15y old Steve Winwood - Nobody knows you when you're down and out

[@OtisFan1]

Every time I watch this video, it blows my mind all over again. Talk about an old soul. Fantastic.

[@farrahlynne7121]

This is crazy!! He looks and sounds so much older & wiser than a 15 year old! That aside, this is absolutely AMAZING❤ LOVE IT!

[@martindavidson7717]

I have been a Steve Winwood fan for 50 years and I am shocked by the power of this early recording.

[@deksea]

The unmistakable influence of Ray Charles here. Incredible talent at this age.

[@p1dru2art]

Are you sure this isn't Ray Charles voice

[@deksea]

@@p1dru2art Hard to be certain of anything with todays technology, but when Winwood hits the higher notes in this song, its pretty clear to me its Winwood.

[@mikem9001]

@@p1dru2art Why would it be Charles? Winwood was at least as talented as Ray, if not more so.

[@peternordloh8088]

My brother met him at the local coffee shop in Weaton IL. 67/68 after a gig....signed a napkin for my brother. I saw him with Traffic in Chicago 69?...Ne plus ultra ...I believe this is his signature piece and I NEVER heard it before today.

[@Phish1995]

Winwood, my opinion, was never appropriately appreciated, as he should have been.

[@ryanbiscoglia7074]

I couldn’t agree with you more. Well said.

[@kennethward4985]

Very true, I didn't really explore his music until Revolutions when I was 50.

[@Tres-f3f]

One of the best cover of this song by Steve wildwood written by Jimmy cox in1923.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

How can anyone be this good at 15!, He is as good today, there is no one like him

[@tonybarber243]

Ron Wylie Have you heard Jonny Lang on his first album at 16. Steve was top of the charts at 16 with Spencer Davis, by the way.

[@arthurwashburn7624]

TONY BARBER Jonny Lang's Still Rainin. was stunning, watching the video, and listening to the song found it to command my 100% attention. He's another Great musician that started early. so was Micheal Shrieve playing with Santana, and especially in the song "Soul Sacrifice" What a Masterful performance, his drum solo, at age 20. That's another vid that commands my 100% attention. Being a drummer myself and at 63 I still play. But I digress, I absolutely loved Traffic, and Blind Faith. Spencer Davis was a good band but I loved the other two. Here is a link to Steve Winwood's Wikipedia profile page. Lot's of facts concerning the life and times of Steve Winwood.

[@MichaelAntus]

Stevie Wonder had his first hit at 11...

[@avalondreaming1433]

Good lord, Steve was just born with it! Amazing

[@avalondreaming1433]

Did this come from a movie?

[@literallyshaking8019]

Incredible how much he sounds like Ray Charles

[@speechy6260]

...exactly my thoughts...🙂....

[@maggieking6619]

Who cares if he was 5 or 18, this man was born to be one of the 20th century's Renaissance musician-vocals, plays many instruments, writes music and lyrics. And he has been doing it for over 50 years-not just well but incomparable

[@60panhead1]

well said

[@77chev73]

Thank you 🇺🇸😃😃😃

[@tonyfleck3029]

Yeah, one of Britains finest ever musicians!!..

[@pyannaguy4361]

I care. I think it was a worthwhile point of interest, in the sense that many artists, no matter how talented, required years of their early lives to achieve that kind of mastery, vocally & instrumentally. If he was forty at this point? He'd still be great, but it would also be somewhat less amazing, given that he'd have had that much more time to deliver at THIS level. Just sayin'.. Thanks for your time!

[@benjimartinnc]

His voice was killer even back then, and it still is today at age 72!

[@marysalvi242]

@Benji Martin I'm from MA and back in the great days of music, in Boston a very popular music venue, "The Boston Tea Party" well, first I will say, I was in a band, "The Cloud" that played there during the times of up and coming local bands, like "The J. Geils Band" played there almost every weekend. The cherry on top was having up and coming or already established musicians come and play there too, and it must have been the Spencer Davis Group and this kid fronting the band, his vocals were stunning and yes his looks were too, ; ) If your on facebook there is a group page, "who remembers the Boston Tea party- 67 - 70" guess like the Fillmore.Well, it might not mean anything to you though some great info and stories 💖🌺👍🏾 He turned 73 beginning of the yr. ☮

[@TheMUSICHEART]

Im with you, Benji. That’s an old soul singing the blues.

