Interview: Steve Winwood Talks How Hammond Organ, FM Radio Made His Career

[@tomdoty8334]

The world is better because of Steve Winwood. What a talent. Amazing.

[@yuljohnson2467]

I totally agree with that, great musicians like the ultrally gifted Steve winwood brings so much harmony and peace to the world making it better in every way!!!

[@susand2008]

So talented 👏

[@kevinmoore7213]

Great guy

[@sanjaysami4315]

Absolutely !!!

[@22tango79]

And for me Dirty City is a new classic that will go down as an all time great.

[@fl3162]

I remember him being labeled as boring in the 1980s because he didn’t do drugs, alcohol or worse … rather, he preferred to live quietly and walk his dogs. Commendable.

[@leonardhill4440]

OUTSTANDING COMMENT….spot on.

[@richardalexander4300]

Stevie Winwood is one of the very best Period !!!!

[@MegaDillis]

What a resume. His humility would never let you know how much he's done and how important he is.

[@stonesoundjam]

Steve Winwood is a legitimate human musical miracle. We are all blessed to be in his presence

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

Mr.Windwood is a living legend, his unique soulfulness has no equal..May he live healthy and Singing for a hundred Years.

[@logicalnetwork1611]

Steve winwood is one of the greats of music. Such a modest and humble man.

[@debrac1688]

Watching for that reason

[@vincentwhitley8197]

He is a National Treasure. Soo happy that he is sometimes in the states and Loves the "South"..

[@Erin-uz2gf]

I agree and think that all of the best ones are. Jeff Lynne is also really down to earth despite being one of the greatest songwriters and composer. Maybe it's a British thing.

[@TyCetto]

What a gentleman! Absolutely adore his music!

[@monicacubberly-early1901]

Doesn't get any better than Steve Winwood! Class Act! Thank you for sharing

[@mbombaby]

One of my biggest influences as a musician! Deep deep respect.

[@davidkotze4140]

I've always been attracted to him via his music as being a decent human....this interview (the 1st time I've ever seen him ) fully confirms my feeling that he's a great fellow ! ...Thank you Steve...shine on...your a great example to aspiring musicians !! ❤

[@maryjvanderwerken3192]

No scandals, no airborne tv's, no trashed hotel rooms. Just terrific music for the ages. Massive talent, class act, wonderful interview. 🎶💙🎶

[@natebanks]

His speaking AND singing voice sounds like it naturally has the sweetest compressor on it

[@GTX1123]

I'll never forget hearing Traffic for the first time in 1974 when I was 12. "Mr. Fantasy" and "The low spark of high heeled boys". Just amazing. I don't know if there's ever been anyone in the history of rock with his level of musicianship for all three; vocals, keys and guitar. He's excellent at all three and has been so for a very very long time...

[@bluecollar825]

Right on. His guitar playin knocked my socks off when I found out he played it alot in Traffic. He really is the embodiment of natural talent. He makes everything he does look effortless. 👍

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I'm not sure when i first heard him I'm 70 in a week I'm thinking it was I'm a man it might have been in the 60s got to see him with Traffic in the 70s

[@samuelhodges8208]

Winwood is a musician's musician. So many of us looked to him for ideas and inspiration, looked up to him as a piano and guitar technician of sorts, and marveled at his virtuosity. Wonderful interview!

[@locadisa]

I love Steve Winwoods voice. I first noticed it when he was with Spencer Davis Group.."Yes, I'm a man" still stands out in my mind. I was a just a preteen when I would occasionally switch from my regular rhythm and blues station to the top 40's. Discovering the songs of Cream, Spencer Davis group, Procul Harum and Joe Cocker helped me appreciate rock music even more. All distinct voices from these guys that helped me to cross over. Glad I was living during the tumultuous 60's and the rock renaissance.

[@eugeneking1462]

I was in elementary school when I first heard "I'm a Man". I heard on R&B radio here in Chicago.

[@mrbarthoss1]

Steve Winwood interviews are a bit like David Gilmore’s interviews. They both have the classic British temperament and articulation of experience with other musicians that is always fascinating without being unduly spectacular or pretentious. Excellent post!

