Rock ’n’ Roll Hoochie Koo

"Rock ’n’ Roll Hoochie Koo" is a rock anthem written by Rick Derringer, first recorded in 1970 by Johnny Winter’s band, Johnny Winter And, which included Derringer. The Edgar Winter Group’s version, featured on the 2022 album Brother Johnny, is a tribute to Edgar’s late brother, Johnny Winter. In a 2022 post on Facebook, Edgar shared that after Johnny’s passing in 2014, he performed the song during a tour to honor his brother, noting it brought “strength and comfort” to him and fans. The song’s title, as Derringer explained in a 2010 book, Raisin’ Cain, blends “rock ’n’ roll” for a pop vibe and “hoochie koo” to nod to Johnny’s blues roots, creating a perfect fusion of both. Edgar’s rendition on Brother Johnny captures this spirit, with a high-energy performance that pays homage to Johnny’s legacy.

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2023 article on American Songwriter, which highlights the song’s playful, non-sexual use of “hoochie koo,” derived from the blues term “hoochie coochie,” popularized by Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Edgar’s version, recorded for Brother Johnny, was part of a Grammy-nominated project, and in a statement on his official website, he expressed gratitude to the artists and fans who supported the album, noting Johnny would be “smiling down from blue heaven.” The song’s live performances, especially post-2014, became a tradition for Edgar, often closing shows with it alongside “Johnny B. Goode” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” as he shared in a 2022 interview on his website.

Edgar Winter, born December 28, 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, grew up in a musical family with his brother Johnny, both born with albinism. As detailed on his website bio, Edgar was a self-taught virtuoso, mastering keyboards, saxophone, and percussion. His parents encouraged musical pursuits early, and by age ten, he and Johnny appeared on a local children’s show, with Edgar playing ukulele. His genre-blending style—mixing rock, jazz, blues, and pop—emerged in his 1970 debut album, Entrance, signed to Epic Records after an impromptu audition for Clive Davis. Edgar’s fearless use of synthesizers and his versatility set him apart, leading to hits like “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride” with the Edgar Winter Group in the 1970s.

Unlike Johnny, who thrived in the spotlight, Edgar initially preferred the background, focusing on musical innovation, as noted in his bio. His early career included playing saxophone in jazz-influenced bands, despite Johnny’s initial resistance to Edgar playing sax, as it was “too rock ’n’ roll” for his blues focus. Edgar’s work with artists like Rick Derringer, Dan Hartman, and later Michael McDonald and Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, showcased his adaptability. His Instagram often features throwback photos and tour updates, connecting with fans who celebrate his eclectic career.

For fans wanting to dive deeper, Edgar’s official website offers tour dates, merch, and updates on projects like his upcoming album, a sequel to Brother Johnny. His Facebook page, with over 30,000 followers, is active with posts about performances and tributes to Johnny. On X, Edgar shares music insights and engages with fans, while his Instagram showcases live clips and studio moments. Fan communities thrive on platforms like the Edgar Winter Fans Facebook group, where “Zoo Freaks” can connect over his music. The fan site edgarwintergroup.com also provides discographies and rare photos for dedicated followers.