As teens Edgar and Johnny (who is three years older than Edgar) began performing together at local watering holes such as Tom's Fish Camp. The two played in R&B and blues groups; Johnny and the Jammers, The Crystaliers, and The Black Plague. By the time he was of college age Edgar had become competent on keyboards, bass, guitar and drums.
After recording with his brother, Clive Davis gave Edgar the green light to go solo, creating whatever he wanted. An unaclaimed, eclectic black vinyl called Entrance was released and so was the talent and magnetism of Edgar Winter.
Johnny's nimble fingers and fine-tuned hearing made up for poor eyesight, making him rich and respected....and making him famous first. Edgar would settle forever settle as Johnny's little brother...but his talent...and ability to recognize and attract talent, would keep Edgar continually evolving.
Edgar was signed to his own Epic Records contract in 1970 and recorded several albums, including Entrance and Edgar Winter's White Trash. In 1972 he formed The Edgar Winter Group which included Dan Hartman, Ronnie Montrose and Chuck Ruff. It was with this band that he had his biggest successes: first with the 1973 album They Only Come Out at Night which featured the #1 hit instrumental "Frankenstein" which reached number one in the U.S. in May 1973 and the top 15 single "Free Ride;" which reached number 14 that same year, then the album Shock Treatment which featured the song "Easy Street".
Originally called the drum song in development, there was so much tape on the cutting room floor the song earned its name and Edgar's fame.
Edgar's wealth of talent, ironically included not playing instruments....but using his voice as one as well. Who won the Tabacco Road duel -- the guitar or Edgar? And yet, for the Albino outward appearance, Edgar Winter's inward ability left a mark on generations: "Why am Dying to Live If I'm Only Living to Die?"
The preponderance of vocals and songwriting by Hartman on Shock Treatment led to the release of Jasmine Nightdreams with all vocals by Winter. It was nominally a solo album, but it used the same personnel as the Edgar Winter Group. A full band album followed, the Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer, featuring songs and vocals by Derringer.
Success was waning, however, and Edgar teamed with brother Johnny for a live album of blues and early rock classics, including Harlem Shuffle (later a revival hit for the Rolling Stones). This album too performed below expectations, so the White Trash was reformed. They recorded Recycled, and toured as an opening act to support the album. The tour was cut short by a tragic plane crash, which killed some members of the tour's headliner, Lynyrd Skynyrd. This was followed by two solo albums, an attempt at literate disco on the Edgar Winter Album and a return to 1970s rock on Standing on Rock. Since then there have been more obscure solo albums and session work, namely with David Lee Roth on Crazy from the Heat in 1985, which included a cover version of the song "Easy Street".
With over 20 albums and many television and radio appearances both to promote his music—and to give his opinion on everything politically incorrect— Edgar Winter's music is solidly in the popular vein. Winter's 1970s albums are bluesier than his later albums, but there are blues tunes like "Big City Woman" on his 1990 album Not a Kid Anymore. In 2005, "Frankenstein" was featured in the PlayStation 2 music video game Guitar Hero.
In 2006, Winter joined Hamish Stuart, Rod Argent, Richard Marx, Billy Squier, and Sheila E touring with Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
Back in The U.S.A.
Edgar Winter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the blues is back in me
I may not be the same as you
But I'm the same as I can be
I may not walk the way I talk
But I get there just the same
Lord, I mean I play the same as you
I may not be the sound of blues
But I can live that sound
I may not be around the world
But I can make the world be round, yeah
I can't dig the sound of blues
I can't dig the sound
I can't make the world be round
Make the world be round
In the song "Back In The USA," Edgar Winter talks about his love for blues music and how it's a part of who he is. The opening lines, "I may not be your way back in the blues, but the blues is back in me" suggest that while he may not be the most traditional or classic version of a blues musician, he still has the essence of blues music within him. He acknowledges that he may not be like other musicians, but he is still true to himself, singing "I may not be the same as you, but I'm the same as I can be."
