It was in 1973 when I saw my first Johnny Winter concert. Some forty-plus years later, tt remains one of the best concerts I have ever attended. We stood on our seats for 2½ hours while Johnny mesmerized the crowd with a mix of hard driving blues and rock that whipped the audience in a delightful frenzy. From that moment onwards, I was a huge fan.

Sadly, earlier this year, Johnny passed away at the age of 70. No doubt albinism coupled with a life of hard partying took its toll. Johnny Winter worked with the greats: Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Derek Trucks, Eric Clapton to name a select few. He is often overlooked, but not to those in the music fraternity. His energy, great guitarwork and a true blues soul elevated him to the pantheon of blues legends. He came to prominence in 1969 at Woodstock and the rest is a sublime history of great music. He resurrected the career of Muddy Waters in the mid-1970s with 3 grammy award winning blues album that solidified his stature in the world of music.

Fortunately Johnny left us a posthumous gift from Blues Heaven. Johnny’s final studio release is the album Step Back. Knowing that Johnny was in frail health the list of great musicians who lined up to play Johnny is very impressive. Joining the party is Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Joe Perry, Joe Bonamassa, Brian Setzer and Ben Harper.

Clearly Johnny is having great fun..he could still bring it. The album kicks off with the Ray Charles classic “Unchain My Heart.” He is backed with the Blues Brothers horns and a solid group of female backing vocals. I cannot recall ever hearing Johnny perform being backed by horns, but it works. Johnny’s guitar is precise and crisp and he delivers a nice solo.

The second track, is one of the album’s best: “Can’t Hold Out (Talk to My Baby).” Penned by blues legend Willie Dixon, this is an instant blues classic. Johnny on slide and Ben Harper on lead guitar deliver beautifully. Ben and Johnny share the lead vocals as well. No doubt Johnny is one of the all -time greats on slide guitar. Check out Derek Trucks on this video looking at Johnny with awe and veneration as Johnny plays one of his classics, “Highway 61 Revisited.”

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Next up is “Don’t Want no Woman,” written by blues giant Magic Sam. Eric Clapton joins the party as Johnny and Eric trade solos.

Johnny gives us some rockin’ with Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love.” Some excellent slide and some toe tapping fun ensue. I am sure if Bo Diddley were still alive he would join the fun.

More horns back up “Okie Dokie Stomp.” This time Johnny shares the lead with Brian Setzer for a rollicking instrumental.

Things slow down with a cover of BB King’s classic “Sweet Sixteen.” Opening the song is one of the album’s best solos by Johnny. Current blues star Joe Bonamassa exchange licks with Johnny with scorching results that leaves an indelible impression. Johnny is in fine voice and you can feel the blues.

His cover of the Little Walter classic “My Babe” is soul satisfying good. Johnny does his best to capture the Little Richard energy on Long Tall Sally. Sharing the lead with former Mountain guitarist Leslie West, they churn through the song with energy and passion.

Closing the album is one of the best: “Blue Monday.” Ably assisting Johnny is Delta Blues star Dr. John on piano. Close your eyes and you are in New Orleans. My only regret is that Dr. John does not contribute on the vocals.

Johnny Winter was one of a kind. He was equally adept at Blues and Rock. But his legacy was to play the blues authentically and with honest unfettered clarity. No doubt he succeeded and has left his mark. He may be gone, but he will not be forgotten. We miss you Johnny, thanks for all the joy you have given us.