I'm right there with you brother. Seen Johnny 6 times...even when he was the headliner of a "Day on the Green" in the Oakland A's baseball stadium. I've seen Joe B. two times and love what he plays...and how he plays. Johnny Winter...was my "blues guitar hero" for a very long time...along with Alvin Lee. I love how Joe B. "honors" the Blues greats before him. Until I came across this video...I had never heard Joe honor Johnny Winter before. What a great video!
Johnny Winter is the greatest blues guitar player of all time, and he gave Muddy the chance to be heard by modern audiences as he was meant to be heard, at the top of his game.
I was born in Beaumont Texas and had the pleasure of meeting him through my uncle Charles(yes Charley’s guitars in Dallas) he was the sweetest person I ever had the pleasure to meet.
Yeah his performance of Mean town blues at Woodstock is the epitome of playing a 12 string guitar. And not to mention, he was in a different dimension on mescaline.
I guess it might be a Texas thing. I certainly thought of Johnny the first time I heard SRV. The aggression of the attack in his playing and the intention to overwhelm riffs with heavy bending and sharp, fast phrasing seems in common. They also both played loud clean rigs where articulation was front and Center. Seeing SRV in 84 was the loudest gig in a medium venue I’v ever experienced and it was almost painful because of the attack and presence of his tone at that kind of level. A very physical experience of very physical playing.
Johnny had a style that nobody can really copy , there will never be another . Joe plays JW not bad when he played slower, but looses it when he speeds up . There are only a few on YT that come close to Johnny's style of playing . But Johnny also had a great singing voice .. even right up till he died. He actually said in his book he thought of himself as more of an entertainer than just a guitar player. And i have never seen anyone who could play Lead guitar AND sing at the same time like him , just unbelieveable.
Johnny Winter was a guitar game God. I was an outcast for playing his music in High school the 70's. I loved the vibe. He was the man.. His lyrics were epic.
I'm 65, in high school, I acquired a taste for blues, nobody was impressed, I've been blessed to have seen some of what I consider the best of the best, Stevie, Johnny, Eric, Carlos Zappa, & on & on. Thank u for letting me share
Progressive Blues Experiment: life changing. UA-cam has a live performance of Johnny Winter playing Mean Mistreater. Circa 1970. It's a breathtaking performance showcasing just everything a blues player could ever hope to command. Johnny's wearing a cape. He earned it.
First time I've heard Joe talk about Johnny. My admiration, respect, and his knowledge has endured me to this man, whose kindness goes well beyond what most folk will ever know.
One important point about JW's style that JB didn't mention was that JW generally played with thumb-pick and fingers. His speed/attack was not from flatpicking.
True. He did mention at around 3:50 that JW had a particular set of fingerpicks he liked to use, and although he didn’t specifically say “thumbpick,” I inferred that he meant that, as well. As the saying goes, “all thumbpicks are fingerpicks, but not all fingerpicks are thumbpicks. Wait, that’s not exactly what “they say,” but it’s true, nonetheless. 😂
Yes and no, watch some footage, most of his fastest playing comes from his using the thumb pick alone, without his fingers, when he really got into those fast blues licks it was definitely all thumb pick, with so much precision and accuracy. He never let's notes ring out if he didnt want them to and could cut a note off so perfectly. Listen to the opening lick of be careful with a fool, not the studio version, the copenhagen live one. I know that's the one everyone knows and there is so much more he can do, but it's still ridiculously good playing.
@@MDavidG1 Johnny loved Chet Atkins. He said Chet used a thumb pick so that's why he learned to play with one, too. Makes sense, let's face it if you own a Firebird it's because of Johnny Winter 😎
Johnny is an all-time favorite! Saw him many times, bars, a hockie arena, Atlanta Pop Festival in1970. You could tell he really loved playing, entertaining his fans. Talked to him briefly in an airport once - great guy, eager to talk to just another hippy, a fan. Miss him!
One of the most underrated blues players. He influenced my style, had the pleasure to meet him and he wasnt only a great guitarist but also a kind and friendly ( despite what some people say) man.
I saw Johnny Live in 1975 or 76 at Feyline Fields, Phoenix Az during an all day/night concert headlining ZZ Top on their Worldwide Texas Tour. Johnny came on just before ZZ Top and absolutely smoked the stage (no pun intended but at the start of his set, clouds of Audience Smoke wafted over the performers causing Johnny to exclaim “where is this? Phoenix? I gotta move here”)..I remember he had several Firebirds including a white one and a sunburst...man, they were loud and fantastic...RIP Johnny, thanks for the music! And thanks Joe for keeping the Blues and Bluesmen alive!
Thank you Me. Bonamassa. I am a born and raised Southeast Texas guy, Port Arthur, about 10 miles from Beaumont. I knew Johnny and saw him play many times. You blew me away demonstrating those riffs in Johnny's style. That is the closest to Johnny I ever heard .. BTW. You just blow me away period with your guitar playing skill. Thank you!
Your right about pealing paint. I watched him from the front row and my hearing was never the same. What a show and what a showman. He put on a clinic. RIP Johnny
Great tribute Mr Bonamassa I am so glad you mentioned what a sensational singer Johnny was , he really had something authentic and original in his vocal tone and phrasing you could easily pick him out from the bunch
Johnny Winter. What a great guitarist, I first heard him in the early 70's on the "Johnny Winter And" album fantastic! I was hooked on his riffs, and slide style. Johnny made his guitars talk, and you could feel it. AWESOME! Miss you Johnny.
