In 1999, Johnny Winter met a guitar player who would change his life: Paul Nelson, a top session and touring guitarist. He was invited by Winter to participate as guitarist and songwriter in the recording of I’m a Bluesman. Winter, whose health was poor and deteriorating daily, then asked Nelson to join his band full time. In 2005 Nelson took over the job of manager, enabling him to see the full extent to which Winter’s problems were affecting him both personally and professionally. Nelson instituted a health regimen that weaned Winter from the effects of drugs and alcohol. Winter began to recover, and his health, as well as his playing, improved. Nelson also undertook the negotiation of a number of career-reviving license deals: instructional and live-performance DVDs, the Top-10-charting live bootleg audio series, a Gibson Firebird guitar, the long-awaited release of Winter’s Woodstock performance, and the highly praised biography Raisin’ Cain. He also continues to generate high-profile gigs, including Winter’s appearances with the Allman Brothers at the Beacon Theater, worldwide reunion shows with his brother Edgar and Rick Derringer, and Winter’s acclaimed performances at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festivals, helping him reclaim his rightful place in the hearts of his adoring fans.