[@nev7711]

Many stars from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, don't seem to need to put on a front. They had to really keep strong and grounded with their own identities through great changes. They all seem so down to earth.

[@abrarahmed1888]

Many of the music royalty have nothing to prove and are perfectly comfortable in their uniqueness, talent and having honed their craft over so many years

[@ronvalente65]

I have been a fan of Steve Winwood since the early 60s, He could do no wrong for me no matter what music he played! such a versatile musician and he will always be a hero to me.

[@JacquelineKuttaineh]

Bring me higher Love... YES. Steve Winwood was my role model, sorta/kinda. His Album was my center piece during my 4 years living in Saudi Arabia. He sorta*Saved* me in that whenever I was feeling alone and isolated there it was his music and songs that lifted me up. I'm so very lucky to have been introduced to His music and lyrics... And the videos were a Big influence on me too. Thankfully I am so very Glad to have Found this interview with him. Thanks So Grateful for the chance to decipher and just Enjoy Steve Winwood. With sincere love and respect for you, Jackie A Kuttaineh xoxoxox, +Not To date myself too far back, but FAR out Man, you bring the Sunshine back into me and my State...YES

[@iansherwin3438]

Steve from Birmingham I've followed since he was 14 yrs old. An all time great.

[@ricks7469]

Steve is such a treasure of a human being.

[@badtexasbill5261]

This is the kind of class that goes untouched today.

[@yuljohnson5502]

Steve's reference to Ray charles as an influence is always intriguing! You can definitely here the influence,definitely in Steve winwood's earlier albums. Steve is my 3rd favorite artist and ive never ceased to be amazed by his artistry!! Classic Traffic albums like the self-titled one and John barleycorn must die were and still are extraordinary pieces of music by the great Steve winwood. And his solo albums like his self-titled album,arc of a diver and many other solo efforts along with many other Traffic efforts have all been among the best music ive ever experienced. And i can truthfully say i feel very blessed to have had my attention brought to this magnificent artist. Great artists like Steve winwood are impossible to ignore!!!

[@vincentwhitley8197]

Clapton said upon meeting Steve.. "a spotty white boy that sounds like Ray Charles"

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

Steve's voice has been described as "like Ray Charles on Helium."

[@davidillingsworth3300]

Just curious...I agree with with your choice of Steve Winwood being in your top 3 artists ...who would be the other 2 ?

[@yuljohnson2467]

@@davidillingsworth3300 Phil Collins and Michael Jackson

[@yuljohnson1321]

Steve has a monstrous musical career as depicted in his career in his 3 bands and his dazzling solo career! His music career with Traffic was nothing short of amazing, the incredible string of hit albums that band had is a major acheivement in the whole history of music!! And for Steve to go on to have the solo career he had was an equally major acheivement!!!

[@vincentwhitley8197]

Am 56 and have been a huge fan for decades.. His daughter Lilly is Phenomenal,,!!!... Gorgeous lady too and as humble as her dad.

[@dorothyorr1537]

SO DOWN TO EARTH a pure natural totally unique , Steve your contribution is just amazing ...thank you

[@Gilyslas]

Like his music a truly sweet gentle being. He has giving us so much wonderful music all of us are forever thankful for the joy he has brought into our lives. God bless him.

[@jameslindsay24601]

There are no words. What a musician and good guy as well.

[@levistubbs8949]

Stevie ever so modest, wonderful musician !

[@patricklauer3100]

Wow. Love to see Steve just talking about the past music!!! What a thrill to see this interview with the great. Sir. Steven winwood

[@Delmarevans]

Excellent interview! Really captures Mr. Winwoods soul, temperament and where he’s at . Bravo!

[@gmb858]

I''ll preface my comment by saying I saw Ray Charles 5 different times in concert in different venues. The first time I saw Steve he was playing with Eric Clapton on their 2010 tour. Both guys chose a solo to sing; the other players went off stage and only one spotlight was on either Steve or Eric. Steve chose to sing "Georgia on My Mind." Sitting there in the Pepsi Center in Denver I closed my eyes to listen to Steve; there was no doubt that he and Ray Charles shared the same voice. I had heard Ray do Georgia and had I not known better, I would have thought that Ray somehow came back to the Earth to sing it one more time. It was absolutely brilliant. And to think that Steve's voice hasn't changed since he was 15 still astonishes me to this day.