[@benjimartinnc]

@@marysalvi242 I just saw your comment. Actually, I think Steve Winwood's birthday is in the month of May if I'm not mistaken.

[@MrBruce5437]

@@benjimartinnc yes, Steve winwood was born on May 12th 1948, England.

[@benjimartinnc]

@@MrBruce5437 Thanks for clarifying!

[@tncdel2837]

Wow! I'm impressed. I never realized Stevie Winwood had that much talent at that age. He definitely was a prodigy.

[@gottbean5440]

Hard to believe that that voice came out of that young face. Phenomenal!

[@cortezcortez739]

I was still wetting my pants at 15... this guy is singing like a 60 year old, and leading and floating a band through one of the best blues staple classics. Damn.

[@locfpjpp]

One of the greatest 20th century musicians of all. What a treat to hear Stevie Winwood at any age

[@twigberries7110]

He drips with talent and can play any instrument .He makes it look effortless. A true rare genius!

[@WB2GPU]

So good.

[@frankmanzano5024]

He’s still amazing. This Englishman is the greatest talent ever. What a voice ! Astounding

[@TheFlameTop]

My most favorite version because it pay's tribute to those who came before in such a respectful way!

[@80sruler]

If I closed my eyes I’d guess 50 yr old black man from New Orleans not a 15 yr old white kid from England

[@TheNatalietamburello]

You are so right! I live in New Orleans and I thought Stevie was one of our old jazz preformers!! This is the first time I am hearing this- KILLER!

[@dirtybertmurgle8564]

Dude seriously not even trying to be remotely racist but I was shocked when I found out he was a young white kid when he did songs like this and "Gimmie Some Lovin'". His voice is incredible but I never woulda put this face to this music lol.

[@MrBruce5437]

@@dirtybertmurgle8564 Steve winwood sounds like a blackman

[@railmaster.7752]

The same with Alex Chilton when he sang "The letter" 16 years old.

[@patrickstrubert26]

He had the voice of an adult when he sang at the age of 15. Steve Winwood never received the credit he deserved. If he is not in the rock and roll hall of fame, it is a travesty.

[@orchidwave2574]

I'm not sure the R&R hall of fame is the end-all and be-all of being a rock musician, any more than Oscar wins should validate an actor's abilities...

[@drawntofashionillustration9596]

Are you kidding? He is a legend, got every bit of respect he deserved. Master of rock, been in the most influential bands ever and you say he is underrated? Think again.

[@bokrusher]

Stevie in the R&R HOF as a member of Traffic. In this video, he's part of The Spencer Davis Group. His older brother, Muff is on bass.

[@Stereostupid]

He is

[@dirtybertmurgle8564]

Inducted in 2004 buddy

[@pauljames8399]

Pure talent

[@sandraoliver3929]

Wow I'm 60 and just now was turned on to this. I always loved his voice.

[@stevewinwood4279]

Hello Sandra, How’re you doing? Thanks for all your love and support,also for being an amazing fan. It’s nice meeting you here

[@DroolingGargoyle]

Close your eyes & think of Ray Charles singing this. Incredible for a 15 yo. Fan forever

[@tessaamacadams8164]

No, he sounds like Steve Winwood ❤

[@arthurwashburn7624]

God he sounds like Ray Charles. Some people are just born to sing.

[@mantaszmenskis5619]

Because it IS Ray Charles.

[@l2string]

Ray Charles was .....WHITE !?!?!?!?

[@arthurwashburn7624]

LOL... Good one.

[@1Invayne]

HAHAHAHA!!!!

[@jasonjackson3114]

Indeed my friend.

[@anielia1219]

nothing compares to what this song makes me feel. im right there each time.

[@z.j.gordon5127]

Steve Winwood is absolutely a LIVE LEGEND

[@gregchick3311]

He's a man. Give him some a lovin..great person and performer. John Barleycorn Must dye is only one of his masterpieces. I hope to see him at a concert in San Diego in couple months with Steely Dan. I have had tickets since before COVID hit. I have been waiting and I hope he is well and is still the master he has always been.

