Johnny Winter, along with his brother Edgar Winter, were nurtured at an early age by their parents in musical pursuits. Both he and his brother, who were born with albinism, began performing at an early age. When he was ten-years old, Winter appeared on a local children's show, playing ukelele and singing Everly Brothers songs with his brother.
His recording career began at the age of fifteen, when his band Johnny and the Jammers released "School Day Blues" on a Houston record label. During this same period, he was able to see performances by classic blues artists such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Bobby Bland. In the early days Winter would sometimes sit in with Roy Head and The Traits when they performed in the Beaumont, Texas area, and in 1967, Winter recorded a single with The Traits: "Tramp" backed with "Parchman Farm" (Universal Records 30496). In 1968, he released his first album The Progressive Blues Experiment, on Austin's Sonobeat Records.
Winter caught his biggest break in December 1968, when Mike Bloomfield, whom he met and jammed with in Chicago, invited him to sing and play a song during a Bloomfield and Al Kooper concert at the Fillmore East in New York. As it happened, representatives of Columbia Records (which had released the Top Ten Bloomfield/Kooper Super Session album) were at the concert. Winter played and sang B.B. King's "It's My Own Fault" to loud applause and, within a few days, was signed to reportedly what was then the largest advance in the history of the recording industry–$600,000.
Winter's first Columbia album, Johnny Winter was recorded and released in 1969. It featured the same backing musicians with whom he recorded The Progressive Blues Experiment, bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Uncle John Turner, plus Edgar Winter on keyboards and saxophone, and (for his "Mean Mistreater") blues legends Willie Dixon on upright bass and Big Walter Horton on harmonica. The album featured a few selections that became Winter signature songs, including his composition "Dallas" (an acoustic blues, on which Winter played a steel-bodied, resonator guitar), John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson's "Good Morning Little School Girl", and B.B. King's "Be Careful With A Fool".
The album's success coincided with Imperial Records picking up The Progressive Blues Experiment for wider release. The same year, the Winter trio toured and performed at several rock festivals, including Woodstock. With brother Edgar added as a full member of the group, Winter also recorded his second album, Second Winter in Nashville in 1969. The two-record album, which only had three recorded sides (the fourth was blank), introduced a couple more staples of Winter's concerts, including Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" and Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited".
In 1984, Winter began recording for several labels, including Alligator Records and Point Blank Records, where he has focused on blues-oriented material. He continues to perform live, including festivals throughout North America and Europe. Winter has headlined such prestigious events as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Swedish Rock Fest, Warren Haynes X-mas jam, and Europe’s Rockpalast. He also performed with the Allman Brothers at the Beacon Theater in Manhattan on the 40th anniversary of their debut. In 2007 and 2010, Winter performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Two guitar instructional DVDs have been produced by Cherry Lane Music and the Hal Leonard Corporation. The Gibson Guitar Company released the signature Johnny Winter Firebird guitar in a ceremony in Nashville with Slash presenting.
In 2004, Winter received a Grammy nomination for his I’m a Bluesman album. Backing him are guitarist Paul Nelson, bassist Scott Spray, and drummer Vito Liuzzi. Beginning in 2007, a series of live Winter albums titled the Live Bootleg Series and a live DVD have all entered the Top 10 Billboard Blues charts. In 2009, The Woodstock Experience album was released, which includes eight songs that Winter performed at the 1969 festival. Johnny Winter is signed to Megaforce Records, who will release a new studio album titled Roots on September 27, 2011. It will include Winter's interpretation of eleven early blues and rock 'n' roll classics and feature several guest artists.
Winter produced three Grammy Award-winning albums by Muddy Waters, Hard Again (1977), I'm Ready (1978), and Muddy "Mississippi" Waters – Live (1979). Several Winter albums were also nominated for Grammy Awards. In 1980, Winter was on the cover of the first issue of Guitar World and in 1988, he was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.
