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By the time Edgar Winter left his hometown of Beaumont, Texas in
the 1960's, he was already technically proficient in every aspect
of music. A child prodigy who achieved international success early
on, Edgar has found an audience in every major entertainment
medium--music, film and television. A prolific writer, Edgar's
music encompasses many different genres, including rock, jazz,
blues, and pop.
From his critically acclaimed 1970 debut release, Entrance, he has
demonstrated his unique style and ability to cross the genre lines
and do the unexpected. His early recording of "Tobacco Road" is a
powerful, emotionally devastating masterpiece that propelled him
into the national spotlight. Edgar followed Entrance with two hit
albums backed by his group White Trash, a group originally
comprised of musicians from Texas and Louisiana. White Trash
enjoyed huge success, both with the 1971 release of the studio
album, Edgar Winter's White Trash, and with 1972's follow-up live
gold album, Roadwork.
In late 1972 Edgar brought together Dan Hartman, Ronnie Montrose
and Chuck Ruff to form The Edgar Winter Group, the legendary band
that created such hits as the number one Frankenstein and the ever
popular Free Ride. Released in 1973, They Only Come Out at Night
peaked at the number 3 position on the Billboard Hot 200 and
stayed on the charts for an impressive 80 weeks. It was certified
gold in April 1973 and double platinum in November 1986. Edgar
invented the keyboard body strap early in his career, an
innovation that allows him the freedom to move around on stage
during his multi-instrument high-energy performances. He was also
the first artist to feature a synthesizer as the main instrument
in a song. Frankenstein revolutionized rock and roll and opened up
a whole new world of possibilities with experimentation and sound.
After They Only Come Out At Night, Edgar released Shock Treatment,
featuring guitarist Rick Derringer in place of Ronnie Montrose.
Later albums included Jasmine Nightdreams, The Edgar Winter Group
with Rick Derringer, a live album, Together Live With Johnny
Winter, Recycled, a reunion with White Trash, Standing On Rock,
Mission Earth, Live In Japan, Not A Kid Anymore, The Real Deal,
and Winter Blues.
With over 20 albums and numerous collaborative efforts to his
credit, Edgar Winter has not been satisfied to ride the wave of
popular music stardom. Major national television and radio
campaigns have relied on Edgar's music to advertise their
products. Edgar has also made frequent television appearances,
both to promote his music, and to give his opinions on everything
from Politically Incorrect to a commercial with George Hamilton
for Miller Lite beer. He has appeared in the film "Netherworld",
and the TV shows "The Cape", "Mysterious Ways", "Dave Letterman",
and "Jimmy Kimmel".
Edgar's music can be heard in no fewer than fifteen film and
television projects, including Netherworld, Air America, My Cousin
Vinny, Encino Man, Son In Law, What's Love Got to do With It,
Wayne's World 2, Starkid, Wag the Dog, Knockabout Guys, Duets,
Radio, The Simpsons, Queer as Folk, and Tupac Resurrection.
Edgar's hauntingly beautiful song, Dying to Live, is featured as "Runnin”
(Dying To Live) in the film "Tupac Resurrection", the biography on
the life of rapper Tupac Shakur. Produced by Eminem, the song uses
the vocal talents of the Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, and Edgar Winter
himself. "Runnin" is on numerous Billboard charts. It peaked at
number 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles Sales chart, and the
soundtrack CD was number 1 for 8 consecutive weeks.
Edgar's CD and DVD, titled, "Live At The Galaxy" was recorded live
at the Galaxy Theatre for Classic Pictures in 2003. It features
the songs, "Keep Playing That Rock and Roll", "Turn On Your Love
Light", "Free Ride", "Texas", "Show Your Love", "New Orleans",
"Frankenstein" and "Tobacco Road". In addition, the DVD includes a
30 Minute Documentary, "Edgar Winter: The Man and His Music".
Edgar Winter's live shows consistently receive rave reviews. His
music is always evolving and he is a master at stretching his
skill and imagination to produce amazing results. He continues to
thrill audiences with his live performances, always remaining on
the cutting edge of music and style. Edgar is now at the very top
of his game, and his future looks even brighter than his past.
Edgar and his wife, Monique, live in Beverly Hills with their
little dog Mimi.
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