[@TONY_FEZ]

I saw Winwood in Melbourne and he wandering on stage and signalled for the lighting guy to bring the house lights down. Talk about a down-to-earth entrance!

[@alisoncarpenter232]

What an extraordinarily career..so adaptable to different genres and to the times. From a very early age a multiple instrumentalist and amazing singer. Genius? Can't think of anyone else that comes close. And still going! Miss Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood.

[@davidillingsworth3300]

Michael McDonald could be his American long lost brother

[@alanarakelian5021]

IMO, Steve Winwood's vocal on 1967's "Gimme Some Lovin'" with the Spencer Davis Group is still his best song. So raw and gritty. And to think that he was still a teenager when he belted it out.

[@fabrikk60]

Prefer the UK single or the US single? They're a bit different.

[@karengoldenthal2889]

A Legend! Truly, A Legend! And, started out so Young!

[@yuljohnson5502]

Great interviewer,love how he pointed out Traffic's song "Empty pages" in which Steve performed so well!

[@ianswift2043]

That's one of my favourite Traffic songs too; lovely bass and piano.

[@saucerfull1]

...what a beautiful and sensitiv man!

[@siyz250]

What an amazing guy. I was born in 1979 and can remember Steve's songs on the radio in the 80s as a kid. But now at 40 and knowing a bit more about the guy and the lyrics l have a massive new found appreciation of Steve. ..Also great interview from DJ (missed his name..) at Q104.3 As an aside for me. In New Zealand one of our TV channels has an in-depth series on music/musicians and the history of. Watching this a few years ago was a fascinating insight into Eric Clapton they covered some music festival back in "ye-old-in-times" with a band (Blind Faith) and a song that really got me (ln the presence of the lord). This organ player had an amazing voice and l loved the song. I find out now researching Steve that it was him. So amazed. I guess great music/musicians are borne with it... Si

[@markmoretzfishing]

Man that was unbelievable great interview!!!!!!!

[@Betta66]

I saw him in concert just a few years back. Great show

[@kaijusears5768]

I got a job at a music store in high school where I first saw the Hammond B3. I was believe it or not, the electronics repair guy. What an incredible life changing experience. It was that magical time when I met local people that became world famous musicians, but at the time were unknowns. Steve is hands down my favorite musician and always a class act.

[@vincentwhitley8197]

I have noticed through the years that the greatest artists are also the most humble. .Winwood, Hendrix, Vaughn, Clapton, B. B...

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

Such a treasure. Great interview!

[@c5back9]

Steve Winwood! Not just a great talent, an all-time great guy too!

[@custardflan]

My brother's fraternity brother took a poetry class with Winwood back in the 1970s. Never been able to confirm it.

[@yuljohnson1321]

I love his song "Big girls walk away" from his classic "Talking back to the night" album! The way he bust out in high tempo on "Big girls walk away" is very soulful!! And i love the amazing journey through his incredible music career i go on when i have my own personal SW complimation as i listen to his CDs. From the Spencer davis group greatest hits, to his rocking Blind faith album, the Traffic albums(which are by far my favorite Steve winwood music) to his solo albums which i feel very honored to own all of those CDs from such a GREAT musician!!!

[@pranavsambamurti7746]

Great Album!

[@soundsgoodmanrecords]

Love so much of the music he did and was involved in.

[@adamkrauss303]

As has been stated here, what an amazing talent and inspiration to us all. And I have to say, a really good interview that gave me some insights I haven’t heard touched on before. Thanks!

[@skeletonkey6]

Always loved his singing, his guitar playing and of course his organ playing is marvelous & unmatched. He's also a class dude, this has always been evident. Long may he wail!

[@susand2008]

I really miss the 70's, when DJs would play entire album sides.

[@kenperk9854]

Steve was a constant presence in our little town in muscle Shoals Alabama and we were proud of it! hell, a couple of times, Steve and JIM AND the headless horse men RODE into town and swiped most of the muscle Shoals Swampers! LOL IT was great to have Steve in the movie, MUSCLE SHOALS! YOU CAN WATCH THE MUSCLE SHOALS MOVIE ON KZbin BUT IT'S EVEN GREATER ON BLU RAY.