Winter goes on to express that he doesn't talk the talk of a classic blues artist, but he walks the walk and gets to where he needs to be, just like anyone else. He is saying that he plays the same as other blues artists, but he does not conform to the typical "rules" or "game" of the music industry. Winter then speaks about how he may not sound like the classic blues artist, but he can live the sound and feel of the music, and he can make the world round through his music. The last lines, "I can't dig the sound of blues, I can't dig the sound, I can't make the world be round, make the world be round" are interesting as Winter contradicts himself, saying that he can't make the world round, yet he just said he could. Perhaps he is acknowledging that although he can provide a momentary escape through his music, he cannot singlehandedly change the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I may not be your way back in the blues
While I may not be someone who can introduce you to the style of blues, I still possess the natural talent and inherent knowledge of the genre.
But the blues is back in me
Although I am not solely defined by the blues, it is still an integral part of who I am as a musician and as a person.
I may not be the same as you
Even though I may not fit the mold or expectations of what you consider 'normal' or 'acceptable,' I am still proud of who I am and what I represent.
But I'm the same as I can be
As an artist and individual, I strive to be as authentically myself as possible, without trying to imitate or please anyone else.
I may not walk the way I talk
My actions and behaviors may not always align with the words that I say, but that doesn't make them any less genuine or meaningful.
But I get there just the same
Regardless of how I approach my journey or how others perceive me, I will still achieve my goals and make my own way in the world.
Lord, I mean I play the same as you
Despite any perceived differences or distinctions between myself and others in the music industry, we are all equal in our ability to create and perform.
Yet I don't play the game
Unlike some musicians who are more concerned with superficial success or fame, I am more focused on the artistry and expression of my music.
I may not be the sound of blues
Although I may not embody the stereotypical image or sound of blues music, I still have a deep appreciation and understanding of its roots and history.
But I can live that sound
Through my own unique interpretation and style, I am able to channel the essence and spirit of blues in my music.
I may not be around the world
While I may not have traveled extensively or gained international fame, my impact and influence as a musician still holds value and importance.
But I can make the world be round, yeah
Through my music and creative expression, I am able to bring people of different backgrounds and perspectives together in harmony and understanding.
I can't dig the sound of blues
While some people may not enjoy or connect with the sound or message of blues music, it still holds immense significance and meaning to me personally.
I can't make the world be round
Although I may be able to inspire and unite others through my art, I am still just one individual and cannot single-handedly bring about global change.
Make the world be round
Overall, the message of the song is that through our individual talents and abilities, we can all play a meaningful role in shaping and improving the world around us.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDGAR WINTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Auggie Ostin
The first time I heard this song, almost 40 years ago, I knew I was listening to something special. All these years later, it is still one of the most amazing rock n' roll tunes of all time. In fact, this entire album with its incredible mix of gospel, rock and soul is a true masterpiece.
TheEnormousPianist
Definitely one of the best all time live albums, everybody top of their game. And this is my favorite track, just great guitar tone, great vocal, tight ensemble arrangement and performance, a guitar solo that actually Goes Somewhere. Just saw Edgar, Rick and Johnny (finally after so many years) 2012 in Saratoga CA, and they're older and creakier not as white hot as this of course but brought back the memories playing most of the good stuff from this album. Real deal rock and roll.
mark thor
One of the best live rock and roll songs ever recorded...EVER
Antoni Peters
The whole double album, man!
A J Holmstrom
That song is raw and perfect at the same time!
Paula
Best sounding 335 ever!
Paula
@Antoni Peters Yes!
Siggy Retburns
Totally
Cruz Control
I was at this show, 8th row center. Derringer was on fire, and at one point in this solo was rolling around on the floor while playing, like low somersaulting. It was insanely exciting as was the entire show. It took days to wear off, and then two months later the album came out !!!
Joe Hill
Man do you know how lucky you were to be there