JOHNNY WINTER - THE BEST OF JOHNNY WINTER - JAPAN 12" Vinyl LP Album

- A Fiery Six-String Journey Through the Blues-Soaked Soul of Seventies Japan

This is the Japanese release of the album"The Best of Johnny Winter" it is a compilation of Johnny's best songs from the period 1970-1973. On the front cover there is a photo of Johnny Winter playing a White Gibson Firebird and on the album's back cover Johnny is playing a Gibson Les Paul.

Album Description:

When it comes to the world of blues and rock 'n' roll, few names command as much respect and admiration as Johnny Winter. A true guitar virtuoso and a master of his craft, Winter's influence on the genre is immeasurable. As a testament to his incredible talent and enduring legacy, the Japanese release of "The Best of Johnny Winter" on a 12" vinyl LP album serves as a comprehensive compilation of his greatest hits from the period spanning 1970 to 1973.

Adorned with a striking front cover featuring a captivating photo of Winter himself, his hands effortlessly gliding across the fretboard of a White Gibson Firebird, the album immediately captures the essence of his electric energy. The sheer intensity and raw passion that Winter exudes with every note are palpable, setting the stage for an auditory journey that will captivate fans old and new.

Flipping the album over reveals another iconic snapshot of Winter, this time wielding a Gibson Les Paul, a testament to his deep connection with the instrument and his ability to coax out its soulful voice. The back cover serves as a visual reminder that Winter's music was not only about technical brilliance but also about evoking profound emotions and connecting with his audience on a visceral level.

As the needle meets the grooves of the vinyl, a timeless collection of Winter's most memorable tracks begins to play. From the opening notes of "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo", his blues-infused rock anthem, to the soulful wails of "Still Alive and Well" and the electrifying riffs of "Mean Mistreater", each song showcases Winter's unparalleled skill as a guitarist and his ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and boogie-woogie into a sound uniquely his own.

"The Best of Johnny Winter" takes listeners on a journey through his critically acclaimed albums of the early 1970s, including "Johnny Winter And", "Second Winter", and "Still Alive and Well". These albums not only solidified his place in music history but also cemented his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

One cannot discuss Johnny Winter's discography without acknowledging his powerful collaborations. The album features standout tracks like "Highway 61 Revisited", a scorching rendition of Bob Dylan's classic, and "Rock Me Baby", a mesmerizing duet with the legendary blues guitarist Muddy Waters. These collaborations not only demonstrate Winter's ability to hold his own alongside some of the genre's finest but also highlight his unwavering dedication to the blues tradition.

With each track on the album, Winter's technical prowess and emotional depth shine through. From his lightning-fast guitar solos to his soulful vocals, he effortlessly delivers the raw essence of the blues, capturing the hearts of listeners worldwide. It is this rare combination of technical brilliance, emotional authenticity, and sheer passion that sets Johnny Winter apart and makes "The Best of Johnny Winter" an absolute must-have for any true fan of blues and rock music.

As the final chords reverberate through the speakers, one thing becomes abundantly clear—Johnny Winter's music transcends time and continues to resonate with audiences across generations. His artistry is a testament to the enduring power of the blues and its ability to evoke profound emotions within the listener.

Music Genre:

  Blues-Rock, Hard Rock-n-Roll 

Record Label & Catalognr:

  CBS/Sony SOPM 91

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1974 JAPAN
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Johnny Winter - Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
  • Rick Derringer - Guitars
    Rick Derringer an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He first gained fame as a member of The McCoys, a rock group that had a hit with the song "Hang On Sloopy" in 1965. After The McCoys disbanded, Derringer joined the band "Johnny Winter And" with blues guitarist Johnny Winter. Read Derringer's biography and colloberation with Johnny Winter
  • Randy Jo Hobbs - Bass Guitar
    Randy Jo Hobbs was a talented and innovative bass player, born in 1948 in Winchester, Indiana. He gained fame with The McCoys, playing on the hit Hang On Sloopy, before joining Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter, contributing to classics like Still Alive and Well and Free Ride. Despite struggles with substance abuse, his musical legacy endures. Learn more on Randy Jo Hobbs Biography.
  • Richard Hughes - Drums
    Richard Hughes, a powerhouse drummer, was a key force behind Johnny Winter’s explosive blues-rock sound in the 1970s. His thunderous beats drove classics like Still Alive and Well and Captured Live!, leaving an enduring mark on rock history. Though his life was tragically short, his drumming legacy remains essential. Learn more about his impact here.
Complete Track-listing of the album "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan"