Loved watching this. I saw Johnny at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago (walking distance from my house) in 1973. Brownsville Station ("Smokin' In The Boys Room") was the opening act. He weighed about 100 pounds and was wearing a green sparkle cape! He lit it up for about an hour and then said goodnight. The crowd was screaming for an encore. From my seat in the balcony I could see what was going on behind the stage. He had to be helped down the stairs to a seat where they got him something to drink, gave him a bump, and then got him back to the edge of the stage. I distinctly remember one of the crew members giving him a little push to get him in motion back towards the mic. He came back and played 2 more and was then helped off. After hearing years later about how his manager kept him on drugs and worked him to death, it sort of made sense.
I was fortunate to see both Johnny and Edgar Winter back in the early 1970’s in St Petersburg,Fla. he put on such an incredible concert. Rest In Peace Johnny.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️
I believe he used to use a 68 goldtop Les Paul into cranked Fender Silverface Twin in the late sixties and early seventies. He started using music man amps in 1974 if I’m not mistaken.
The last time I saw Johnny ( 6th time) was in San Jose, CA....around 1988 at the Cabaret Club. After the show nobody could leave...everything was red hot...the tables, the doors, the floor, even the air! I've never seen a performer simply " play unbelievable perfect guitar" that was beyond "smokin' hot." He was simply unbelievable! That's how he always played...he was the best!
Heard Johnny when I was a teenager(16) and loved all his music since that time. Too bad he's not with us anymore but in our hearts he's Still Alive and Well!!!
seen Johnny on a number of occasions always on fire , at Woodstock Johnny played a 1966 Fender Electric XII 12 String Solidbody Sunburst but stung up with six strings lots of footage of the show well worth your time
I appreciate all your good vibes about Johnny Winter I grew up just down the street from Johnny and Edgar in Beaumont and was so proud they made the big time. They were amazing!
Not trying to be a grammar n@z!, but it's Voodoo Chile. I seen this young millennial chic on PBS a while back when they were doing a special on Hendrix pronounce it as Voodoo Chili. I spit my beer out and that bald headed dude with the hair just on the sides of his head gave her a side glance, like WTF did she just say. At least baldy knew his Hendrix.
My first concert June 15th 1973 at Merriweather Post pavilion. Foghat opened. Johnny blew an amp that looked like an SVT but couldn't say for sure. 1960 falcon lost a wheel bearing on the way home. Sat all night in a diner waiting for a ride from friends big brother. One of the best nights of my life.
When I saw Johnny play in Detroit Michigan at the old Eastown Theater way back, he played 2 Firebird Vs - a tobacco burst and a white one - through Ampeg amps with those big Ampeg 8x10 cabs. He also played an Epiphone Wilshire, with the batwing headstock, and a Fender Mustang for a while. He used thumb picks a lot as well.
That opening section is funny as s***! I grew up discovering Johnny Winter. Saw him live at the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969 for the first time. I was 14 years old. I've never been the same since. Thanks for a great video.
I'm a Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, and Johnny Winter fan. Speaking of Rory Gallagher, that guy rarely gets talked about when these discussions of great guitarists comes up. Why is that? I don't believe in naming one person "the best" ever, or anything like that. They are all excellent players in their own right. There are too many differences in genre, style, etc. I do feel a bit sorry for Rory though. He may be the most raw and gritty player I've ever heard. And yes, he's super good as all of the above mentioned are. Can you do a little something on Rory Gallagher? Maybe you already have, as this is the first time to this website. Thanks Friend
Rory was a Great guitarist. He didn't play the game quite like Jimi + Johnny did buy he certainly influenced alot of folks. The more I see of him the more I like him. He was influenced by a bunch of greats. He blew my mind one night when he played " I Could've Had Religion". WOW!! HE had something going on ! A invisible power Was at work . Like SRV he seemed to be Like a repeater tower. Recieve + transmit music on his special wavelength!! I CALL IT MESSING With the Kid!!!
Glad you did this one Joe. He was a fave of mine before I learned to play. I'm one of the "And Live" fans also. One of the albums that made me HAVE to play guitar.
if for some reason you don't like Joe.....??? the fact remains that he's keeping the Blues going with his skills and enthusiasm and knowledge of the history of great players and equipment....love this series.....
Captured Live. I was at the show on the back cover. The holy grail. One of the most smoking electric blues players ever and his acoustic blues side was just as deep. Learned several tunes (note for note) off that album the old fashioned way : listen.
I was wondering if Joe would ever speak about Johnny...one of the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). I love Johnny...seen him 6 times...seen Joe 2 times. I've seen other blues greats including Eric, Alvin, B.B., Freddie, etc. Joe is my "new favorite" and I'm delighted and impressed he honors all the greats before him. I almost fainted when I saw the two videos of him playing Alvin Lee's "Big Red." I've seen Alvin Lee 4 times and loved him, too! Long live the "Blues"...and all who play the "Blues."
Tony Macalpine has also given JW his due as an early influence. Tony also said he had never heard somebody Blaze thru pentatonics so fast & clean. Both Winter Bro’s are great musicians.
Johnny led his Woodstock set with “mean town blues”. Used an electric 12:string strung with six and killed it. Took that Deep South Robert Johnson style blues, electrified and cranked it and played it to like 300,000 people. Video of it is out there and it’s great. Great tip of the hat to a more deserving American pioneer of the electric blues Joe. Thanks!
Saw Johnny several times but the show that always stands out was during the summer of 76 he just released "Captured Live" the local rock radio stations would play Highway 61. The band was Randy Jo Hobbs bass / Floyd Radford guitar and Richard Hughes- drums . the power this band unleashed cannot be put into words. Johnny had his 63' Gibson Firebird absolutely screaming. Johnny would let Radford take solos that were at blinding speed, accuracy and very tasty then Johnny would take his and then the both of them would solo together..it was almost an assault on the senses ( a good one) i was sitting close and it was totally mesmerizing. he did Highway 61 the band left the stage for him to cut loose with his slide it was unbelievable. for the encore he did Jumping Jack Flash and then came back out to a frenzied crowd and did Rock n Roll Hoochie Koo.
