar Festival!

2007-06-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here the latest, folks: Johnny has joined the list of six-string legends who will take the stage on July 28 at Toyota Park in Chicago for the all-day Crossroads Guitar Festival. The folks at Bullseye Management are still working out the details, but it looks like Johnny will play a two-song guest spot with the Derek Trucks Band. Stay tuned!

We've got a few details right here.

Johnny, Edgar and Rick on Rockpalast!

2007-05-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Johnny's May 12 reunion gig with Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer in Bonn, Germany, was recorded for Rockpalast, the enduring German rock-music television show that broadcasts to a viewing audience of millions across Europe.

The three-hour performance, recorded by WDR, will be shown in its entirety June 2-3 before taking its rightful place in Rockpalast's historic archives.

Need updates? Johnny and the band are getting ready to head west, and we've got details and more photos right here.

UPDATE: Johnny returns to North Carolina...

2007-05-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Johnny's heading back to tobacco country this weekend, and we've got all the details and ticket information...

Made for your wrist: Johnny's guitar strings! JohnnyWinter.net is proud to team up with Relix magazine to bring you -- for the first time ever! -- the chance to own an official Johnny Winter Guitar String Bracelet. These great bracelets are made from Johnny's actual gig-used strings, so grab one while you can! All proceeds go to charity...

Got photos? We'd love to see anything from Johnny's recent tour of Europe. Send 'em to info@bullseyemanagement.com.

And remember: Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down featuring Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter and James Cotton hits stores June 5, 2007. You can find all the details here, including the complete track listing and Bob Margolin's liner notes.

New CD! Johnny, Muddy and James Cotton on Breakin' It Up, Breakin' It Down due June 5...

2007-05-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

In 1977, Muddy Waters released his triumphant comeback album, Hard Again. The first collaboration between Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter, the album revitalized modern blues, introducing Muddy to a new generation and featuring a band of celebrated players that has yet to be duplicated. In support of this Grammy-winning album, a concert tour was launched in March of 1977 and featured the same illustrious line-up that recorded Hard Again: Muddy, Johnny, James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Charles Calmese. The tour would become the stuff of legend. The never-before-heard Breakin’ It Up, Breakin’ It Down captures this historic tour at the height of its intensity and features some of the greatest live material ever recorded from Muddy Waters’ legendary career.

Want more? We've also got the album's complete track listing, along with liner notes from Bob Margolin.

Updates: In addition to the new release, click here for information on upcoming shows and tickets. Johnny just wrapped up a series of dates in Europe and is now gearing up for a run to North Carolina next weekend. Once that's done, Johnny will have three more shows left during the month of May: Asheville, North Carolina (May 25); Knoxville, Tennessee (May 26); and Cape Carteret, North Carolina (May 27).

Hey Europe! Any photos or show reviews to share? Make a post at LiveBluesWorld.com or e-mail 'em to sean@livebluesworld.com. See you on the road!

It’s Winter time: Johnny ready to blitz Europe...

2007-04-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Johnny kicks off a three-week swing on the other side of the Atlantic this Tuesday, playing a total of six shows in the United Kingdom before tackling dates in Scotland, the Netherlands and Belgium. And in a New Jersey-style redux, he then wraps things up with five dates in Germany — again with brother Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer.

You can check out a complete list of dates here.

For a recap of last weekend's gigs -- and to see some excellent photos taken by Neil Calandra (who shot the image at right of Johnny's vintage Gibson Firebird) at the Saturday show in Mamaroneck, New York -- visit LiveBluesWorld.com.

Johnny and the Allmans light up the night...

2007-04-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

What can we say about last weekend? A whole lot, actually. It all ended with an emotional, searing guest spot Sunday night (April 8) at New York City's Beacon Theater, with Johnny sitting in with the Allman Brothers Band, which concluded their month-long, 15-show residency. LiveBluesWorld.com's Dave Rubin saw it all.

Meanwhile, Johnny's Allmans cameo was preceded by historic gigs Friday and Saturday in the New Jersey towns of Red Bank (April 6) and Trenton (April 7). On both nights, Johnny shared the bill with none other than brother Edgar Winter and former bandmate Rick Derringer.

Keep checking back for additional photos. We're going through them as fast as we can!

Johnny featured in May issue of Guitar World

2007-03-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

What's really happened to Johnny's life and career during the last several years? You've likely heard the rumors, but now you can get the real story in the current issue of Guitar World magazine.

This fascinating, in-depth article unearths answers to questions of more than a decade's worth of problems with health, business and music -- and it chronicles the rock and blues legend's stunning career comeback.

Can't wait to get to a newsstand? You can view the story by visiting livebluesworld.com.

Johnny heads for the Great White North...

2007-03-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Fresh off a great swing in snowy Massachusetts last weekend, Johnny & Co. will head to Canada this week. The six-show run kicks off in Quebec. A quick rundown of the schedule: Quebec City (3/22), Montreal (3/23), Ottawa (3/24), Toronto (3/26), London (3/27) and Thunder Bay (3/30).

Need ticket and venue info? Check out www.pollstar.com.