[@stevenanderson7461]

You can't beat British blues

[@FSAPOJake]

I just saw Steve last weekend at 76 years old and he did a ton of his original hits... In the original key, without missing a beat. I don't even know how he does it.

[@wiseowlTex]

He sounded so mature for his age. And the accent is spot on.

[@anitaevans5485]

Such amazing talent! Little Stevie Winwood was a child prodigy, and remains a great talent today!

[@Buba417]

Superb.

[@arealmench]

18 years old here (not 15)...but I'm sure he sounded just as great at 15. Tremendous pipes.

[@stevenmason8993]

He wa 17 years 6 months when this was made

[@ashleymcquinn4637]

He was just born with this soul in his voice it's God given, whatever God may be

[@janeskies]

Oh my ... Absolutely spot on, in every way. (As always with Steve Winwood)

[@jerrycapanear8227]

A True Genius.... Luv...

[@SATedeschi]

I heard Eric Clapton once say young Stevie sounded like Ray Charles. I never heard it until I just watched this video. Amazing performance of Bessy Smith's Do and out. Blew me away. Thanks- Steve.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

So I'd never heard of this guy and clicked this video on a whim. Let's just say I was not expecting that voice to come out of that face.

[@loosilu]

Neither could anyone else 50 years ago.

[@crowredeye8066]

He's been full grown since he was born, lol. Singing in bands long before he was old enough to get into the pubs.

[@lisareichard5791]

Omg I don't know how old you are, so I'll forgive you, But glad that you just stumbled on to the 1st of his many decades of incredible music!

[@adc2327]

Where have you been? He is in his 70s now, a musical legend. You could have an enjoyable music journey. He started in the Spencer Davis Group here. Check out the groups Traffic and Blind Faith. Then his solo career. Have fun.

[@loosilu]

@@adc2327 it's never too late to discover Steve Winwood. :)

[@brendadouglas4706]

2023 ... Go Steve Go !!! I can hear the Ray Charles influence!!!🎼🎹🎶🎤💖💚 BJ/ATLGA/USA

[@ronnie5129]

MR. WINWOOD HAS A VOICE OF SOUL, HE WAS BORN WITH PURE TALENT, ,IT JUST AMAZES ME OF HOW A 15 YEAR OLD CAN SING LIKE THIS WITH SO MUCH EMOTION, A GREAT VIDEO, A BIG INFLUENCE I AM SURE, HE SOUNDS LIKE RAY CHARLES HERE, , COUSIN FIGEL

[@jdirt2019]

What a man!

[@tomcat27557]

damn that boy can sing...even without a mike-a-phone!

[@declanp1]

tomcat27557 um... he's great, but he's lip syncing here. 😂

[@vincentvandijk9199]

Unbelievable… no words… 🥰

[@GrunATL]

His styling is amazing. Such vocal maturity for his age.

[@Delmarvellous]

Imitation can be a beautiful thing.

[@TheFossie12]

Hey you can get vocalsurgery these days for whatever sound you want. robotics... trouble is its costly - gotta trade your soul in...;)

[@TheTherams1]

Yes, saw The Spencer Davis Group play at the Marquee Club in London in the Autumn of 1965 and Stevie fronted the Band throughout the evening and gave a most impressive performance. Age was never an issue, Stevie gave a seasoned performance with some great soul numbers and recent hits too. Never will forget that great evening of music.

[@ellefox1132]

Became a fan due to this cover. Lol.... Listening to Nina, I found him and gave it a try. It's been on my play list since.

[@stevewinwood4279]

Hello Elle, How’re you doing? Thanks for all your love and support,also for being an amazing fan. It’s nice meeting you here

[@seaneagle239]

I have to say there are very few with this Soul power, Greg Allman, Michael MacDonald, Paul Rodgers, Leon Russell, and Stevie Winwood... excellent voice God bless you brother

[@robertacolarette1594]

I can’t believe he’s only 15 here. His voice is like an old blues singer. Talk about a prodigy.

[@NothingMaster]

Pure musical genius! Singing, composing, playing the keyboard and the piano, playing the guitar, .... and he does it all like nobody's business. Much in the same way as Prince. As famous as he is, Steve Winwood serves far more credit than people give him credit for.