Seen JW many many times in the Toronto area, from arena shows to bars. He was the best. Top 3 guitar players Johnny winter, Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix.
I was fortunate enough to see J.W. live many times in the '70's and the early '80's from arenas to small club venues. He never disappointed. One show I'll never forget, because of the line-up that night was at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Dallas, Tx. which became the Dallas Convention Center and now it's the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. It was Feb. 4, 1975. There were 3 bands that night. Johnny was the headliner, The James Cotton Band was the second band and the opening act was Peter Frampton! I had seen him several times as Humble Pie's lead guitarist, but that's all I knew him from. Never heard any of his solo material until that night. He was making his album Frampton Comes Alive on this tour. I'm not sure if anything from the Dallas show made it on the album or not, but I don't think so. Anyway, after Comes Alive came out I was blown away at how HUGE the LP and Frampton became! I don't know if it still is, but for years it was the highest selling double live album in history. Glad I kept my ticket stub. I had always and still do keep all my concert stubs. I like to look at them and reminisce. Great times! Oh yeah, and J.W. was great as always. Never seen a bad J.W. show.
Feb 1975 Winter was on fire. Must of been a killer show. Seen him for the first time 2 months after on 4/8/75. . It was the Felt Forum in NYC JW was a solid 10. Found some superb color slides of the show. Nice memories thank you Johnny. He made so many people happy, at his shows. It was always an evening to remember.
So good to see Joe without the hype In a flannel talking bout a legend of the status that Johnny had I saw Johnny in Australia at the Canberra theatre in the 80 s he brought the roof down I'm not kidding u we were dancing in the eiles no light show cept 4 in house no smoke no mirrors Just him and his band one of if not the greatest concert I've ever been to I appreciate Joe's efforts to honour him I'm now a fan Johnnys gone But Joe lives and is living well With a demeanor and attitude like that Bless him Cheers
Blessed to see Johnny around 71 and again maybe 5 years before he passed. His bio " Raisin' Cain " by Mary Lou Sullivan is well worth reading. RIP Johnny. ❤️
My friends and I had front row seats to see Muddy Waters at a small club in Cary, Illinois during the “I’m Ready” tour. We were having a smoke outside with Big Eyes Smith and Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson. They got us in to the second show and told us Johnny was going to be there to record live cuts for the “Muddy Mississippi Waters Live” album. The club couldn’t have had more than. 200 seats. It was like being in blues heaven for two hours.
Thanks Joe . Johnny live I wore grooves in it had to get another played it everyday Instead of going to high school Hard Again has some of the best Johnny guitar work
Saw Johnny in the summer of 1969 in Toronto and while I knew what to expect from listening to the records he still absolutely blew me away. His phrasing was so unique. Other than Hendrix I've seen all the players of the 50's 60's and 70's and he and Jeff Beck were and are in a class all their own. It wasn't until SRV came along in the 80's that we heard anything like this again.
Johnny Winter and Live is the band and album that got me hooked on the blues. From there I went on an exploration of the blues cats that influenced him. 30 years later still on that adventure! Most of that journey was on the drums, but now it’s on the guitar also. Excellent history lesson Mr B! Thank you!
I saw him in 1974 Shreveport Herschel Coliseum playing that Firebird barely 100 people showed up (shameful) he/they were fantastic. Thank you for the memory recall Joe.
Thanks for bringing attention to Johnny, Joe! i used to see Johnny at the San Bernardino Swing in the 70s.He was a Showman! Top hat Platform shoes and just blistering riffs. Saw Edgar Band Johnny Band Rick Derringer band and a last set with all 3 on stage, Priceless.
Nice Joe, thanks for mentioning Johnny. He was a master bluesman Texas style. Maybe cause he was also Rock and Roll he didnt get full respect in the blues. I think his progressive blues experiment was very worthy at the time. His slide playing was top notch, next level.
I couldn’t agree with you more, I love the way Johnny plays guitar, I loved how he mixed blues and rock with songs like Still Alive And Well, or Rock And Roll Hootchie Coo. An absolute killer!!!
Very respectful giving the Great Johnny Winter his do. If Joe Bonamassa says he was a Super Star, then you know it's true. I say Johnny Winter was the Greatest Guitar Player of em all (Best Slide Guitar Player too.) RIP John Dawson Winter 111 His music lives on forever.
Joe, thank you for your insights about Johnny, his playing, his sound and what he meant to you as a mentor. I have listened for hours to Johnny and Edgar winter since I was 8 years old was I was lucky enough to see him in concert three times and he never disappointed. The last time I went out to his trailer and heard him ask someone who's got the vodka and fig Newtons ! Do you by any chance know who bought his '64 Firebird V from the Guernsey auction after his passing?
i love ya Joe i really do , professionally and personally and you have a great style that you've developed over the years that is untouched . I can't say enough good things about you and I really enjoyed getting to know you at what shows we've played together and our conversations that we had . Yes Johnny was the Pentatonic blues scale king, the way blues was meant to be played . I think for us singer/guitar players our vibrato and the way we "voice" our guitar playing all comes from the way we "sing" vocally . Of course this doesn't happen to all guitar players but this certainly was the case with Johnny Winter , BB King etc, I even hear your vocal vibrato in your guitar vibrato. Interestingly enough I even hear it in the most under rated guitar player ever Mr. Steve Marriott . Much like you , Johnny will always be untouched , one off . I met him once . Very humble and just did it his way with no regrets . Thanks for the video.
