Port Fish Day 2001 - The Edgar Winter Group

Long established as one of music's true pioneers, Edgar Winter continues to shine as that rare blend of successful rock and roller, experimental artist, and consummate musician. Since his earliest days as a young prodigy versed in a wide variety of instruments and musical styles, Edgar has always managed to defy stereo types.

Over the course of more than twenty years, and more than twenty records, Edgar has written hit songs, toured extensively with great commercial success and explored the realms of rock, boogie, R&B, jazz, and pop, to introduce listeners to his diverse musical influences. Edgar has recently been expanding his role in the movie soundtrack arena with writing one of the key songs "Good Ol' Shoe" for the critically acclaimed Oscar nominated hit movie "Wag The Dog" which starred, Robert Deniro and Dustin Hoffman. Mr. Winter also recently re-recorded the classic "Magic Carpet Ride' for the Trimarks film "Starkid.

Even more recently than that Edgar just written and recorded a brand new song "Keep On Rockin" for the up coming movie "Duet" starring Gwyneth Paltrow ", also for that movie "Texas" off the current "Winter Blues" album has been scored into the film. To help his push into the movie world even Edgar recently signed to Music Sales the strongest independent music publisher in the world.

Just to add to his high profile, the advertising world has fallen in love with Edgar's classic hits "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride" by using them in major national television and radio campaigns with such products as: Buick, Burger King and Heinz 57. NEWS FLASH EDGAR RECENTLY SCORED THE MILLER LITE NATIONAL TV CAMPAIGN WHICH HE PLAYED HIMSELF ALONG SIDE GEORGE HAMILTON FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED ONE YEAR RUN. Also Mr. Winter signed a major new recording deal with Pyramid Records last year and released the critically acclaimed album "Winter Blues" to join such stablemates as Earth Wind & Fire, Joe Walsh, The Doobie Brothers and Robert Palmer.

To help support the album Edgar has been on a national promotion tour appearing on such shows as David Letterman, Politically Incorrect, The E Channel, Rockline and has been interviewed for all of the top syndicated radio shows and newspapers, Even more recently Edgar has signed with the acclaimed Artists & Audience Agency. Last July, Edgar played at the world us Montreux Jazz festival with BB King.. It was clear that Edgar Winter was gifted early in his childhood as he rapidly developed a profound interest in jazz, pop, and R&B. By the late '60s, having gradually become technically proficient in playing, writing and arranging Edgar left home in Beaumont, Texas and traveled to New York to play with Johnny Winters' group. Thanks largely to his rendition of the song "Tobacco Road," Edgar soon emerged as a spotlight attraction, astounding audiences and drawing the attention of various record labels.

After signing a recording contract with Epic Records, Edgar released his debut album Entrance, a concept album inspired by his jazz influences. Entrance was heralded critically and soon became a commercial success as well giving Edgar a strong national following. After Entrance, Edgar formed the group White Trash. He and old friend Jerry La Croix both sang and were joined by various musicians from Louisiana and Texas. With Edgar's steadily growing reputation as one of the nations premiere live performers White Trash enjoyed a year of sellout touring. After several albums including the gold double live album, Roadwork; White Trash broke up. Edgar then united the talents of stellar musicians Dan Hartman, Ronnie Montrose and Chuck Ruff and put out the album They Only Come Out At Night. Featuring the smash hits-'Frankenstein "and" Free Ride," still radio staples at classic rock stations, the album became a huge commercial success, climbing to #I and selling more than two million copies along the way.

Always trying to explore new directions with instruments and sounds, Edgar made a major breakthrough by being one of the very &a to use synthesizers to make records. "Frankenstein,' in fact, was the first song to feature a synthesizers as a lead instrument. He also carved new horizons for music with his early use of synthesizers in live performances. As a result, Winter also invented the first body strap for the handheld keyboard. After They Only Come Out At Night, Edgar released Shock Treatment, featuring prominent guitarist Rick Derringer, in place of Ronnie Montrose. Later albums included second solo album Jasmine Nightdreams, then The Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer, a live album, Together: Edgar and Johnny Winter and then Recycled, a reunion with White Trash supported by an American Tour.

Two more albums followed: Standing On Rock and The Edgar Winter Album. In 1990, Edgar re-teamed with Rick Derringer for the first time in 15 years to record the concert album Live In Japan, and perform together billed as the White Lightnin'@ World Tour. During this time, Edgar appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show, Midnight Hour, Into the Night with Rick Dees, and Late Night with David Letterman and later recorded the album-Mission Earth. Intensified in live shows, Edgar's fluid keyboards, saxophone and soulful boogie rock have been the keys to his unbroken string of success. Edgar's first tour down under won over audiences in New Zealand. On the 'Grand Slam Jam" tour Edgar shared the stage with such popular acts as Poco, Steppenwolf and Dave Mason. Edgar's music has branched out into the film industry.

He his ever-popular song "Free Ride" was in the film "Air America" and his rock n roll classic "Frankenstein," featured in the Paramount release "Wayne's World 2.11 "Way Down South,' his first-ever title song, was featured in 20th Century Fox's' hit film "My Cousin Vinnie," staring Joe Pesci. Edgar's songs have also been used in other film projects, including "What's Love Got To Do With It? (The Tina Turner Story)," "Son In Law" and "Encino Man." Edgar has also expanded his creative talents with his acting debut in Paramount's film "Netherworld" as well 'The Cape" for MTM.

Edgar 'Winter is alive and well and currently living with his wife Monique in Los Angeles.