The guitarist Steve Winwood called “outstanding”
Although the classic rock era has its most famous faces, there are those that were also important to their generation but got overlooked in the traditional story due to the prominence of their peers. One of these is Steve Winwood, an instrumental force in three influential bands who enjoyed his fair share of hits.
The Birmingham native is best known for his efforts as a solo artist and in The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith. Cutting his teeth by playing with some of the 1960s’ most consequential figures, in the short-lived Blind Faith, he would deliver their 1969 self-titled album alongside Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Rich Grech, reflecting the kind of lofty company that he keeps. Adding another taste of his significance, in 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Traffic.
He also played with drumming legend Ginger Baker’s equally as ephemeral project Ginger Baker’s Air Force, which drew on the talent of other staples of the day, including former Moody Blues and future Wings man Denny Laine, and the avant-garde afro-rock drummer Remi Kabaka.
As a solo artist, Winwood would have much success in the 1980s, including with ‘Valerie’ – not that one – and the likes of ‘Higher Love’, which featured the backing vocals of Chaka Khan and the distinctive guitar of Nile Rodgers. Unsurprisingly, it shot to number one in America after being released in 1986.
Given that Winwood has lived a storied life and rubbed shoulders with an extensive list of greats, he has often reflected on the heady days he established himself as a musician. In terms of pioneering guitarists, he has worked with many, with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Clapton, two of the most esteemed. Yet, despite working so closely with the duo above, according to Winwood, another “outstanding” player from his generation maintained a high output level until the end.
This was the great Jeff Beck, who passed away in January 2023. Famously, he cemented his status as a solo artist and in groups such as The Yardbirds. In a tribute posted on his Facebook page after Beck died, Winwood wrote: “Jeff Beck was a brilliant and unique musician who managed to sustain his presence as an outstanding guitarist throughout all of his career, from the mid-sixties to the present time. His guitar style utilised many differing techniques and styles. He was a leader and an innovator, and he will be sadly missed.”
Watch Jeff Beck in action below.