Steve Marriott was indeed one of the all-time greats. He had it all: amazing charisma, amazing voice, and killer six string skills. I couldn't take my eyes off him when he was on stage. Really an INCREDIBLE performer in every way. Too bad that like a lot of musicians of that era he let his addictions ruin his career and ultimately take his life.
Does Joe really have that "welcome to nerdville" vegas style sign at his house? Regardless, love Joes playing and so great that he gives credit to the originators.
If you ask me...it was the Platinum album "Johny Winter Captured Live, 1976" that enabled JW to pack colosseums and stadiums in America, and significantly propelled his career into the Stratosphere. I saw JW with this lineup in 1977 at the Largo, MD Capital Centre and they blew me away. The 4-piece lineup on this album included 2nd guitarist Floyd Radford who played a Gibson ES-335 relatively clean which perfectly complemented JW's overdriven, phase shifted, Gibson Firebird V plugged into Marshall amps.
I would often play at a place called the "Bluebird" lounge in Ft Worth, Texas.. Whenever I wasn't playing a regular gig ..I'd go over and check out what the owner , Robert Ealey was up to .. Lots of guitar players always showed up .. A couple of times , Johnny Winter was up on the stage ..Robert would call me up and so ,. I was set up next to Johnny , both times ..he was actually kinda shy sometimes.. depending on the night .. But it was fun , hearing his sound coming out right behind us ...such a great player .. and nice guy ...Texas boy 👍❤️
The album had been out about a year when my cousin turned me on to Second Winter. Everything about music changed for me. Got to see Johnny at a dinner show back in the 80's at the Old Waldorf. My table was against the stage with Johnny's mic stand five feet away. He was one of my guitar gods and I was so starstruck, the entire show was a blur.
When you start playing with your thumb all that stuff gets easier. I hurt my hand bad in 2017, had to learn using my thumb and damn, wish I'd hurt my hand sooner. Hand got better, but that 6 months, Johnny started making sense. That interval picking triads, Brad Paisley does something similar. Love your pursuit of blues Joe, thanks
I bought a old CHEVY 74 with an 8 track player when I was 16. I found a Johnny Winter cassette onder my seat. It was the debute of my blues education. It played all that summer. Great 1982 summer.
trippy, i did the same thing in 82, except it was a 67 ford pickup and in the 8 track was a tape of deep purple 'come taste the band' i wore it out, that slide! one of my all time favorite albums
Johnny Winter crushed it. Good to hear someone talk about him. There just isn't enough talk about Johnny.
I'm right there with you brother. Seen Johnny 6 times...even when he was the headliner of a "Day on the Green" in the Oakland A's baseball stadium. I've seen Joe B. two times and love what he plays...and how he plays. Johnny Winter...was my "blues guitar hero" for a very long time...along with Alvin Lee. I love how Joe B. "honors" the Blues greats before him. Until I came across this video...I had never heard Joe honor Johnny Winter before. What a great video!
I post Johnny Winters videos on Facebook all the time
Agreed 110%, as I've eluded to on Facebook myself also. He was probably the most underrated of the elite guitarists of that era by the general public.
Definitely one the elite blues men
true
Joe's respect for Johnny earns him major points from me. Johnny's already got all the points I'm capable of giving.
This makes me like Joe more. I love when the contemporary players pay tribute to the older guys ... especially Johnny Winter.
Johnny Winter is the greatest blues guitar player of all time, and he gave Muddy the chance to be heard by modern audiences as he was meant to be heard, at the top of his game.
I was born in Beaumont Texas and had the pleasure of meeting him through my uncle Charles(yes Charley’s guitars in Dallas) he was the sweetest person I ever had the pleasure to meet.
Yeah his performance of Mean town blues at Woodstock is the epitome of playing a 12 string guitar. And not to mention, he was in a different dimension on mescaline.
It’s a tie between Winter and Rory Gallagher.
nah.
No one better is how I like to think. Does anyone have the tab for Leland Mississippi Blues?
Johnny should be in the R & R Hall of fame!
"Johnny Winter And-Live", one of my favorite albums in high-school, and until this day.
Indeed Love the early 70s shows
I still have that LP and it is a great album.
@@antithug7942 Me too!
@@antithug7942 "you got it and you know it"..... "whip it out Floyd, get 'em"
I've blown more than a few speakers playing that album cranked.
Thank you Joe - who on earth could not love Johnny Winter? ✊🏻
Johnny Winter was one of the best players! I always say „he did SRV before SRV did SRV“.
Sshit, you're nuts. NO one EVER sounded like JW
I guess it might be a Texas thing. I certainly thought of Johnny the first time I heard SRV. The aggression of the attack in his playing and the intention to overwhelm riffs with heavy bending and sharp, fast phrasing seems in common. They also both played loud clean rigs where articulation was front and Center. Seeing SRV in 84 was the loudest gig in a medium venue I’v ever experienced and it was almost painful because of the attack and presence of his tone at that kind of level. A very physical experience of very physical playing.
Absolutely!
Albert King did SRV before SRV ,lol Johnny did Johnny .. he was an original
Love SRV but Johnny at his prime was untouchable nobody close
Johnny had a style that nobody can really copy , there will never be another . Joe plays JW not bad when he played slower, but looses it when he speeds up . There are only a few on YT that come close to Johnny's style of playing .
But Johnny also had a great singing voice .. even right up till he died. He actually said in his book he thought of himself as more of an entertainer than just a guitar player. And i have never seen anyone who could play Lead guitar AND sing at the same time like him , just unbelieveable.