[@jillkennedy1710]

True, that. He’s such an underrated guitarist, among other things.

[@drawntofashionillustration9596]

He is NOT underrated, people! He just doesn’t crave the limelight like the wannabes. He is a legend.

[@dustylvstunes]

Love, love, love this man and his talent. For at least forty years ! ❤️

[@RandyR]

He sounded great even then and man how I can so relate to the song. That's why I am ignoring another holiday. Just a day that use to be.

[@kathleenbradford5086]

Wow - no words

[@stevewinwood4279]

Hello Kathleen, How’re you doing? Thanks for all your love and support,also for being an amazing fan. It’s nice meeting you here

[@BlaydonAces]

I remember Spencer Davis Group coming to the Club Agogo at Newcastle on Tyne at that time. I was just getting into jazz arising out of an interest in R&B and Blues. There was this young musician Steve Winwood singing songs like this and 'Georgia on my Mind' (Hoagy Carmichael) in a Ray Charles style plus fine bluesy/jazzy piano, great R&B guitar and harmonica. I think at the time he was around 17/18. He was just amazing. Great memories of those days and this great artist.. I liked Traffic too - still have the vinyl albums. Steve Winwood is a national treasure.

[@Kuyunu]

Great story. I'm reading this new book Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell and it's all set in the small clubs music at that time. You were there!

[@celtjade]

I remember sneaking into a club in York and seeing him for the first time with Spencer Davis. I remember the "wow, a rocker who's my age" reaction. Retired and Still have the same reaction;

[@FantasyIsLifeWela1955]

I first heard him when he was 18. I was 11. I heard Clapton same year. Those 2 made me fall in love with the blues. Still love them both, . Also, Stevie has mad guitar skills.

[@comanchio1976]

There's a version of Dear Mr Fantasy on KZbin, from when he was in traffic. It's some of my favourite guitar playing of all time, and I'm pretty sure he was stoned out of his mind while he was doing it 🤯

[@fiddlefolk]

One of my all time favorite singers and musician. Great soul!

[@leksheychef6063]

They must have been sneaking around the house for this one, still have their jammeys on!!!

[@dang2979]

I can't stop watching this

[@garnetnewton-wade6254]

I remember keep on running on top of the pops, he was about 15 then. A true legend.

[@60panhead1]

talent thanks for all the great..... songs a life time of greats thankyou a fan

[@lucioca]

"The best musician of the planet" Jim Capaldi.

[@suesebree8670]

RIP, Jim...

[@tylerthompson1842]

Ok but he’s not in this band that was Traffic.

[@chazmology]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnn

[@ehrlacher112]

15????? Simply amazing!! What a gift!! Sounds similar to Ray Charles, yet still has his own licks throughout....thanks for posting this!

[@j.m.3253]

Such a great find! Thank you David! Steve is a wizard man!

[@annieneil618]

For a 15 year old this is amazing. His voice and tone are unique. I don’t think he was given the credit he deserved.

[@mikemiller0805]

Steve Winwood is special...his voice...omg!!....just smooth and rough at the same time :)

[@LuBlues]

Amazing this guy. And to think that this video, he only had 15 years, a boy, (and it was a star "being born" with voice and piano). Today at 68 years old and he goes brilliantly with its multi-instrumentalist career alongside his great friend Eric Clapton, as famous as him! I love them both! They are absolutely fantastic (together or separately). Long life to music!! Love you Steve Winwood. Thank you for your wonderful sound and that makes my happiest days.

[@deborahharris9276]

Long life to music!

[@normatible9795]

Lu Blues well said

[@60panhead1]

great comment, sad who will ever take their place, no one ever, talent, unforgetable........

[@baydriver7]

Lu Janis bh

[@curtismoff]

they are my favorites as well I never heard this or the other soul songs he did with SDG

[@kevinreily2529]

15 or 18, who cares, this is incredible. At first it was so good, I wondered if it was real. Wow.

[@SpeegBJ]

When he sings the word "doubt" and "loves you" it's unmistakably beautiful Winwood.

