Texas Blues legend Johnny Winter has died at the age of 70.
Winter passed away July 16th in a hotel room in Zurich, Switzerland. The official news came via the guitarist’s Facebook page early Thursday morning, although details have yet to be released. Winter was on tour in Europe at the time.
Winter was an icon in the blues world. He issued nearly 20 albums in his lifetime with a new release due out September 2nd. The new album features appearances by Eric Clapton, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry.
Winter was also known for his production credits, which included the 1970 hit “Rock & Roll, Hoochie Koo” for Rick Derringer, and three albums for Muddy Waters, with whom Winter won three Grammys.
“His wife, family and bandmates are all saddened by the loss of their loved one and one of the world’s finest guitarists,” reads the initial statement issued by Winter’s publicist. “An official statement with more details shall be issued at the appropriate time.”