Those albums he made with Muddy Waters....GOLD!!!!!!
Johnny Winter was a guitar game God. I was an outcast for playing his music in High school the 70's. I loved the vibe. He was the man.. His lyrics were epic.
So true, brother...
I'm 65, in high school, I acquired a taste for blues, nobody was impressed, I've been blessed to have seen some of what I consider the best of the best, Stevie, Johnny, Eric, Carlos Zappa, & on & on. Thank u for letting me share
Progressive Blues Experiment: life changing. UA-cam has a live performance of Johnny Winter playing Mean Mistreater. Circa 1970. It's a breathtaking performance showcasing just everything a blues player could ever hope to command. Johnny's wearing a cape. He earned it.
Some of his heaviest playing was on that release . He supposedly never got paid for it !!
First time I've heard Joe talk about Johnny. My admiration, respect, and his knowledge has endured me to this man, whose kindness goes well beyond what most folk will ever know.
One important point about JW's style that JB didn't mention was that JW generally played with thumb-pick and fingers. His speed/attack was not from flatpicking.
True. He did mention at around 3:50 that JW had a particular set of fingerpicks he liked to use, and although he didn’t specifically say “thumbpick,” I inferred that he meant that, as well. As the saying goes, “all thumbpicks are fingerpicks, but not all fingerpicks are thumbpicks. Wait, that’s not exactly what “they say,” but it’s true, nonetheless. 😂
He often used the thumbpick like a flatpick. He used his index finger sparingly.
Yes and no, watch some footage, most of his fastest playing comes from his using the thumb pick alone, without his fingers, when he really got into those fast blues licks it was definitely all thumb pick, with so much precision and accuracy. He never let's notes ring out if he didnt want them to and could cut a note off so perfectly. Listen to the opening lick of be careful with a fool, not the studio version, the copenhagen live one. I know that's the one everyone knows and there is so much more he can do, but it's still ridiculously good playing.
In one of his last interviews Johnny said he didn't even know how to play with a flat pick. A thumb pick was absolutely essential for him.
@@MDavidG1 Johnny loved Chet Atkins. He said Chet used a thumb pick so that's why he learned to play with one, too. Makes sense, let's face it if you own a Firebird it's because of Johnny Winter 😎
Johnny is an all-time favorite! Saw him many times, bars, a hockie arena, Atlanta Pop Festival in1970. You could tell he really loved playing, entertaining his fans. Talked to him briefly in an airport once - great guy, eager to talk to just another hippy, a fan. Miss him!
“Hockey “🇨🇦
I have a picture of Johnny onstage with Janis Joplin at the APF, he was playing a Les Paul.
Well spoken and very true. Johnny W one of my favourite guitarists of all time. Nobody sounds like him,
One of the most underrated blues players. He influenced my style, had the pleasure to meet him and he wasnt only a great guitarist but also a kind and friendly ( despite what some people say) man.
My dad saw Johnny Winter towards the end of his life. The guy had so much passion and fire in his playing, he was unique.
I saw Johnny Live in 1975 or 76 at Feyline Fields, Phoenix Az during an all day/night concert headlining ZZ Top on their Worldwide Texas Tour. Johnny came on just before ZZ Top and absolutely smoked the stage (no pun intended but at the start of his set, clouds of Audience Smoke wafted over the performers causing Johnny to exclaim “where is this? Phoenix? I gotta move here”)..I remember he had several Firebirds including a white one and a sunburst...man, they were loud and fantastic...RIP Johnny, thanks for the music! And thanks Joe for keeping the Blues and Bluesmen alive!
Thank you Me. Bonamassa. I am a born and raised Southeast Texas guy, Port Arthur, about 10 miles from Beaumont. I knew Johnny and saw him play many times. You blew me away demonstrating those riffs in Johnny's style. That is the closest to Johnny I ever heard .. BTW. You just blow me away period with your guitar playing skill. Thank you!
Joe is all class. Respect. Serious scholar of his art.
Your right about pealing paint. I watched him from the front row and my hearing was never the same. What a show and what a showman. He put on a clinic. RIP Johnny
Great tribute Mr Bonamassa I am so glad you mentioned what a sensational singer Johnny was , he really had something authentic and original in his vocal tone and phrasing you could easily pick him out from the bunch
Johnny Winter. What a great guitarist, I first heard him in the early 70's on the "Johnny Winter And" album fantastic! I was hooked on his riffs, and slide style. Johnny made his guitars talk, and you could feel it. AWESOME! Miss you Johnny.
Loved watching this. I saw Johnny at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago (walking distance from my house) in 1973. Brownsville Station ("Smokin' In The Boys Room") was the opening act. He weighed about 100 pounds and was wearing a green sparkle cape! He lit it up for about an hour and then said goodnight. The crowd was screaming for an encore. From my seat in the balcony I could see what was going on behind the stage. He had to be helped down the stairs to a seat where they got him something to drink, gave him a bump, and then got him back to the edge of the stage. I distinctly remember one of the crew members giving him a little push to get him in motion back towards the mic. He came back and played 2 more and was then helped off. After hearing years later about how his manager kept him on drugs and worked him to death, it sort of made sense.
I was fortunate to see both Johnny and Edgar Winter back in the early 1970’s in St Petersburg,Fla. he put on such an incredible concert. Rest In Peace Johnny.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️
I believe he used to use a 68 goldtop Les Paul into cranked Fender Silverface Twin in the late sixties and early seventies. He started using music man amps in 1974 if I’m not mistaken.