The detailed tracklist of this record "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Silver Train 3:33
  2. Still Alive And Well 3:24
  3. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl 2:45
  4. Memory Pain 5:27
  5. Boney Moroney 2:38
  6. Prodigal Son 4:15
  7. Let the Music play 3:12
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Rollin'Cross The Country 4:29
  2. Jumpin' Jack Flash 4:26
  3. Mean Mistreater 5:48
  4. Rock And Roll Medley - Great Balls Of Fire/Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 6:46
  5. Hurtin' So Bad 4:41
High Resolution and Quality Photos of Complete Album Covers  "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan"
Close-up of Johnny Winter on the front cover of the Japan-only LP 'The Best of Johnny Winter'. He plays a white Gibson Firebird with his long platinum hair flowing. His bare chest is adorned with ornate jewelry under a spotlight.

Image Description: The front cover of the Japanese LP 'The Best of Johnny Winter' captures a dramatic, intimate portrait of Johnny Winter mid-performance. Set against a solid black background, Winter's ultra-pale skin and long, flowing platinum blonde hair stand in stark contrast, glowing under the stage lights.

He's shirtless, his torso wrapped in ornate, shimmering chains and jeweled necklaces that reflect the spotlight. A large cross pendant hangs over his chest. His left bicep is wrapped in a decorative cloth band, and his left hand grips the neck of a white Gibson Firebird guitar, its body only partly visible in the frame. His right hand is blurred in motion, caught in the act of picking or strumming.

His expression is calm and focused, eyes closed in musical concentration, lips slightly pursed. The red, stylized signature "Johnny Winter" is emblazoned diagonally across the upper left, with the CBS/Sony logo and catalog number (SOPM 91) clearly printed beneath it. A subtle label "ROCK BEST SERIES" appears at the top edge.

Johnny Winter playing a Gibson Les Paul Guitar on the Album Back Cover  Photo
Sepia-toned image of Johnny Winter playing a Gibson Les Paul on stage, featured on the back cover of 'The Best of Johnny Winter' Japanese LP. The full tracklist is printed on the left.

Image Description: This is the back cover of the Japanese LP 'The Best of Johnny Winter', rendered in a grainy sepia-toned style. The left side of the image contains the full album tracklist, clearly printed in white sans-serif font against the dark backdrop. Each track is listed with its title, duration, and production credits, separated by LP side designations and session type (studio or live).

Dominating the right half is a dynamic photograph of Johnny Winter captured mid-performance. He is seated, dressed in a dramatic striped outfit with long fringe details, and playing a black Gibson Les Paul guitar. His long white hair flows as he leans into the instrument with intense focus, caught in the energy of a solo or riff. His fingers are expertly placed on the fretboard, and his expression is both fierce and immersed in the sound.

Visible behind him is a drum kit, partially obscured, grounding the performance setting. The entire image has a textured print effect, lending a vintage, almost newspaper-quality aesthetic that matches the raw, live feel of Winter’s blues-rock sound.

Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan" 12" LP Record Label- Side One:
Side One label of Johnny Winter's Japanese LP 'The Best of Johnny Winter' showing CBS Sony branding, catalog number SOPM 91 A, and tracklisting with songwriter credits and copyright info.

Image Description: This is a high-resolution close-up of Side One of the vinyl record label from the Japanese release of 'The Best of Johnny Winter'. The label features the classic CBS/Sony layout, divided into two main color blocks: a bright orange header at the top and a light cream-colored body below.

In the orange section, the text reads "33 1/3 STEREO" in bold white font, with the catalog number "SOPM-91 A" and a legal copyright warning printed below. The iconic CBS/Sony logo — a concentric circle design in orange — is located on the left.

The cream portion includes the album title 'THE BEST OF JOHNNY WINTER' centered near the top, followed by a numbered tracklist for Side One. Each track is accompanied by songwriter credits, such as "SILVER TRAIN – M. Jagger - K. Richard" and "PRODIGAL SON – J. Winter". Notably, copyright years are marked with asterisks: *1973 CBS, Inc. and **1974 CBS, Inc., indicating track origins.

The spindle hole is centered, framed neatly by the minimalist design. The entire label is cleanly printed, with crisp typography and no background art, reinforcing the archival and collector’s quality of this Japan-only pressing.

Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - The Best of Johnny Winter Japan" 12" LP Record Label- Side Two:
Side Two label of 'The Best of Johnny Winter' Japanese LP release, featuring CBS Sony logo, catalog number SOPM 91 B, and track titles with songwriting credits and 1974 copyright.

Image Description: Displayed here is Side Two of the vinyl record label from the Japanese edition of 'The Best of Johnny Winter'. Like Side One, the label design is minimalistic and well-structured, with a vibrant orange header on top and a clean cream base for the song list and album information.

In the top section, the label displays "33⅓ STEREO" in bold white letters. Below that, the catalog number "SOPM-91 B" is printed in red. Legal text in fine print spans the top edge, indicating CBS/Sony Inc., Tokyo, Japan as the manufacturer and copyright holder.

The cream section beneath contains the album title, 'THE BEST OF JOHNNY WINTER', followed by a five-track listing. Each entry is accompanied by composer credits, such as "ROLLIN' 'CROSS THE COUNTRY – E. Winter, D. Hartman" and "HURTIN' SO BAD – J. Winter." Of special interest is track four, a Rock and Roll Medley blending three classics—"Great Balls of Fire", "Long Tall Sally", and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"—with detailed credit to each original songwriter.

The CBS/Sony logo appears at left, rendered in its traditional orange. At the bottom right of the cream field, the copyright year is marked: ** © 1974 CBS, Inc. The print is sharp and legible, reinforcing the precision and production quality typical of Japanese pressings.

JOHNNY WINTER - Complete Vinyl and CD Discography and Album Cover Gallery

JOHNNY WINTER's Official Vinyl Albums (by release date)

Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - Progressive Blues - France album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - The Progressive Blues Experiment

"The Progressive Blues Experiment" by Johnny Winter is a legendary 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the extraordinary talent and unique style of the American blues guitarist and singer. Recorded live at the Vulcan Gas Company, an iconic music venue in Austin, Texas,

The Progressive Blues Experiment 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - S/T Self-Titled Black Album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - S/T Self-Titled Black Album

On the self-titled debut album Johnny Winter played the blues pure and simple,. Whether it was the stinging raucous Delta music as played acoustically on "Dallas", or his savage electric attack, on "Mean Mistreater", "Be Careful With a Fool", or on Good Mornin' Little Schoolgirl'

JOHNNY WINTER aka Black Album 12" Vinyl LP
Johnny Winter - Second Winter album front cover
JOHNNY WINTEr - Second Winter

"Johnny Winter's 'Second Winter' is a classic 12" vinyl album released in 1969 on the CBS Record label. The influential blues-rock musician's second studio album showcases his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful vocals. Featuring a mix of original compositions and covers, the record captivates listeners with its raw energy and timeless blues-rock sound, solidifying Johnny Winter's status as a music icon."

Second Winter 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER AND - S/T Self-Titled album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER AND - S/T Self-Titled

The Johnny Winter AND album is a masterclass in raw energy and virtuosic guitar playing, with Winter's and Derringer's fiery solos and soulful vocals captivating listeners. It's a timeless testament to the power and passion of blues rock music,

JOHNNY WINTER AND 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - And Live album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER AND - Live

"And Live" by "Johnny Winter And" is a gatefold 12" LP vinyl album that showcases the legendary blues musician's electrifying live performances. Released during his peak in the 1970s, this album captures Winter's virtuosic guitar skills and soulful vocals, delivering a high-energy experience for blues enthusiasts. With a diverse tracklist and excellent sound quality, this vinyl release remains a must-have for collectors and fans of authentic live blues music.

Live 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY Winter - Still Alive and Well album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Still Alive and Well

Johnny Winter's 1973 comeback album, "Still Alive and Well," showcases the blues-rock legend's electrifying guitar work and soulful vocals. With defiant tracks like the title song and an impassioned rendition of The Rolling Stones' "Let It Bleed," this LP reached #22 on the US Billboard Charts, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of rock music.

Still Alive and Well 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - Saints and Sinners album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Saints and Sinners

"Saints and Sinners" is a blues-rock masterpiece released in 1974 on a 12" vinyl LP. Led by the incomparable Johnny Winter, the album features scorching guitar riffs, emotive vocals, and a soulful fusion of rock and blues. Produced by Rick Derringer, it boasts a talented lineup, including Edgar Winter, Randy Brecker, and more, creating an enduring classic that captivates listeners with its raw energy and timeless appeal.