The last few weeks have been good ones for Johnny. Earlier this month, he played to a sold-out house in Albany, New York, following up that show with a rousing performance in Westbury, Long Island, New York, where he co-headlined a bill with Leon Russell. Those shows were Johnny's first gigs since a one-night stand March 3 in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Johnny's comeback continues. His voice has been increasingly stronger and his guitar on fire both night after night, and the crowds have gone wild for two recent additions to Johnny's set: "Miss Ann," which he recorded on 1969's Second Winter, and the Bobby Womack-penned "It's All Over Now."

On the horizon: Once April arrives, look out! Johnny has some huge shows coming up in New Jersey with brother Edgar Winter and guitarist Rick Derringer. Mark these dates on your calendar: Friday, April 6, at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank; and Saturday, April 7, at the Patriot Theater at War Memorial in Trenton.

Johnny's February was a good one: Not only did he turn 63 years old (on Feb. 23), but he sold out nine of his 10 gigs, including two nights at Club B.B. in Mashantucket, Connecticut; three shows in Canada; and his last performance of the month, at New York South in Cocoa Beach, Florida. He also headlined the first night of the City of Clearwater's (Florida) Seafood & Blues Weekend. And speaking of which, that must have been a great time-other performers included Coco Montoya, Eric Sardinas, Chris Beard, Eric Lindell and Tinsley Ellis…

Upcoming shows: Tickets are now on sale for Johnny's June 15 performance at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana, California. They're $29.50 each… Johnny's August 24 show at the Tupelo Music Hall in Londonberry, New Hampshire, is nearly sold out…

Dave Rubin: The Winter of our Content...

2007-03-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

LiveBluesWorld.com contributor Dave Rubin reviews Johnny Winter's Feb. 9 performance at B.B. King's Blues Club in New York City.

By Dave Rubin

Johnny Winter ascended the stage at B.B. King’s Blues Club near Times Square on February 9 like blues royalty. After 50 years of dedicating his life to the music while learning from and supporting first-generation Chicago blues legends, in particular Muddy Waters, he has been accorded the same honor and respect. His loyal subjects cheered his appearance and hung on his every note and utterance.

It has been one long, hard road back from the edge of physical and financial collapse that he was approaching following years of abuse and neglectful mismanagement, and the journey is not over yet. However, Johnny grows stronger in body and spirit with each engagement, for which he owes an incalculable debt of gratitude to his new vibrant manager, Paul Nelson. A ferocious and accomplished guitarist in his own right, equally at home playing the real blues or hip progressive rock, Nelson opened the show with Johnny’s regular rhythm section of bassist Scott Spray and drummer Wayne June, and blazed on his Strat to the obvious delight of the crowd. He would graciously retire to the wings when Johnny took his seat at the mike, but in a welcome change from previous shows, Nelson was brought back for a romping encore version of Bobby Womack’s “It’s All Over Now.”

In between, Johnny presented his regular set, including “Hide Away,” “She Likes to Boogie Real Low,” “Blackjack,” “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Johnny Guitar” and “Tore Down,” with the welcome addition of “Miss Ann.” Time and tides may have diminished the explosive energy that once blew audiences away, but Johnny has replaced the pyrotechnics with tough, deep blues that burn like a banked coal fire, warming and lighting up everything and everybody they touch. The slow blues of Ray Charles’ “Blackjack,” coming after a series of bangin’ shuffles embellished with a textbook full of riffs, afforded Johnny the opportunity to reach way down in his soul for sensuous bends and shimmering vibrato as he crooned the gambler’s lament. One of the finest white blues singers of all time along with Gregg Allman, Johnny can still send a shiver down the spine when he leans into the mike and pours his heart out.

As always, the highlight of any Johnny Winter show occurs when his well-worn 1963 Firebird V is wheeled out to replace the utilitarian Erlewine Lazer that he favors the majority of the time. Its open D tuning was put to the test on Johnny’s own “Mojo Boogie” and Bob Dylan’s classic “Highway 61 Revisited,” which the Texas blues master can now rightfully claim as his own. Sizzling treble licks and growling bass runs skittered off his slider as he recounted Dylan’s take on the Old Testament parable about Abraham.

Though no official poll has been taken, it is likely from their reaction that Johnny’s fans would love to hear him play even more slide, including solo on a National Steel at which he once excelled. We can only hope. In the meantime, every note sung and played is a treat not to be missed.

MYSPACE

2007-03-14T00:20:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's a official! Johnny has his own MySpace page now too... Click here >> to check it out!

"Celebrity Walk of Fame" in Fargo, ND

2007-03-14T00:19:00.001-07:00

Johnny Winter inducted into the Fargo-Moorhead Convention Bureau's "Celebrity Walk of Fame" in Fargo, North Dakota. Hand and foot prints of celebrities from movies, music, politics and literature like Neil Diamond, The Moody Blues, Trisha Yearwood, Dr. Ruth, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and George W. Bush are displayed in cement outside the Visitors famous walk way.

Seymour Duncan pickups

2007-03-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Johnny signs endorsement deal w/Seymour Duncan pickups!

