Texas-born blues virtuoso Johnny Winter died in his hotel room in Zurich, Switzerland, on July 16. Always keeping a busy performing schedule, Winter was on an extensive tour, and had performed at the Lovely Days Festival in Weisen, Austria, just four days earlier. His high-energy blues style exploded into prominence in 1968 when Rolling Stone magazine featured him in a story on the Texas music scene. His trademark fiery licks have been a mainstay of the blues-rock world ever since, and have drawn accolades and admiration from fans and peers alike. A new album, “Step Back,” is set for a September release and features collaborations with legendary guitarists Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, and Mark Knopfler. All of us at Sweetwater are saddened to hear of his passing and extend our condolences to his family, including his wife of 22 years, Susan Warford Winter, and his brother Edgar.