Leland Mississippi Blues
Johnny Winter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh yeah, oh yeah, uh huh, oh yeah
I've been in Texas, I've been on the run
I've been in Texas, I've been on the run
I'm going to Leland, Mississippi, mama
You all know that's where I come from
Right down on the Delta, man
Well, I'm alone, I'm free from my home
You know I was sittin' right down people
On my daddy's cotton farm
Come hear, baby, let your long hair down
Ah, come here, woman, let your hair down
I want you to love me with a feeling
'Cause I'm Mississippi bound
The best woman, the best waist in town
The best woman, the best waist in town
Oh yeah
You'll never keep me woman
'Cause I have a travellin' mind
The lyrics to Johnny Winter's song Leland Mississippi Blues showcase the singer's longing for his home state of Mississippi, specifically his hometown of Leland. He starts the song by claiming he has been on the run and in Texas, but he is now heading back to Mississippi. The repeated "oh yeahs" and "uh huhs" add to the upbeat tempo of the song and demonstrate the singer's excitement to return home.
Winter then reflects on his time on his father's cotton farm, showcasing his upbringing in the deep south. He longs for a lover to join him on his journey, asking her to let her hair down and love him with a feeling as he journeys towards Leland. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer has a "travellin' mind" and may not be tied down to one place for too long.
Overall, the lyrics of Leland Mississippi Blues capture the essence of blues music, showcasing the singer's longing for something more while also reflecting on his past and where he comes from.
Line by Line Meaning
(Don't mess up slut and I won't either 1-2-3-4)
Introduction to the song, not necessarily connected to the rest of the lyrics.
Oh yeah, oh yeah, uh huh, oh yeah
Exclamation of excitement and anticipation for a new adventure.
I've been in Texas, I've been on the run
Acknowledging a past of running from one's problems and responsibilities.
I'm going to Leland, Mississippi, mama
Making a decision to go back to one's hometown to face the past and seek redemption.
You all know that's where I come from
Reminding listeners of his origin and connection to Mississippi.
Right down on the Delta, man
Emphasizing Mississippi's geographical location as a delta for the Mississippi River.
Well, I'm alone, baby, I'm free free from my home
Feeling liberated and untethered from the past, but recognizing the loneliness that comes along with it.
You know I was sittin' right down people on my daddy's cotton farm
Reflecting on the nostalgia and simpler times of childhood spent on a cotton farm.
Come hear, baby, let your long hair down
Invitation to let loose and have a good time.
Ah, come here, woman, let your hair down
Repeating the invitation for emphasis.
I want you to love me with a feeling
Desiring an emotional connection with someone, rather than just a physical one.
'Cause I'm Mississippi bound
Reaffirming the commitment to return to Mississippi and find peace there.
The best woman, the best waist in town
Boasting about finding the perfect woman with a great figure and personality.
Oh yeah
Reiterating the excitement and satisfaction of finding the best woman.
You'll never keep me woman
Recognizing his nature as a wanderer who cannot be tied down by any one woman or place.
'Cause I have a travellin' mind
Explaining that he is constantly seeking new experiences and places to explore.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHNNY WINTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike O'Leary
I bought this album after hearing one song from it.. THIS SONG>> back in 69…. It was the beginning of the end. LOL. im 68 now.. and still playing the blues.. You ever notice there are not many covers of Johnnys stuff.. LOL. there is a reason for that. LOL. nobody can play like Johnny…. RIP Johnny.. we miss ya..
clay more
Unbelievable talent. Not only for guitar but a great singer.
Jim Bathke
I picked this album as one of my 10 free picks from the Columbia Record Club in 1969-70. This album basically changed my life! I'm thinking...what is this blues guitar stuff? Well, I sat down with a guitar, and half-assed learned it. Well, that opened the doors to Hendrix, Page, Clapton, and many more. 52 years later, I can safely say I'm a pretty accomplished guitar player. Thanks Johnny!
ticarot
One of my favorite tunes by Johnny. Love the voice/guitar melody and the funky 14 bar format.
EVA KENNEDY
My dad lived in Leland many many years ago! I love this song!
ajksa1744
This is the first Johnny Winter's song that I heard in 1969. I have been a fan ever since. What a loss! RIP - but rip it up when you get through the Pearly Gates.
Theodore Quiroz
Got the Album through The Columbia Record Club...
Tommy Guns
Paul Abraham you should play the blues on guitar also.
Paul Abraham
I'm from Leland, Mississippi, too. His dad was mayor there, and so was my dad.
Circumpunk
The coolest comment of the day, thanks brother man.