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.

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Q: I just got back from Paris where I visited a lot of really big record stores. I'm sad to report that in those stores under the section "Blues/Johnny Winter" there appeared to be mostly those CDs that you've warned us not to buy (message from JW). How is this possible? Are those recordings cheaper to buy in than the originals or what? Is the situation as bad elsewhere also? At least one thing is clear: the people who run those record stores don't know anything.
A: Store owners buy bootlegs because they are cheaper and they can make more profit selling them.

Q: DEAR Johnny: I first met you in Greenwich Village at Dan Armstrong Music Store in 1969. In 1970 I saw you perform at Queens College with Edgar. You were playing a Gibson Les Paul. I don't recall ever seeing you perform with a Les Paul after that show... why not? PS... I attended Queens College with Jeff Ganz... he called me the other day... he is living in New York again.
A: I prefer my Lazer Guitar and Gibson Firebird.

Q: Johnny Johnny Johnny! I just love you man! Was wondering if you ever plan to tour the states solo? A musical light went on in my head the first time I heard you in 1970 that has never gone out. You taught me to play listening to your records and I really like your acoustic blues too! Something about a stage, a spotlight and Johnny with a national steel sounds like a show I would love to see at least once! Does anyone out there agree? Best to you Johnny... your friend Lee.
A: My manager would also like me to do a solo tour next year.

Q: Johnny, it's been a long time since you toured Australia. The last time I saw you play was at "Sea Gulls" rugby league club on the Gold Coast, I think around 1988 or so. Hey it's been a long time between drinks. I would really dig seeing you again. Any plans for a trip down under?
A: I have not received a good offer yet from Australia.

Q: Hello, I went to a JW concert in the 70's when I was in high school and at the time I was doing some photography. I took several pictures of JW and I have one great shot of him with his Explorer guitar. I will e-mail it for the web page if you like. BDC
A: Yes, please e-mail the photo, I would like to use it for the site.

Q: First off, I just want to let you know that one of my favorite blues guitar solos ever is the one you do on Copper Brown on Muddy's, I'm Ready. My question is, who plays with you in your current touring band. I'm really excited to see you here in Portland, OR next month. ÊI've been waiting ten years to see you! I'm happy to see that Lee Rocker is opening as well. See you soon. -Joe Baker
A: My Band is: Mark Epstein - Bass, Vito Luizzi - Drums

Q: Hi Johnny! I'm Your fan since 1976, and I saw several times in Germany. I enjoyed Your show in Colognes this year. I think You're playin' with more soul than ever. But why couldn't I get no autograph from You after the show?
A: I think security was very tight in Colognes. E-mail me your address and I will send you a photo.

Q: I just wanted to say thanks for all the inspiration and great music over the years. You inspired me from when I first heard 'Johnny Winter And... Live' as a kid and I've been playing ever since (although having just turned 44, things are quite a bit more sedate these days!). Please keep on playing your unique style of great music... and it would be fantastic to see you playing in Auckland, New Zealand, sometime - would sure shake this town up! Hell, forget Auckland - just make it down to Australia and I'll swim across to see you. Hmm, I wonder if my old strat would keep me afloat...? Warmest regards, Derek J Foster Auckland, New Zealand.
A: I have no offers from Aukland yet and no offers from Australia. Hold off on swimming for now.

Q: Hi Johnny, I think you should bring back Muddy's songs alive (again) in your own show or a tribute with various artists. Never forget your root man! I hope to see you soon and take care. Pierre.
A: I don't think I will ever forget my roots.

Q: Dear Johnny: The first concert that I ever saw, was you in Montreal in 1973 or 74. It was right after Saints and Sinners came out. I was 13 years old. During that show you had a woman playing tambourine with you who I assume was your wife Susan. You also had Randy Jo Hobbs on bass, and two drummers. I'm assuming that one was Richard Hughes, but who the hell was he other drummer. Its been bugging me for 25 years. Yours truly Big Ben Richardson.
A: The other drummer was Jimmy Gillian.

