JW Q & A Archive If you have a question for Johnny Winter, simply email it to us. We can not guarantee every question will be answered. Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 Q: Does Johnny plan to record and release any studio tracks? If so, has he indicated what kind of songs he wants to do? (i.e., duets with others, solo, with Edgar, etc.) A: I am now preparing for my next studio album. I have been reviewing material and discussing some ideas with my manager, Teddy Slatus. I hope to be recording in the early part of next year in New York City. **New info** Record to be release late 2002. Q: I saw Johnny in Ottawa this summer and enjoyed the show, but I (and a lot of concerned fans) have noticed that Johnny's not as robust as when I saw him in 1992 in Toronto, (or when he appeared on the Dylan special). A: If you saw me in Ottawa and I seemed a little slow, I am really feeling pretty good! The medication that I take for anxiety seems to reduce my energy a little, but I am keeping a pretty active schedule, just moving a little slower. Q: Johnny, I had the pleasure of catching your show in St. Pete. You and BB and Dr. John looked like you enjoyed each other as much as the fans were! A: I had a lot of fun with B.B. King and Dr. John and Edgar in Florida a couple of years ago. Nice seeing them again. Q: Can Johnny shed any light on his activities (touring, recording, etc.) between 1980, after Raisin Cain, and 1984, before signing with Alligator? A few interesting projects appear to fall in this period, including the Whoopin' sessions and a reunion with Red Turner. Does Johnny keep in touch with his bassist during the period, Jon Paris? A: I try to stay in touch with Uncle John Turner, I just saw him in Austin for the South by south west battle of the bands. I always run into Jon Paris in NYC. Q: Is it there any chance of Johnny coming to play in Norway or Scandinavia again? Me and a lot of other fans would love to see him here! Really sorry he couldn't come as planned this summer. Also - A lot of rumors have been going around about Johnny's health. It would be deeply appreciated if you could give us some first hand information about it, because the fans really care! A: I'm thinking of touring Europe next year. Thanks for your concern re: my health, as long as I can keep on playing the blues I will be alive and well. Q: Hi Johnny, you recorded "Rainin' Teardrops" in your teens. Then you recorded it again in the late '60s after changing the title to "Broke and Lonely." Then again for Alligator Records. Sounds like you enjoyed doing that song just as much as we enjoyed listening to it. It's been 13 or so years since we've heard "Broke and Lonely." Any thoughts on playin' it again? A: Feeling pretty good, I think I will hold off doing "Broke and Lonely" in my set. Q: I am a guitarplayer/singer in a local blues band in Tromso, Norway. We all love your music and try to play some of your songs as good as we can (I hope that's all right). Lately we have been working on "tired of tryin'" from the "Nothin' but the blues" album. The lyrics are easy to understand, except the last two lines of the first verse. If you have the time to help me with this I would be very grateful. A: I will be getting to that shortly. Q: Are there any plans to reissue "Johnny Winter And" on CD and do it properly? I have the UK BGO edition and it sounds terrible! This is one of his greatest albums and it really should be done properly by someone here in the US Does anybody have any info/thoughts on this? A: I'll check with Sony Records. Sorry your purchase had a poor sound. Q: The Estate of Muddy Waters has released through TopCat Records Brazil Lost Tapes Never Heard Before of Muddy's gigs at Washington & Oregon University. I just received the CD & video of his performances & was absolutely amazed at the excellent quality. It was very exciting watching Muddy perform Got My Mojo Working as well as all of the other cuts. And the interview of Muddy on the video gave his fans a rare glimpse into Muddy - the kind, talented man. Have you seen the video or heard the CD? If so, what are your thoughts on this treasure that was found sitting in a closet after all these years? If not, could you share with your fans your fondest memory of Muddy and what the greatest lesson was that you learned from him? A: I have not seen or heard the CD yet - please value your treasure, as the Muddy CD and video are a true gift. Muddy was special. My time with him and what I learned was my found treasure. Q: I am afraid I may have made my post re Nothing Left unclear. What I want to specifically know is in the song at the end of the song lines are you singing "and the smell" or some other words. Each time he says sings it at the end of the line it sounds different. Not sure about "nothing left but old bones" either. It's a hard call on that one too. Thx again for your reply. These words may be EXACTLY correct but I have just never been sure and it's just been a big question re Johnny's music. A: Thanks for helping ME out with the words. I find it hard to remember all the words for the many songs that I have recorded. My fans seem