February 23

 Johnny Winter

February 23, 1944 – July 16, 2014. Johnny Winter emerged as a formidable electric guitarist and vocalist who shaped the blues rock landscape of the seventies. Following his high profile performance at the Woodstock festival, he signed a landmark contract that led to his self titled debut and the experimental Second Winter. 

He fronted the hard rocking outfit Johnny Winter And from 1970 to 1971 alongside guitarist Rick Derringer. Throughout the decade, he released several solo albums including Still Alive and Well and Nothin But The Blues. He also showcased his skills on the harmonica and mandolin while producing award winning records for legend Muddy Waters between 1977 and 1980. Winter remained a dedicated member of his own touring groups from 1968 to 2014.

🎸 🎸 🎸

Brad Whitford

February 23, 1952. As a cornerstone of the hard rock movement, Brad Whitford joined Aerosmith in 1971 to serve as a vital rhythm and lead guitarist. His technical precision and songwriting contributions helped define the sonic identity of the band throughout their rise to global stardom. During the seventies, he performed on seminal albums such as Toys in the Attic and Rocks, providing the heavy riffs that anchored their bluesy sound. 

Beyond his work on the guitar, he frequently collaborated on compositions like Last Child before briefly departing the group in 1981 to pursue the Whitford-St. Holmes project. He eventually returned to his role in Aerosmith, maintaining his position in the lineup from 1971 to 1981 and again from 1984 to the present day.

🎸 🎸 🎸

Steve Priest

February 23, 1948 – June 4, 2020. The Sweet relied on Steve Priest as their energetic bass guitarist and backing vocalist throughout their glam rock heyday. Joining the definitive lineup in 1968, he became famous for his high-pitched vocal contributions on hits like Ballroom Blitz and Fox on the Run. His role expanded into lead singing duties on later albums as the band moved toward a heavier rock sound. Priest remained with The Sweet from 1968 to 1982.

🎸 🎸 🎸

< Yesterday

Tomorrow >