Saints and Sinners 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - John Dawson Winter III album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - John Dawson Winter III

"John Dawson Winter III" remains a shining gem in the discography of Johnny Winter. This 12" vinyl LP album from 1974 continues to captivate audiences with its timeless blues-rock sound, and it serves as a reminder of the immense talent of Johnny Winter and his band-members, Randy Jo Hobbs and Richard Hughes. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a newcomer to Johnny Winter's music, this album is a must-listen for anyone seeking to experience the magic of true blues and rock artistry.

John Dawson Winter III 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - Captured Live album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Captured Live

"Johnny Winter's 'Captured Live' 12" LP delivers an authentic blues experience. Recorded during his peak in 1976, the album showcases his raw talent with scintillating guitar work and soulful vocals. The dynamic tracklist features crowd favorites like 'Boney Moronie' and 'Sweet Papa John'.

Captured Live 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - Captured Live Promo Copy album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Captured Live Promo Copy

The promotional copy of Johnny Winter's "Captured Live" 12" vinyl LP album featuring Floyd Radford on rhythm guitar is a rare and coveted treasure for vinyl collectors and blues enthusiasts. This unique edition offers a glimpse into the blues legend's live performances during his prime in the 1970s.

Captured Live Promo Copy 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - Together (with Edgar Winter) album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Together (with Edgar Winter)

Experience the electrifying energy of legendary musicians Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter with this thrilling 12" vinyl LP album, "Together". Explore this web-page featuring several captivating photos of the Winter brothers in their element, delivering unforgettable performances on stage.

Together (with Edgar Winter) 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - Nothin' but the Blues album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Nothin' but the Blues

Johnny Winter's "Nothin' but the Blues" is an album that encapsulates the very essence of the blues. With his unparalleled guitar skills and soulful vocals, Winter breathes new life into classic blues compositions while paying homage to the genre's legends.

Nothin' but the Blues 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - White Hot and Blue album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - White Hot and Blue
JOHNNY WINTER - White Hot and Blue

"Johnny Winter's 'White Hot And Blue' 12" vinyl LP is a blues-rock gem featuring his soulful vocals and mesmerizing guitar skills. With a powerhouse lineup, including Edgar Winter's multi-instrumental brilliance, Pat Ramsey's haunting harmonica, and Tom Brock's captivating mandolin

White Hot and Blue 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - Raisin Cain album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Raisin Cain

"Raisin' Cain" is the title of a 1980 album by American blues musician Johnny Winter. The album features a mix of original songs and covers of classic blues songs, such as "Sweet Little Angel" and "It's My Own Fault". The album received positive reviews from critics and was well received by Winter's fans. It features a mix of rock, blues and country music.

Raisin Cain 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - Guitar Slinger album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Guitar Slinger

Johnny Winter's "Guitar Slinger" on 12" vinyl LP is not just an album; it is a masterpiece that encapsulates the brilliance of one of the greatest guitarists in the history of blues rock. The Japanese release of this iconic album further solidified its status as a musical treasure, appreciated by fans across the world.

Guitar Slinger 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - Serious Business album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Serious Business

Johnny Winter's "Serious Business" remains a timeless blues masterpiece that encapsulates the raw essence of the genre. With searing guitar work, powerful vocals, and an unwavering dedication to the blues, Winter and his talented band created an album that continues to resonate with blues enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Serious Business 12" Vinyl LP
JOHNNY WINTER - Third Degree album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Third Degree CD

"Johnny Winter's 'Third Degree' (1986) captivates with blues-rock brilliance. The iconic guitarist's studio album exudes raw energy and soulful vocals, showcasing his virtuosity. Featuring electrifying tracks like 'Mojo Boogie' and 'Tin Pan Alley,' it remains a timeless testament to Winter's legendary talent and continues to resonate with music enthusiasts worldwide.

Third Degree CD
JOHNNY WINTER - Winter of '88 album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Winter of '88 CD

"Winter of '88" is a blues-rock gem by Johnny Winter, released in 1988. With electrifying guitar work and soulful vocals, Winter returns to his musical roots, delivering an authentic and powerful experience. This album showcases Winter's enduring talent and influence

Winter of '88 CD
JOHNNY WINTER - Let Me In album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Let Me In CD

"Let Me In," Johnny Winter's 1991 album, marks a dynamic shift from MCA to Pointblank Records. With scorching guitar riffs and soulful vocals, Winter delivers an electrifying blues-rock masterpiece. Supported by skilled musicians like Billy Branch's harmonica and Dr. John's piano, the album blends emotional depth and musical diversity, cementing Winter's status as a blues legend.

