His best work of all time. I don't care about pop hits, chart ratings or Grammys, Low Spark was his best work of all time. Followed by Can't Find My Way Home and Mr. Fantasy. I'm separated generationally from The Professor and didn't really care for much of the music produced in the 80s and my son who is 49 loves the 80s but he was born in 72. So I understand the differences The Professor has in his taste and opinions of what is great and what's not so great or maybe not as great would be more appropriate. And Jackson Browne actually wrote 2 songs about Valerie Carter, who he credits with pulling him from a very dark place emotionally. She also broke his heart but was never dishonest so they remained friends and close until the day that she died. He has done interviews where he talks openly and honestly about her. And speaking of Jackson Browne, if you highlighted his career I guess I missed it. He was at his best when David Lindley was playing with him but he is great when playing with anybody. IMNSHO
My number 1 Steve Winwood song is "Can't Find My Way Home" when he was with Blind Faith. Succinct lyrics that say a lot more than what many songs struggle to say and with a vocal performance that's just goosebump inducing.
+1 - especially love the acoustic version in the castle as shown in this video. Blind Faith and Cream (I know Steve wasn’t in Cream) put out some amazing songs.
@@Slammy555 This! I love telling the "young'ins" these days how old he was after I first play them the song. My niece said,"He sounds like a grown ass man."
My dad sang in a band when he was in high school, and I asked my mom what dad sounded like when he sang. She said he sounded like Steve Winwood! I heard my dad singing once, singing along to the radio while working in his garage, and he does sound like Steve Winwood!
Steve Winwood is a magical force. I lost my wife in May 1987 due to a car wreck. Just a few weeks before we bought this album and love to dance to Higher Lover. After her death, I played this song untold amount of times. Every time now when I hear this song I smile at the times we had. Nine great years.
“Higher Love” was easily his best. The addition of Chaka Khan was icing on the cake, my friend. Myself, if I could squeeze “Finer Things’ in there as well, I would. Winwood’s keyboards in those two songs, as well as “Valerie” absolutely force me to blow the dust off of my air keyboards and pretend to play along.
@Jay Trace. May I say that Steve Winwood is one of the few keyboard players who really knows how to incorporate the synthesiser into his songs. Check out "While You See A Chance" and "Help Me Angel". I am sure I read that the Roland keyboard company used a Steve Winwood "patch" on their production models after they heard his work on "Arc Of A Diver". Apparently Steve Winwood (aged around 14 years old) used to practice on the local church organ where he grew up in Great Barr, Birmingham U.K. Stay safe and well.
It's such a shame that the only/ most common live video of it is from the Finnish TV show. Their voices were worn out and cracking and it was a very low energy, lack luster performance.
Without a doubt the number 1 song that Steve Winwood preformed, for me - Can't Find My Way Home by Blind Faith. Just an AMAZING band, wish they'd stayed together for at least a follow up album.
Adam, thank you so much for doing this one on Steve Winwood. He is one of my all time favorite singers. Love his voice and his style. I live in Nashville, TN and Steve has a home here, as well as London. I was blessed to do some work for him at his house for a couple years back in 2002-03. He is such a genuinely nice person. His little girl was about 5 at the time and always had me sit down and have “tea” with her. She was such a sweetheart. Now, Lily is on her way to having a music career of her own and she is very talented. Love her version of Higher Love. Wonderful people. Blessed by God.
I have always enjoyed Steve Winwood's music. He had success when he was very young, made an impact in several great bands, and then re-invented himself with a great solo career. His longevity in the music business has been very impressive. From the 60s through the 80s, he has consistently recorded quality songs.
As a college student I took a summer trip to Scandinavia. After weeks of buses, ferries, and trains I needed to drive a car. I rented a car and drove out of Helsinki. After clearing the city I reached into my backpack, popped the mix tape out of my Walkman then popped it into the deck of the car. And what was queued up? Higher Love. Each time I hear the song my mind is transported back to that drive on the E12 from Helsinki to Toijala.
Definitely one of the most underrated rock legend, I'm simply shocked at why he hasn't been inducted into the Rock and roll Hall. He has such an unique voice. I'm totally in agreement in Higher Love as his no. 1 song. You missed Don't you know what the night can do, love this song. Thanks for doing a video on my favourite solo artist. Get Stevie into the hall as a solo artist!!!!
Stars aligned just right to give us Steve! My five favs. 5 Mr. Fantasy 4 can't find my way home 3 gimme some lovin 2 higher love 1 when you see a chance That's was a tough one professor, so many fantastic songs, great installment!!
Steve's been around forever and has given us so many great tunes over the decades. So versatile-he plays multiple instruments and has a voice to match his amazing musical talent. Saw him open for Tom Petty a few years back and he played for an hour to a standing ovation! IMHO, he's never truly has gotten his due.
I think all the time about this very issue, and wrote a lengthy comment with my thoughts on why. Sadly, I think he is unlikely to get the recognition he deserves until he passes away.
One of my earliest memories with buying music is being in downtown Pittsburgh with my mom when I was a kid and going past National Record Mart. I begged her to buy me one thing in NRM and I picked the Roll with It cassette by Steve Winwood, which I listened to endlessly ("Shining Song" and "One More Morning" should have been U.S. singles and hits). Later on, I developed a true appreciation for Steve Winwood as an artist when I learned more about his impressive career.