Q: Johnny: I've been a big fan since the mid seventies and I've seen you many times here in Houston, Texas. Any plans on playing in Houston before the end of 1999? I'm a guitar player also, and many of my favorite songs to play are songs off of many of your albums. I'm curious about what kind of tuning you use for slide work? Open G, E, drop D or what? I've also read that you use a piece of metal conduit for a slide, is that true? I'll end with that question. I have way to many to ask. Thanks for all the years of great entertainment and good luck in the future. Thanks-Mike.
A: No plans for Texas this year. I use a small piece of pipe for my slide.

Q: Do you not remember Steve Paul's THE SCENE? Tiny Tim, Charles Anderson, Julia Anderson, and Bianca?
A: How can I forget The Scene, I played there.

Q: How can I get some of Johnny's guitar tablature. There is very little of his work on the internet pages. Thanks
A: I plan on a Johnny Winter Guitar Instructional Book.

Q: Hi Johnny. I've read thru all your fan club e-mail postings and we all seem to agree that the CD catalog of your previous releases is serious lacking! A Box-set with your greatest stuff would be great. Let us, your die hard fans, get at these "Sony Bozo's" and make a few suggestions. Who could we lobby at "Sony Records" for these releases? Or would you just rather us attend your shows and leave the record business to Sony? Say the word, man !!!!!
A: A: Send an e-mail to Tony Martell c/o Sony Music

Q: Where does Johnny get his hats. I have always wondered about this.
A: A: Lots of different stores in NYC

Q: Hey folks I'm Lucas Couperus and I'm living in the Netherlands. Please tell Johnny he is no god, no Jesus, but I have never heard them playing the sweet sweet music like Johnny do. I have heard that memory pain is coming on the new c.d. I'll hope its a live number but better than the album or c.d second winter? My English writing is shit but my ears not. Johnny I see you I'll hope next year in Holland or later. WE LOVE THE WAY YOU ARE AND PLAY YOUR GUITAR!!!!!!
A: I love Holland. Thank you

Q: Hey Johnny, I just found your "official" web site & wanted to say ÊHi. Hope this finds you well & happy. We met over a decade ago in Florida. I was at that time, working in "The Pat Ramsey Band." We opened about 8 of your gigs over a 10 day period. I am wondering if you remember me. I really just wanted to thank you for generously spending time with me on several occasion's. In particular, Daytona after the gig I realize that I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to talk with you & listen to you play that ole' National guitar for as I remember, several hours. You have, for 30 yrs. been an inspiration as a singer, guitar player & fellow Mississippian. (I remember you telling me that you felt like you were supposed to be from Leland--conceived there but, born in Beaumont, Texas.) Whenever I am asked, I always mention you at the top of the list of influences. Hoping you get to N. Fl. soon!! I'll be sure to stop by & say Hi. "Missippy James"
A: Thank you Mississippy James

Q: Perhaps you could sponsor a live chat w/ Johnny some evening. Since there is a chat room already I'm sure it get filled fast. How about a contest where a fan would win a chance to see a show and meet JW... or better yet win a Free GUITAR LESSON w/ the master Himself! Great Site! NZ
A: I will pass the contest idea on to my manager.

Q: Johnny, I grew up in upstate New York, listening to the sounds of crappy old radio, until I purchased Johnny Winter And live and Captuedlive two of the best albums I've ever heard. It changed my life enough that I knew I wanted to be in a blues band. Started playing bass styled after Randy Jo Hobbs, hoping someday he would need a vacation and you would call me. It never happened. Nonetheless you have opened me up to a very fulfilling music career and have given me faith in the music industry that some people know what sounds good. God Bless and Keep on Rocking! Ê P.S. If your ever in the Albany, New York area and need a bass player I am available. I'll work for free beer and an Autograph. Jay Ayotte
A: I love my bass player, but IÊhope to see you and say hi in Clifton Park, NY on 11/27/99.

Q: First off, I just want to let you know that one of my favorite blues guitar solos ever is the one you do on Copper Brown on Muddy's, I'm Ready. My question is, who plays with you in your current touring band. I'm really excited to see you here in Portland, OR next month. ÊI've been waiting ten years to see you! I'm happy to see that Lee Rocker is opening as well. See you soon. -Joe Baker
A: Hi Portland, OR. Mark Epstein on bass and Vito Luizzi on drums.