[@tomd8658]

Just heard some of his music on KZbin. Certainly brought back some memories

[@ralphe5842]

Traffic was my first concert it was something like almost 4 hours great

[@leonardhill4440]

Man….young folk if you only knew the incredible musician being interviewed here. This man is a earth shaker. Incredible

[@susiebell8496]

This man's music helped encourage me through many hard times in the 1980s. Thank you for this wonderful interview.

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

Steve Winwood he is freaking savage He my favourite person

[@grin64]

These are awesome interviews. Thanks so much!

[@Q1043NewYork]

Thanks! We're you're enjoying them!

[@charlesbyrd1957]

My old neighbor...Green Hills ...before we moved further out into Williamson county....he and Eugenia were just everyday folks to be honest ....if you ran into them walking....my wife would notice I was awed and I’d have to explain that Dear Mr Fantasy and Blind Faith were both simply pivotal to my age group ...my wife being younger..an Xer was more Steve Winwood as in Higher Love with Chaka

[@annettekoch3766]

Roll with it baby. 😊

[@kennethrussell1158]

Annette 😀😀😀😃

[@jamesgee9738]

Dynamic song.

[@Johlibaptist]

Steve is a tremendous musician and such a great bloke, really winsome. Yes, a winsome Winwood.

[@julieraymond482]

Look,I would rather hear this ,than have anyone interview ,Cardi B or the like.At least you don't have to deal with vulgarities every few minutes ,or seconds,like now with so many interviews anymore.Wonderful to hear/ see.Find more of this,and I will be very happy.

[@death2pc]

One of the rare giants...................

[@caringguy32]

Steve is great soul, Thanks for sharing

[@craigroulhac74]

My favorite pop star. He has so much Soul in his music 🎶

[@VangeliRock]

If I was good enough to be a professional musician I would think to play in Winwood's band and go on tour with him playing his tunes would be a career highlight.

[@tgo.4122]

Hammond organ and a Lesley speaker sound awesome in a small venue

[@chipgaasche4933]

Duh.

[@goodteacup]

See Empty Pages, Soundstage Canada...the Hammond speaks to your soul!......soul!!!

[@yuljohnson6838]

Steve's "Nine lives "album is great! Lot of catchy tunes and a great reflection of Steve's marvelous soulful musical talents!!!

[@BarbarraBay]

With Hendrix, on 'Cry Of Love, Steve did mere backing vocals on Ezy Ryder. As Steve said, (the magnificent) Voodoo Chile where Steve played organ was on the Electric Ladyland album.

[@organgrinder55]

Don't forget "Rainy Day Dream Away"

[@1962RJP]

Just a killer keys player, and Oh that voice. When he played guitar, I go are you kidding? Then I hear he played with Hendrix. He is a musical God we are lucky to inhabit the earth at the same time.

[@valnaples]

SUCH a voice...so distinctive!

[@gretchenburrows8296]

Steve is THE voodoo child!!

[@chipgaasche4933]

He's a talent, no doubt..but he's not a great keyboard player.

[@bluecollar825]

Same here. First time I heard him play guitar I almost thought I was being screwed with. And regardless of the comment above mine, guitar was/is considered his secondary instrument. Glad I got familiar with Stevie. It took me awhile to really deep dive into his career.✌

[@fabrikk60]

Steve's Hammond solo on Voodoo Chile is probably the only time another musician *almost* upstaged Hendrix.

[@nev7711]

Brilliant guest and interview.

[@stonelenny]

When Mr. Winwood talks about Jams being played on FM I imediatly remember "FM" from Steely Dan. It's even mentions Traffic: "Put on your High Heel Sneakers, it's party time".

[@karenbridgetperetto1583]

For the life of me. Why is he opening for Steely Dan...o ofcourse the show was put off until 2021...but I'm going to see Steve, not Steely Dan. I made it clear to Ticketmaster that I won't want those tickets if S. W. Can't appear. He's the opening man.

[@trebleboost7]

@@karenbridgetperetto1583 where is this? Wow would love to catch it.

[@karenbridgetperetto1583]

Concord CA...and more venues as well.