The last time I saw Johnny ( 6th time) was in San Jose, CA....around 1988 at the Cabaret Club. After the show nobody could leave...everything was red hot...the tables, the doors, the floor, even the air! I've never seen a performer simply " play unbelievable perfect guitar" that was beyond "smokin' hot." He was simply unbelievable! That's how he always played...he was the best!
Heard Johnny when I was a teenager(16) and loved all his music since that time. Too bad he's not with us anymore but in our hearts he's Still Alive and Well!!!
seen Johnny on a number of occasions always on fire , at Woodstock Johnny played a 1966 Fender Electric XII 12 String Solidbody Sunburst but stung up with six strings lots of footage of the show well worth your time
Self Destructive Blues . Smokin'' JB !!! Johnny would be proud !!
I am filipino. My mom Lines jimi too !
@@mamertomanglejr2249 Jimi & Johnny were probably my biggest influences
I appreciate all your good vibes about Johnny Winter
I grew up just down the street from Johnny and Edgar in Beaumont and was so proud they made the big time. They were amazing!
In 1968 I was 16 I heard J.W. play Bob D.'s Highway 61 MIND BLOWING another one that really affected me was J.H.'s Voodoo Child !
Not trying to be a grammar n@z!, but it's Voodoo Chile. I seen this young millennial chic on PBS a while back when they were doing a special on Hendrix pronounce it as Voodoo Chili. I spit my beer out and that bald headed dude with the hair just on the sides of his head gave her a side glance, like WTF did she just say. At least baldy knew his Hendrix.
I saw the John Dawson Winter III Tour in Orlando Florida at the Orlando Sports Stadium. He did FIVE encores!!!
Absolute dynamite performance!!!
My first concert June 15th 1973 at Merriweather Post pavilion. Foghat opened. Johnny blew an amp that looked like an SVT but couldn't say for sure. 1960 falcon lost a wheel bearing on the way home. Sat all night in a diner waiting for a ride from friends big brother. One of the best nights of my life.
When I saw Johnny play in Detroit Michigan at the old Eastown Theater way back, he played 2 Firebird Vs - a tobacco burst and a white one - through Ampeg amps with those big Ampeg 8x10 cabs. He also played an Epiphone Wilshire, with the batwing headstock, and a Fender Mustang for a while. He used thumb picks a lot as well.
That opening section is funny as s***! I grew up discovering Johnny Winter. Saw him live at the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969 for the first time. I was 14 years old. I've never been the same since. Thanks for a great video.
Bubbatheking...I was at Atlanta Pop. Still haven't recovered. Helluva weekend.
I'm a Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, and Johnny Winter fan. Speaking of Rory Gallagher, that guy rarely gets talked about when these discussions of great guitarists comes up. Why is that? I don't believe in naming one person "the best" ever, or anything like that. They are all excellent players in their own right. There are too many differences in genre, style, etc. I do feel a bit sorry for Rory though. He may be the most raw and gritty player I've ever heard. And yes, he's super good as all of the above mentioned are. Can you do a little something on Rory Gallagher? Maybe you already have, as this is the first time to this website.
Thanks Friend
Rory was a total showman like Johnny . Rory is very underrated
Rory was a Great guitarist. He didn't play the game quite like Jimi + Johnny did buy he certainly influenced alot of folks. The more I see of him the more I like him. He was influenced by a bunch of greats. He blew my mind one night when he played " I Could've Had Religion". WOW!! HE had something going on ! A invisible power Was at work . Like SRV he seemed to be Like a repeater tower. Recieve + transmit music on his special wavelength!!
I CALL IT MESSING With the Kid!!!
Glad you did this one Joe. He was a fave of mine before I learned to play. I'm one of the "And Live" fans also. One of the albums that made me HAVE to play guitar.
JF did not like CCR set at Woodstock.
if for some reason you don't like Joe.....??? the fact remains that he's keeping the Blues going with his skills and enthusiasm and knowledge of the history of great players and equipment....love this series.....
Captured Live. I was at the show on the back cover. The holy grail. One of the most smoking electric blues players ever and his acoustic blues side was just as deep. Learned several tunes (note for note) off that album the old fashioned way : listen.
I love too much Sweet papa John. I'm trying to play in every tune (open G,D,A) but also sounds wrong!! What do you think about?
Live And, one of the best albums ever.
My hero as a teenager and now at 59 he had it all! Thanks Joe good stuff!
Johnny played with joy. I loved how'd he start out a song and a few bars in would exclaim his pleasure and approval with a "yeeeaaahh..."
I was wondering if Joe would ever speak about Johnny...one of the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). I love Johnny...seen him 6 times...seen Joe 2 times. I've seen other blues greats including Eric, Alvin, B.B., Freddie, etc. Joe is my "new favorite" and I'm delighted and impressed he honors all the greats before him. I almost fainted when I saw the two videos of him playing Alvin Lee's "Big Red." I've seen Alvin Lee 4 times and loved him, too! Long live the "Blues"...and all who play the "Blues."
saw alvin in a theater. after his last number, he unstrapped red and made like he was gonna throw it into the crowd. then he waved and left.
Tony Macalpine has also given JW his due as an early influence. Tony also said he had never heard somebody Blaze thru pentatonics so fast & clean. Both Winter Bro’s are great musicians.
There were three brothers. Paul was the youngest and also a Grammy winner just like his brothers.
That was cool as hell. Way to capture the essence of Johnny.
Be Careful With A Fool blows my mind every time I hear it
Johnny led his Woodstock set with “mean town blues”. Used an electric 12:string strung with six and killed it. Took that Deep South Robert Johnson style blues, electrified and cranked it and played it to like 300,000 people. Video of it is out there and it’s great. Great tip of the hat to a more deserving American pioneer of the electric blues Joe. Thanks!