to act as my backup. I'm really lucky to have that support. Q: What ever happened to the one and only Bobby T. Torello, I think he was wild and crazy, his drum solo's were THE BEST, when was the last time you played with Bobby? A: Bobby T. is living and playing in CT. Seems pretty happy with his own band, and is still wild and crazy as ever. Q: I saw you in Danbury, CT last year. I loved the show! Looking back, I think it would have been great if you closed with "Still Alive and Well" or an updated version of it. Would you consider doing it, or is it leaning to close to rock. Anyway, your latest CD is great, "The Sky Is Crying" - I think that's the name of the song is awesome. A: I don't have any plans of doing "Still Alive and Well" in my set as of yet. Q: Johnny - you list 'Progressive Blues Experiment' as one of the poor quality - not authorized releases under your message... I don't understand... I thought I've read that this is one of your favorites. I love it, personally! I've been a fan since 1968, and look forward to seeing you in Cedar Rapids 14 Nov! A: I agree with you the information on the "Progressive Blues Experiment" was posted incorrectly. Q: Hey Johnny, just a suggestion, you might want to make up a small banner showing your web address and hang it somewhere onstage during your upcoming shows. That way all your fans can be sure and find you. A: Good idea. I'm in the process of making up a banner. Q: Hey Johnny, tell us the story of you playing on Saturday Nite Live in '94. Was it a spur-of-the-moment sit-in-with-the-band type of deal or was it more of a regular planned in advance appearance? You sure had those band members feelin' their oats! A: The Saturday Nite Live band in 1994 was planned ahead of time. I had fun playing with them and I think they are all great musicians. Q: When you weren't on stage or in the studio, how much time did you spend just playing the guitar by yourself practicing between, say '66-69? Also, what do you do these days when you aren't on the road? A: I rehearse a lot in S.I.R. studios in NYC, and practice at my home 6 hours a day. When I'm on the road I try to work on new songs, visit some of my friends and enjoy going out with my wife Susan. Q: Johnny, I've noticed that Fred James has written a number of tunes (Illustrated Man was obviously for you) including "Check out her Mama." Have you ever heard him play? Will there be any tunes by him on your next studio CD? I think he has a real feel for your style - they don't Play a lot of blues on the radio in Canada, but Illustrated Man actually made it to the charts here in Kingston Ontario. It felt really good to hear you finally get some airplay. A: I just received some songs from Fred James that I am considering for my next record. Q: I know you are extremely busy these days, and I am not even worthy to be labeled a fan, but I would like to express to you and to the real fans the treasure you have given me. About 4 years ago I attended one of your concerts in Grand Rapids, MI. Sue Foley opened up for you. The band I was actually coming to see played at the club after your show and some of the guys in the band urged me to come see you. Mesmerized, I stood there in utter amazement and admiration the whole show. A few times I had to fight back tears. Watching you play was one of the highlights of my life. My friends, who were standing next to me commented that they thought I was going into shock. After seeing you in Grand Rapids my life just isn't the same. Recently my wife and I traveled to Chicago to see you perform at the House of Blues. Once again, I was the mesmerized guy in the front row with the tears of awe, admiration and respect. No matter what anyone else says you are the greatest influence and mentor of blues and rock in history. I think it is admirable that you have paid so much tribute to the likes of other great Blues artists, but you sincerely are the master of blues and rock! I was away on business recently when you played in Kalamazoo so I missed your show. On a side note, I did get to see Edgar this summer in Lansing, MI. Are you planning any more tour dates in Michigan this year? Is it at all possible to obtain all your recordings? Thanks for the million compliments. I have no dates planned for Michigan as of yet. It's hard to find all my recordings, keep checking the record stores. Q: I'm looking forward to the Winter show in Rochester on 11/6. I saw the last one in 1997 and was very concerned about Johnny's health, have also heard more people express same. How are things now? A: I hope to see you when I turn 100. I feel great! Q: I saw Johnny last October in West Palm Beach Florida and left that show also concerned for his health. I saw him again this past September and he looked and sounded a lot better. He mentioned earlier on this web site he has been taking medication for anxiety. So, things are looking up for him, but keep in mind he has never been mistaken for Charles Atlas, and aint anybody getting younger including this long time groupie. A: I may not be Charles Atlas but I can play a lot better then him. Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12