Let Me In CD
JOHNNY WINTER - Hey Where's Your Brother? album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Hey Where's Your Brother? CD

"Johnny Winter's 1992 album 'Hey Where's Your Brother?' delivers electrifying blues rock, showcasing his signature guitar prowess and soulful vocals. With a mix of original tracks and inspired covers, the album captures Winter's dynamic energy and musical finesse, a testament to his influential legacy in the blues genre.

Hey Where's Your Brother? CD
JOHNNY WINTER - Live in NYC 1997 album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Live in NYC 1997

Johnny Winter's 'Live in NYC 1997' album pulses with electrifying blues and rock fusion. With searing guitar solos and soulful vocals, Winter's raw energy ignites the stage, capturing a mesmerizing night at the Bottom Line. From haunting renditions of classics to the immersive chemistry

Live in NYC 1997
JOHNNY WINTER - I'm a Bluesman album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - I'm a Bluesman CD

"I'm a Bluesman" is not just an album; it's a celebration of the blues, a tribute to tradition, and a testament to the enduring power of music. Johnny Winter and Mike Welch's collaboration on this record showcases their profound understanding of the blues genre and their ability to keep its flame burning brightly. With its rich blend of original compositions and classic covers, the album is a timeless masterpiece that stands as a true reflection of the bluesman spirit.

I'm a Bluesman CD
JOHNNY WINTER - Roots album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Roots CD

Johnny Winter's 2011 album 'ROOTS' takes listeners on a captivating musical journey, showcasing his mastery of blues, rock, and roots genres. With soulful vocals and electrifying guitar solos, Winter pays homage to his musical influences while adding his own unique flair. This CD release is a timeless collection of tracks that capture the essence of his legendary career and demonstrate his unwavering passion for authentic, heartfelt music".

Roots CD
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back (Red Vinyl) album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back

"Step Back" is the final album by blues guitarist and singer Johnny Winter. It features performances by a number of guest musicians, including Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, Joe Perry from Aerosmith, Leslie West from Mountain, and Brian Setzer from the Stray Cats. It was released by Megaforce Records on 2 September 2014.

Step Back (Red Vinyl) 12" Vinyl LP

JOHNNY WINTER Un-Official Vinyl Albums (by album-name)

Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - About Blues album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - About Blues

"About Blues" is a compilation album of tracks recorded with Johnny Winter on Guitar. These recordings were made before JW became famous and when he worked as a free-lance guitarist and studio guitarist. The music on this album is representative for the popular music during the early 1960s.

About Blues 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER AND & AND Live  album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER AND - "AND & AND Live"

"Johnny Winter And" and "Johnny Winter And Live" is a 2LP vinyl album set that contains the first two albums "The Johnny Winter And" band released. The first album is a studio recording while the second album is a live recording. Both records were originally released as two separate albums.

"AND & AND Live" 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - Best of Johnny Winter ( Japan ) album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Best of Johnny Winter ( Japan )

The "Best of Johnny Winter (Japan)" is a 12" vinyl LP that compiles the finest works of the renowned blues musician. This release showcases Winter's exceptional guitar skills and powerful vocals, highlighting his contributions to the genre. With carefully selected tracks, this album offers a comprehensive overview of Winter's career,

Best of Johnny Winter ( Japan ) 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - The First Album (Blue Sky Records)  album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - The First Album (Blue Sky Records)

The First Album (Blue Sky Records) is a re-issue of the first album Johnny Winter released on the CBS Record label and was also known as the Black Album. The year of release of this re-issue on Blue Sky is unknown and must after 1973 (The year Blue Sky records was formed).

The First Album (Blue Sky Records) 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of JOHNNY WINTER - Progressive Blues Experiment Sunset Liberty  album front cover
JOHNNY WINTER - Progressive Blues Experiment (Sunset Liberty)

Johnny Winter's "Progressive Blues Experiment" is a 12" LP vinyl album released on Sunset Liberty Records with the catalog numbers Sunset Records SLS 50264, Liberty LBS 83 240 1, and LP 12 431. This album showcases Winter's innovative approach to blues music, blending traditional elements with progressive influences.

Progressive Blues Experiment (Sunset Liberty) 12" Vinyl LP