I remember going memphis to see Johnny when I was 16 what a concert. I loved to here him play Johnnie be good. And cell block number 9.
Sweet, beautiful mini-humperdinker sound. Well done Joe as usual, the world is a better place with you in it...
Saw Johnny several times but the show that always stands out was during the summer of 76 he just released "Captured Live" the local rock radio stations would play Highway 61.
The band was Randy Jo Hobbs bass / Floyd Radford guitar and Richard Hughes- drums . the power this band unleashed cannot be put into words.
Johnny had his 63' Gibson Firebird absolutely screaming.
Johnny would let Radford take solos that were at blinding speed, accuracy and very tasty then Johnny would take his and then the both of them would solo together..it was almost an assault on the senses ( a good one) i was sitting close and it was totally mesmerizing.
he did Highway 61 the band left the stage for him to cut loose with his slide it was unbelievable.
for the encore he did Jumping Jack Flash and then came back out to a frenzied crowd and did Rock n Roll Hoochie Koo.
Seen JW many many times in the Toronto area, from arena shows to bars.
He was the best. Top 3 guitar players Johnny winter, Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix.
Gary Moore is there somewhere too
Joe's knowledge, and ability to articulate his passion verbally.....is almost as mindblowing as his playing!!!
Regular encyclopedia, he is.
👍
I was fortunate enough to see J.W. live many times in the '70's and the early '80's from arenas to small club venues. He never disappointed. One show I'll never forget, because of the line-up that night was at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Dallas, Tx. which became the Dallas Convention Center and now it's the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. It was Feb. 4, 1975. There were 3 bands that night. Johnny was the headliner, The James Cotton Band was the second band and the opening act was Peter Frampton! I had seen him several times as Humble Pie's lead guitarist, but that's all I knew him from. Never heard any of his solo material until that night. He was making his album Frampton Comes Alive on this tour. I'm not sure if anything from the Dallas show made it on the album or not, but I don't think so. Anyway, after Comes Alive came out I was blown away at how HUGE the LP and Frampton became! I don't know if it still is, but for years it was the highest selling double live album in history. Glad I kept my ticket stub. I had always and still do keep all my concert stubs. I like to look at them and reminisce. Great times! Oh yeah, and J.W. was great as always. Never seen a bad J.W. show.
Feb 1975 Winter was on fire. Must of been a killer show. Seen him for the first time 2 months after on 4/8/75. . It was the Felt Forum in NYC JW was a solid 10. Found some superb color slides of the show. Nice memories thank you Johnny. He made so many people happy, at his shows. It was always an evening to remember.
@@classicrockarchives7077 Yes he did, especially in the small venues I had the pleasure of seeing him in. I never left a J.W. show not happy.
Johnny Winter...un guitariste et un blues man que l'on oubliera jamais 👍. La Firebird...🎸👍. Merci Joe Bonamassa.
So good to see Joe without the hype
In a flannel talking bout a legend of the status that Johnny had I saw Johnny in Australia at the Canberra theatre in the 80 s he brought the roof down I'm not kidding u we were dancing in the eiles no light show cept 4 in house no smoke no mirrors
Just him and his band one of if not the greatest concert I've ever been to
I appreciate Joe's efforts to honour him
I'm now a fan
Johnnys gone
But Joe lives and is living well
With a demeanor and attitude like that
Bless him
Cheers
Blessed to see Johnny around 71 and again maybe 5 years before he passed. His bio " Raisin' Cain " by
Mary Lou Sullivan is well worth reading.
RIP Johnny. ❤️
My friends and I had front row seats to see Muddy Waters at a small club in Cary, Illinois during the “I’m Ready” tour. We were having a smoke outside with Big Eyes Smith and Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson. They got us in to the second show and told us Johnny was going to be there to record live cuts for the “Muddy Mississippi Waters Live” album. The club couldn’t have had more than. 200 seats. It was like being in blues heaven for two hours.
Thanks Joe . Johnny live I wore grooves in it had to get another played it everyday Instead of going to high school Hard Again has some of the best Johnny guitar work
Saw Johnny in the summer of 1969 in Toronto and while I knew what to expect from listening to the records he still absolutely blew me away. His phrasing was so unique. Other than Hendrix I've seen all the players of the 50's 60's and 70's and he and Jeff Beck were and are in a class all their own. It wasn't until SRV came along in the 80's that we heard anything like this again.
Johnny Winter was/is incredible. Without question one of my top 5 favorite guitarists of all time. Killer slide player as well.
Thank you Joe. Your playing is great & even greater to remember and play the legend.
Johnny Winter and Live is the band and album that got me hooked on the blues. From there I went on an exploration of the blues cats that influenced him. 30 years later still on that adventure! Most of that journey was on the drums, but now it’s on the guitar also. Excellent history lesson Mr B! Thank you!
I saw him in 1974 Shreveport Herschel Coliseum playing that Firebird barely 100 people showed up (shameful) he/they were fantastic. Thank you for the memory recall Joe.
Thanks for bringing attention to Johnny, Joe! i used to see Johnny at the San Bernardino Swing in the 70s.He was a Showman! Top hat Platform shoes and just blistering riffs. Saw Edgar Band Johnny Band Rick Derringer band and a last set with all 3 on stage, Priceless.
Nice Joe, thanks for mentioning Johnny. He was a master bluesman Texas style. Maybe cause he was also Rock and Roll he didnt get full respect in the blues. I think his progressive blues experiment was very worthy at the time. His slide playing was top notch, next level.
