Mean Town Blues (featuring Edgar Winter and Joe Bonamassa)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the raw, electrifying track Mean Town Blues featuring Edgar Winter and Joe Bonamassa from Johnny Winter’s tribute album Brother Johnny. This song, released as the second single from the album in February 2022, is a heartfelt nod to Johnny’s 1968 classic, capturing his signature slide guitar and early blues essence. Edgar Winter, Johnny’s brother, called it one of the most important tracks on the album, emphasizing its authenticity in reflecting Johnny’s bluesman soul. He noted in the album’s liner notes, “Every time I hear it, I think, ‘Now that’s Real Johnny Winter.’ It just captures the essence of everything he was.” The timing of the single’s release, close to what would have been Johnny’s 78th birthday on February 23, added a poignant touch to its debut.

The recording of Mean Town Blues was a challenge, as Edgar wanted to preserve the stripped-down feel of Johnny’s original blues trio—guitar, bass, and drums. He struggled to find someone who could replicate Johnny’s unique slide guitar style until he turned to Joe Bonamassa. Edgar recalled, “I didn’t know of anyone out there who naturally played slide the way Johnny did. I thought Joe Bonamassa did such an incredible job with Johnny’s regular guitar style, I wonder if he could do the same thing with the slide? And amazingly, HE DID IT.” Bonamassa, known for his blues-rock prowess, prepared for weeks to nail the track, delivering a performance that Edgar described as channeling Johnny’s spirit. The track features Edgar on vocals, Bonamassa on slide guitar, Sean Hurley on bass, and Gregg Bissonette on drums, creating a powerful tribute that resonates with Johnny’s gritty legacy.

Johnny Winter, born John Dawson Winter III on February 23, 1944, in Beaumont, Texas, began his musical journey at a young age, steeped in the blues-rich culture of the South. Alongside his brother Edgar, he started playing music as a child, winning a local talent contest at 14 or 15 with a cover of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode. This victory led to their first single, School Day Blues, penned by Johnny. His early exposure to blues legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King shaped his raw, fiery guitar style. By the late 1960s, Johnny’s blistering performances and slide guitar mastery caught the attention of Columbia Records, launching him into the spotlight with his self-titled debut album in 1969. His career spanned decades, blending blues, rock, and roots music, earning him a spot in the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 2003.

Johnny Winter’s official website, johnnywinter.net, offers a deep dive into his discography, biography, and legacy. Fans can connect with his community on social media through his official Facebook page, Instagram, and X account, where updates about his music and tributes like Brother Johnny are shared. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan frenzy, check out the Johnny Winter Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing memories, rare photos, and discussions about his work. Another fan hub, johnnywinter.com, provides additional resources and fan-driven content celebrating his enduring influence.