Johnny At The Fillmore

The Fillmore East in NYC was notorious for housing some of Rock’s greatest live shows from 1968 – 1971. One of the many special events that occurred on the venue’s stage happened in December 1968. Al Kooper and his musical counterpart Michael Bloomfield were booked to play a couple of shows. On the first night, Bloomfield brought with him an unknown Texas Blues guitar slinger named Johnny Winter who he had previously heard in Chicago.

After playing only one song, an excited Bloomfield introduced his guest. Johnny Winter quickly tore into a smokin’ rendition of B.B. King’s “It’s My Own Fault” and immediately dazzled the audience. Listening to the recording, you really sense Johnny is playing for his life. The intensity in his vocals and especially his execution on his guitar is electrifying. It is one of those career defining moments. The executives from Columbia Records on hand to watch Kooper and Bloomfield were at the right place at the right time and stumbled across this virtually unknown gem.

The following Monday; Winter was offered a lucrative record deal that helped propel him to superstar status. Within a year, he would release the Blues/Rock classic, “Second Winter.” Johnny went on to become a Rock star. But his love of the Blues never left him, and by the late-1970's after having helped resurrect Muddy Waters' recording career, he went back to permanently being the Bluesman he originally was.

Fortunately, the December 1968 shows with Kooper and Bloomfield were professionally recorded by Columbia. 30+ years later, Al Kooper was able to locate the tapes and create the live album, “Fillmore East: The Lost Concert Tapes 12/13/68.” Not only is some fantastic guitar work showcased from the brilliant Michael Bloomfield, but that legendary performance of “It’s My Own Fault” with Johnny Winter is officially highlighted for the first time.

There is nothing better than being able to hear a young and hungry Blues musician playing for his love of the music. Thank Michael Bloomfield for bringing Johnny Winter along for the ride that night, and thank Al Kooper for finally unleashing the music recorded on those tapes from another magical evening at the Fillmore.