by Tatyanna Wilkinson 

On July 16, 2014 Blues legend Johnny Winter passed away at 70.

I still remember the first time, as an adult, that I heard Johnny’s guitar riffs. I mean REALLY heard them. A good friend, who has turned me on to endless artists and tracks that came out when I was a kid or long before I was born. I’m 46, Mr. Winter was making tunes while I was still playing with tinker toys.

Johnny Winter and his brother Edgar both made waves back in the 60s and 70s, yet the albino brother, Johnny, with the stark white hair and the was still making records and touring right up until his last journey.

I was lucky enough to be invited to see him play at the Saban Theater in Los Angeles, April 20, 2014, by his opening act, Susan Sheller, a stellar blues artists in her own right.

After nearly 9 yrs of being told a dozen stories about live shows in the 70s and all of the fun that was had while listening to his music, I was finally able to sit, stand, and wiggle a bit to the man’s jams.

After the show, we went backstage and then onto Mr. Winter’s tour bus, which was a huge modern mobile home. He sat with each of us and let us take photos. He signed our posters and spoke in a sweet soft voice.

The best part for me was sitting neraby as he had a lively conversation with a young 15 yr old blues guitar player who was so excited to meet his idol. It was heartwarming and felt like watching a torch be passed on a bit.

This concert was only a few months before his guitar was put in it’s case for the last time. Yes, he was not the player he was way back when, but a legend is a legend. I am glad I was able to meet him and see him play before the end.

Thank you Johnny for your music, your love for the blues and your determination to go out playing chords and riffs. You will be missed by many generations of fans and freinds.