Q: I would like to see some older photos, and when can I expect to see a Johnny Winter gig in my country ????. That would be great to have him back in Sweden. Thanks for an excellent web site. Jesper hedegaard, Bredaryd.
A: I will be touring Europe again next summer. I hope to have a date in Sweden, keep a close eye on my schedule.

Q: Dear Johnny...have been a huge fan for over 30 years now and will always hold the torch high for you. My wife manages a small restaurant in the town of Port Moody, B.C., Canada. The restaurant is called Johnny's Place and it is small (50 seats ), but just cooks with Blues and R&B; seven nights a week. My dream would be for you to show up there one night and bring the place down with your awesome guitar works. What would the chances be of something like that happening the next time you visit Vancouver? I promise that you and your people would be treated like royalty. There is just a huge following of your fans in this town and your place in the history of Blues music is well documented here. The regular musicians that play at the restaurant would be honored to be graced with your presence. Please contact me ... my e-mail is [email protected] You are without a doubt the greatest guitarist this world has seen.Route 90 can be matched by no one. Love you Johnny!!! Stay strong!!! Yours truly, Ron Smith.
A: When you see my tour advertised in Vancouver, contact my office. I would like to stop by your club before or after my show.

Q: I am myself a jazz guitarist who also listens ardently to blues and have done for the past 40 years. When I was in England I had occasion to see everyone from Wes Montgomery to Ray Charles. There aren't too many authentic Blues musicians left, especially white ones, but one that has always impressed me has been Johnny Winter. I've seen him on numerous occasions from his appearance in the late 60's to his later sessions at the Town & Country Club in London. It seems to me that over the years this guy's paid his dues both as a musician & in his personal life and in my mind shares ''the stage'' with the real mentors of Blues .... guys like Robert Johnson Ê...Son House ... T-bone Walker in fact his voice, guitar & harp playing match these and numerous legendary Bluesmen in a way (and dare I say it!) that Clapton, Stevie Ray, and even Jimi can't. Winter has the rare ability to play explosive, paint stripping guitar and ALSO possesses one of the most soulful voices. So believe me as I HAVE SEEN THE BEST. Don't pay attention to any reviewers who were only born yesterday and think that the sun shines out of Noel Gallaghers backside. They don't know what music IS.........if they do then I challenge them to do a classical guitar recital with me! Even at his slowest, Winter today, can blow the likes of Clapton, Gary Moore, etc., off stage and he hasn't sold out having to share his recordings on albums with countless artists on EVERY track just to sell the record. All I can is keep going Johnny... you've inspired my playing since the 60's and you've caused me to search out the same black bluesmen that influenced you and although you may say many have done the same, others haven't shown the same sincerity. Take care of yourself. from PETER Ontario\ CANADA
A: Thank you for the nice things you said. Come back and see me when I come to your town.

Q: Hey Johnny, I have been a fan of yours since I can't remember. I am from the Atlanta area and have seen you a dozen times at least. I have just about all your albums and I am working on the CD's. I first saw you at the Fox Theater when Still Alive and Well was released. You were great then and are still great now. I just recently saw you at the Variety Playhouse on Sept 8, 2000. Great show. I play guitar and have tried to style myself after you but that all I have done. I have never and will never reach your skill level. Just wanted to write you and let you know you are my guitar hero and always will be. Hang in there and keep on playing the blues. P.s. I have also seen Edgar a few times also and he is also great. Hope to see you and Edgar again. Maybe even together?

Q: Johnny, This is such an honor to speak to you (via E-mail). I have been a fan since the early Seventies when a friend of mine turned me on to your first album from Columbia. I first saw you rock the Montreal Forum in 1975, the Spectrum in 84, Lulu's and then the Ontario Place Forum in 93, and the Phoenix in 98. I had all your vinyl records at one time and now am in the process of getting everything on CD. I have also followed your brother's career with the same vigor. Ê I have a million questions to ask you but I will stick to one. What are the chances that you and Edgar and Rick Derringer will get together to record another album? (Like the extraordinary "Johnny & Edgar Winter together" album) Maybe a tour? Thanks for all the great music and for providing the soundtrack during the best parts of my life. Patrick "Mutt" Mullin
A: I will begin recording my new studio album next month (Dec 2000). I have not thought about a record with Edgar or Rick, maybe sometime in the future.

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