[@stevewinwood4279]

Hello Bonnie, How’re you doing? Thanks for all your love and support,also for being an amazing fan. It’s nice meeting you here

[@RoelOverdrive]

What a musician at so young age! amazing

[@JayLeePoe]

most underrated talent of the 60s, 70s, and 80s

[@Turybegood]

Thanks Steve Winwood for your music

[@ppetal1]

Stevie Winwood, Spencer Davies, Georgie Fame. They prove that guys from England can sing the blues, when they open up. A lesson to musicians everywhere.

[@sianchetty1361]

Spencer Davis was Welsh, not English, but you were correct about the guys' musical heritage.

[@Robutube1]

Glad to see Georgie Fame get a mention - he's too often missing from lists of greats.

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

duuude stevie winwood does a damn good ray charles i never knew he could do this !

[@mtunpleasant]

One has to be fully in love with an artform to be this true to it. Winwood the wunderkind was in love with the genre.

[@robinpotter963]

Hey, thanks for all the background information about this song. 😁

[@guitar1067]

Glad I got to see him with Eric and Ginger in Blind Faith at the Baltimore Civic Center the day men first walked on the Moon (July 20 1969).Gladly passed up watching the moonwalk to see these guys. It is good to see Winwood and EC playing together. Wish Blind Faith had stayed together after their superb album, or Eric had joined Traffic which he said he would have done if Steve had asked him. Steve was born May 12 1948, so he was 18 on this video.

[@normatible9795]

A 15 yr old Steve Winwood singing this?! He is a genius way back then

[@2Cor12.9]

Oah unbelievable - 15 year old boy, and voice of a man !

[@mikep1jp]

Thank you Jimmy Keys for this.......

[@michaelhatch1974]

Just found this, he's been a favourite for at least 50 years in my book. Have the oringinal LP. Love this track.

[@ChrisHutchison]

I'm utterly gobsmacked. Unbelievable talent!

[@charliek4190]

Really has a command of the lyrics. Tremendous song which keeps being redone over the decades and is now working its way into the next century. It has that universal appeal which everyone can relate too.

[@slbolfing56]

Wow. Don't remember ever hearing this, & I've been a fan for >50yrs

[@hilmarwensorra1215]

A real HAPPY 76th Birthday to Mr. Steve Winwood and really ALL the best to him ... (2024-0512)

[@theAnnieferg]

Spectacular then, spectacular now...love the man

[@moragmacgregor6792]

Stevie. We called him Stevie in those days. Nobody called him Steve until he rebranded with those slick pop songs circa 1980.

[@Ronald60202]

Or....maybe he just grew up...

[@moragmacgregor6792]

considering.........Naw. Clearly someone made a business decision and it paid off big-time. Few musicians think from that side of their brain. It was the era of the MBA. About 100% sure that I see Ivy League Business School fingerprints all over his strategy.

[@davidgeorge1281]

Imagine this young fella appearing this day and age on The Voice.....

[@drawntofashionillustration9596]

David George the Voice is crap. They didn’t need that stuff, they just .jumped into the combi and jammed up the road.

[@posttronics]

My gosh Steve is excellent for 15yrs old Wow!

[@JimmyMarrow]

Holy Shit!

[@elisabethaxelsson4736]

Woww he is so young here but his voice as an older mans , his great

[@stevewinwood4279]

Hello Elisabeth? How’re you doing? Thanks for all your love and support,also for being an amazing fan. It’s nice meeting you here

[@SuperKevin57]

This is fantastic

[@pattyandersen5516]

Wow. I love this!!!

[@marjoriesmith3282]

Destined for greatness. Blew me away.

[@Rippenhengst]

This voice. Incredible. This kid was 15 years old! Unbelievable ...

[@homerdalaine8761]

lucked into tickets for Tom Petty in Edmonton some years back and was thrilled....then I found out Steve Winwood was the opening act......I found Nirvana for a few hours that night! My fellow concert goers were schooled that night, truly magical!

[@mook9708]

Steve's voice is magical.....

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

I've been a fan since 1965.

[@dannybrazen]

oh my god. no other words. thanks.

[@petersalmon4203]

Absolutely Brilliant and greatly under-rated.

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

Always loved him ! He was so great in the Spencer Davis group at such a young age !