Johnny & Edgar Winter inducted

2007-03-14T00:18:00.001-07:00

On November 17th 2005, the Southeast Texas Walk Of Fame honored and inducted Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter into the Southeast Texas "Walk of Fame" at Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas for their contribution to music and career accomplishments. They were awarded the key to the city by the Mayor and County Judge. At this special presentation, Jefferson County officials unveiled a 2X2 Cement block with each Artists name on them. Johnny and Edgar Winter will be the third and fourth inductees. Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Byrd were the first inductees into the Southeast Texas "Walk of Fame". Janis Joplin is scheduled to be the fifth inductee on December 2nd.

Johnny reunites with Tommy Shannon, Uncle John Turner

2007-03-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

Johnny's first two releases for Columbia Records in 1969 -- Johnny Winter and Second Winter -- not only featured the young Texas guitar-slinger at his best, but they also found him backed by an absolutely pumping rhythm section in the form of bass player Tommy Shannon (who would later go on to play with Stevie Ray Vaughan) and drummer Uncle John Turner. And on November 19, 2006, at La Zona Rosa's in Austin, they were all onstage together for the first time since 1986.

The tune, by the way, was "Johnny Guitar."

Photo by Scott Moore.

Vintage Guitar Magazine

2007-03-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

Great article on Johnny's comeback in the Dec '06 issue of Vintage guitar magazine on stands now!

Gibson Guitars

2007-03-13T23:53:00.001-07:00

The Gibson guitar company is finally working on the long awaited Johnny Winter Signature Firebird! More news as it develops.

Caliornia Tour

2007-03-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

While in California on tour in November Johnny dropped by brother Edgar's studio to lay down some killer solo work on Edgar's song called "Rock'in the Blues" to be featured on his next album.

Dunlop Texas Slider

2007-03-13T23:52:00.003-07:00

Dunlop company to introduce a pinky slide call the "Texas Slider" carefully modeled after Johnny's own famous slide. Look for it to come out world wide this winter 06-07

Penthouse Magazine

2007-03-13T23:52:00.002-07:00

Johnny featured in the July issue of "Penthouse" magazine (it's not what you think) It was for a special guitar article including Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen and more...

Woodstock Museum

2007-03-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

Johnny tapes interview for the Woodstock Museum as part of their video display in up state NY.

Johnny in the Library of Congress

2007-03-13T23:51:00.003-07:00

Johnny also part of an interview for the Library of Congress as part of their blues education history department.

BBC documentary

2007-03-13T23:51:00.002-07:00

Johnny finishes BBC blues documentary on Muddy Waters.

Guitar Player Magazine

2007-03-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

A Johnny interview is featured in the May issue of Guitar Player Magazine.

Reunion Show

2007-03-13T23:50:00.001-07:00

Reunion show with Johnny, brother Edgar and Rick Derringer scheduled for 04/15/06 at the Scottish Rite Theater in West Reading, PA. This is a historic first with many more such shows scheduled for the future.

Johnny on XM Radio

2007-03-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

Johnny Winter (and "I'm a Bluesman" guitarist Paul Nelson) were interviewed on XM Radio's "Bluesville" with Bill Wax for a full hour of Johnny's favorite blues tracks.

Southeast Texas Walk of Fame

2007-03-13T23:49:00.002-07:00

Johnny and Edgar Winter inducted into the Southeast Texas "Walk of Fame" at Ford Park in their home town of Beaumont, Texas for their contributions to music and career accomplishments.

W.C. Handy Blues Awards

2007-03-13T23:49:00.001-07:00

Johnny Nominated for W.C. Handy award for "Second Winter Legacy Edition".

Grammy Nomination

2007-03-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

Johnny received Grammy Nomination for "I'm A Bluesman" (Virgin Records).

Johnny Winter back on tour 2005-06

2007-03-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

Legendary Blues guitarist Johnny Winter is set to embark on a National tour in support of his latest Virgin Records disc entitled "I'm a Bluesman".

On tour, Johnny will introduce audiences to his new material while reacquainting them with his iconic guitar playing. For more than 30 years, Johnny Winter has been at the forefront of modern blues and blues-rock, and his new CD and tour figure to add to his Texas-sized reputation.

Backing him on the CD and throughout the tour is the road-tested touring band of guitarist Paul Nelson, bassist Scott Spray, and drummer Wayne June. For I'm a Bluesman, Johnny has again paired with his long-time producer Dick Shurman (Robert Cray, Albert Collins, Roy Buchanan), as well as Tom Hambridge (Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood). The CD features guest appearances by such friends as keyboardist Reese Wynans (from Stevie Ray Vaughan's celebrated backing group Double Trouble) among others.

D'addario stings

2007-03-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

Johnny signs endorsement deal with D'addario stings www.daddario.com

25 Greatest Blues Guitar Solos

2007-03-13T23:45:00.001-07:00

Watch for the Hal Leonard book entitled "25 Greatest Blues Guitar Solos" containing a transcription of Johnny's version of "Be Careful with a Fool."

2007-03-12T03:46:00.001-07:00