I couldn’t agree with you more, I love the way Johnny plays guitar, I loved how he mixed blues and rock with songs like Still Alive And Well, or Rock And Roll Hootchie Coo. An absolute killer!!!
Thank you very much for all your help.
Very respectful giving the Great Johnny Winter his do. If Joe Bonamassa says he was a Super Star, then you know it's true. I say Johnny Winter was the Greatest Guitar Player of em all (Best Slide Guitar Player too.) RIP John Dawson Winter 111 His music lives on forever.
Thanks Joe. Always love to remember Johnny.
HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST 🎸
Just love these guitar nerdy episodes! Thanks:)
Joe, thank you for your insights about Johnny, his playing, his sound and what he meant to you as a mentor. I have listened for hours to Johnny and Edgar winter since I was 8 years old was I was lucky enough to see him in concert three times and he never disappointed. The last time I went out to his trailer and heard him ask someone who's got the vodka and fig Newtons ! Do you by any chance know who bought his '64 Firebird V from the Guernsey auction after his passing?
i love ya Joe i really do , professionally and personally and you have a great style that you've developed over the years that is untouched . I can't say enough good things about you and I really enjoyed getting to know you at what shows we've played together and our conversations that we had . Yes Johnny was the Pentatonic blues scale king, the way blues was meant to be played . I think for us singer/guitar players our vibrato and the way we "voice" our guitar playing all comes from the way we "sing" vocally . Of course this doesn't happen to all guitar players but this certainly was the case with Johnny Winter , BB King etc, I even hear your vocal vibrato in your guitar vibrato. Interestingly enough I even hear it in the most under rated guitar player ever Mr. Steve Marriott . Much like you , Johnny will always be untouched , one off . I met him once . Very humble and just did it his way with no regrets . Thanks for the video.
Steve Marriott was indeed one of the all-time greats. He had it all: amazing charisma, amazing voice, and killer six string skills. I couldn't take my eyes off him when he was on stage. Really an INCREDIBLE performer in every way. Too bad that like a lot of musicians of that era he let his addictions ruin his career and ultimately take his life.
Does Joe really have that "welcome to nerdville" vegas style sign at his house? Regardless, love Joes playing and so great that he gives credit to the originators.
thank you joe always a special treat get your videos!!!!
Thanks for mentioning Beaumont. I often drive by Johnny and Edgar's childhood home.
Thank you Joe.
You Rock Joe!!! sin·ew·y ! What a discriptive word to use for Jonny's playing. So true.
I absolutely love these vids
Rock and Roll Hoochie Coo! Love that vibrato. Reminds me of FREE guitarist Paul Kossoff.
Hallelujah!! thanks for this one Joe 🤘
Magnificent work and thank you for sharing
Joe, you are the best!
If you ask me...it was the Platinum album "Johny Winter Captured Live, 1976" that enabled JW to pack colosseums and stadiums in America, and significantly propelled his career into the Stratosphere. I saw JW with this lineup in 1977 at the Largo, MD Capital Centre and they blew me away. The 4-piece lineup on this album included 2nd guitarist Floyd Radford who played a Gibson ES-335 relatively clean which perfectly complemented JW's overdriven, phase shifted, Gibson Firebird V plugged into Marshall amps.
I think I was there. Was there a progressive Yes-style band named Starcastle that opened for him?
Just did some research. I was at the May 22nd 1976 show at Cap center.
I would often play at a place called the "Bluebird" lounge in Ft Worth, Texas..
Whenever I wasn't playing a regular gig ..I'd go over and check out what the owner , Robert Ealey was up to ..
Lots of guitar players always showed up ..
A couple of times , Johnny Winter was up on the stage ..Robert would call me up and so ,. I was set up next to Johnny , both times ..he was actually kinda shy sometimes.. depending on the night ..
But it was fun , hearing his sound coming out right behind us ...such a great player .. and nice guy ...Texas boy 👍❤️
Johnny was so underrated
The album had been out about a year when my cousin turned me on to Second Winter. Everything about music changed for me. Got to see Johnny at a dinner show back in the 80's at the Old Waldorf. My table was against the stage with Johnny's mic stand five feet away. He was one of my guitar gods and I was so starstruck, the entire show was a blur.
When you start playing with your thumb all that stuff gets easier. I hurt my hand bad in 2017, had to learn using my thumb and damn, wish I'd hurt my hand sooner. Hand got better, but that 6 months, Johnny started making sense. That interval picking triads, Brad Paisley does something similar. Love your pursuit of blues Joe, thanks
Growing up in Baltimore in 70's was Dale Coleman " Expressway " played like the wind same guitar !
I saw Dale in the Bel Air High School gym one night around 72 or 73. He had two Firebirds on stage with him that night. He was definitely a showman.
Johnny laid down some of the best background licks of anyone!! Muddy used him on his later albums and concerts!! He was a legend!!
JW was also the Producer on those albums, which won Grammys.
Love Johnny. Love Joe. Go off!
Johnny slide playing on Highway 61 live was totally out of control craziest thing I ever heard my God it was insane
Honey Drippin Blues. Love it
Thanks Joe!
JB has more chops than a Shaolin monk, all potentially lethal. Have mercy.
Mean town blues is the only footage I have seen of his Woodstock performance. It definitely needed to be in the film.
Johnny is the MAN !!! ❤✌✌✌
I bought a old CHEVY 74 with an 8 track player when I was 16. I found a Johnny Winter cassette onder my seat. It was the debute of my blues education. It played all that summer. Great 1982 summer.
trippy, i did the same thing in 82, except it was a 67 ford pickup and in the 8 track was a tape of deep purple 'come taste the band' i wore it out, that slide! one of my all time favorite albums