[@RonMcKenzie-bw7iq]

I remember vividly the day I bought - with some financial help I hasten to add - a Hammond L100 and the Leslie 122A which was same/similar as Keith Emerson and also Rick Wakeman, Jon Lord. It was 1967 when Whiter Shade of Pale was released. But Stevie Winwood although not in the same league as the 3 aforementioned and would be the first to admit it, was a considerable master of the Hammond. Fond memories. The bugger was humping the organ and other gear along with P.A.s back line stuff in a Ford Transit all round Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and many other places never forgotten. We covered Gimme Some Lovin but not in G. Down keyed to E. Stevie had this amazing voice.

[@davidvicari5139]

Wrong! Witness Stevie Winwood at the real Hammond, the full B3 with his ass sitting on the bench, feet on the pedals as God intended. He accompanies himself as a full orchestra singing Georgia. Wakeman, Emerson or Lord are not in Stevie’s league. You are vastly mistaken.

[@peterlewis6324]

Steve is the king of reinventing i will always be a fan.

[@Sweet16in78gal]

I just love this guy....start to finish! Play on!

[@peterkeller5459]

I was at the Jones Beach concert Steve was on before Jackson Brown but, for me, he was the highlight of the night. Still a great voice and awesome on guuitar and organ. A genius

[@stlrockn]

That was me Steve mentions at the 12:00 mark when I gave him the cassette of the Electric Ladyland version of "Voodoo Chile" at a Nashville concert in 1986. I interviewed Steve and Jim Capaldi in 1995 and they talked about their friendship and playing music with Jimi Hendrix. It's great stuff. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYbGpqOtgtyiq9k

[@bobmoire5676]

I was at that Jones Beach show. Great day.

[@bandz90]

Winwood is, obviously, the man. However can I say how nice it is to have an interviewer this good. Knowledgeable so as to draw out some real material, but not wanting us to just hear him talk instead of the guest. Well done.

[@brianboucher4248]

This guy is very special. I saw him at, I believe, either Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods casino @ 2002. It was magical.

[@williamtukeyjr3661]

I've enjoyed his music since 1969.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

THE ULTIMATE GENTLEMAN.

[@whocrusader5179]

His song Back In The High Life Again is the best ever heard

[@kevinlavery6985]

He’s a man, yes he is and we can’t help but love him so.

[@josealfonsobotejara3045]

Steve Winwood el chico pródigio de la música Británica, con 16 años entró dentro de la Spencer Davis Group por el nombre de Jhon Spencer, luego Traffic junto a Jin Capaldi, Blind Faith que estaba Eric Clacton, etc.. En solitario comenzó su carrera en 1977. Su disco más éxitoso Back in the hight life 1986, con temas como :Back in the hight life higher love etc.. Esta a la altura de lGeorge Harrison, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, pero no es tan conocido como los otros cantantes.

[@AK-et7zk]

Great guy!

[@marinogheno8962]

Grandissssssimo Steve

[@wmpopper]

Dear Mr Fantasy...Play us a tune that will make us all happy...

[@michaeldespirito9595]

Love the version of higher love with Lilly .

[@socrates1818]

Definitely a top tener in England at the time

[@pozelenore880]

he "can make the sunshine just from pure desire" ....Son!

[@lastofthefinest]

One awesome musician right here and in a class all by himself! If you are not familiar with his work, you don’t know anything about music.

[@ampersandmcvinegar5681]

So humble. Pains me to look at myself. First thing he does is deflect glory.

[@rosemarygranat4541]

Definitely

[@tedpeters896]

Pure undulterated class.

[@eugeneking1462]

I like S.W.'s playing on George Harrison's "Not Guilty".

[@wonder6789]

Is there a way the camera could stop moving from one talker to the other? Just asking.

[@SANDSCORCHER]

Top chap 👍🏻

[@davids.reynolds4883]

Steve could be boasting, "Hey! I am the greatest!" Instead, he is humble, gentle, mild-mannered. Gosh, really incredible!

[@johnomahoney7755]

Love it thanks!

[@pranavsambamurti7746]

My all time favorite musician. I don't think there is a close second........

[@Paumanokcom]

"When you see a chance...take it.."