One of my favorite teachers from high school caught me off guard once when I asked her "How was traffic?" to which she replied, "Better with Steve Winwood." I never forgot that clever come back and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys became one of my go to albums. I quickly became consumed with Steve Winwood's music and have many great memories growing up listening to his pop era along with the progressive rock of Traffic and the supergroups he helped anchor. Thank you for cataloging the sound track of our youth.
🎵 "I'll be back in the high life again ..."🎵 - Life has knocked me down a number of times. I play that song when I need a reminder that things will get better again. 🙃
I saw Steve Winwood in concert in San Jose, CA back in 2014 when he was the opening act for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers on their Hypnotic Eye tour. Can you imagine? One Rock n Roll Hall of Fame act opening up for one Rock n Roll Mt. Rushmore act... unbelievable! That was a great night. Sadly, Petty would pass away just three years later. Glad I decided to drive the hour down from San Francisco to catch this concert.
The Blues Brothers soundtrack is what got me into SDG, then Traffic, Cream, Blind Faith etc. Crazy how having 1 oddball soundtrack in the '80's (13yrs old at that time) can take you on a life long journey not for just tracking down the originators of covered songs but also new artists too you that weren't played on the radio.
Man, I love hearing all these stories and about the different connections. It's really incredible what all he's done. It blows my mind how young he was!
My dad passed this year. I thought going back home, driving down I-5 in WA state, back to the small town where I grew up, would be super emotion and tough at times. It wasn't... until a Steve Winwood song came on the radio. It was a song I'd heard 500 times driving that same freeway, a song I remember from my youth, growing up there. While you see a chance. That one verse... when that old gray wind is blowing and there's nothing left worth knowing, now it's time you should be going.... that just hit me, and something happened in that moment.
Higher love, finer things, roll with it ,back in the highlife again and give me good lovin. Great talent and back drop to my adolescence. Thanks 👍 Professor
Steve Winwood definitely has one of the greatest voice ever.. From Gimme some Lovin to Higher love to my favorite song by him can’t find my way home! Once again you out did your self by bringing another Artist from the great music past to The forefront of another great Conversation 👓🎩
John Barleycorn Must Die, Can't Find My Way Home, Mr. Fantasy, Gimme Some Lovin', Higher Love!!! I remember riding around with my Dad back in the late 60's, and he had the AM radio blaring, here in DC. In his thickly accented English, he'd be trying to sing along with what was playing on the AM. Among the many great songs of the those years, I remember these Stevie Winwood songs. Higher Love (along with the whole album, "Back in the High Life"), reminds me of my days in the Army. Thanks for the memories, Professor.
Picking Steve Winwood's five best songs is like choosing your five favorite sunsets. Can't be done. Each song, each sunset reminds you of another one equally as great. Also, a shout out to you, Professor of Rock. Your commentary perfectly compliments the songs and artists. You are erudite and passionate---loquacious and succinct. What you hint at and leave to our imagination and what you elucidate and expound upon are perfectly balanced. You are an artist in your own right. I'm so glad that I discovered you. 😉
I went to visit family in Cologne, Germany in 1986 and my aunt played Back in the High Life quite a bit. When I had some time to myself, I broke out the walkman and listened to Talk Talk's The Colour of Spring. I didn't realize until later that I was actually getting a double dose of Winwood, because he played keyboard and organ on that album.
Steve Winwood is truly one of the greats. Interestingly enough, I don't think he gets talked about nowhere near enough. But he is so gifted. He can play the keys, but I loved when he would trade licks on the guitar with Clapton. On another note, "Higher Love" sounded so good from the 80s. Great voice with a great, upbeat tune!
Professor, you have a wonderful gift for putting the soundtrack of our lives into proper context. "Higher Love" is one of the most important songs ever delivered to the public, as it delivers timeless truths in a delicious manner. And all of these gifts come from the same Source. For what has any man but that which he was given?
Positively love, love, LOVE Steve Winwood's music!! I remember hearing and singing along to Gimme Some Lovin when I was a young kid in my mom's VW Beetle. Fast forward 12 years and I'm in high school and fell in love with Steve Winwood's gorgeous soulful voice and amazing song-writing. The dimwit between my ears thought "Amazing, but this fella almost sounds like the lead singer of the Spencer Davis group singing Gimme Some Lovin!" His music has accompanied through some of the very BEST times of my life and helped me get through many of the very most difficult. God bless you, Steve Winwood, for all the happiness you have brought to SO many for decades with your amazing song-writing, singing and musicianship! My fiver would include: One and Only Man Spy in the House of Love Night Train Back in the High Life Again Holding On
To this day, his first solo album, Steve Winwood (standing next to the tree), is still one of my all time favorite albums! Let Me Make Something In Your Life is such a touching beautiful song.
Back in the High Life is my guiding light. It's a song that has always reminded me to keep the faith, and whenever I hear it I know that someone up there is looking out for me.
"Higher Love" was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when my family was on vacation in Florida in 1986. I remember how big it was at the time. Great tune! 🙂👍
I could list a top 5 of only his Traffic songs, but that wouldn't be representative of his overall contributions to rock, soul and pop. Here's my Top 5 of Steve Winwood: 1. Can't Find My Way Home - Blind Faith 2. Dear Mr. Fantasy - Traffic 3. While You See A Chance - Winwood solo 4. Had To Cry Today - Blind Faith 5. Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys - Traffic Honorable mentions: Valerie and Finer Things - Winwood solo. But honestly, many of his other songs from his solo career are great. He would definitely get my vote for RnR Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
While You See a Chance came out when I was 19 and became an anthem for my life. His later albums carried me through very difficult times. “I still wake up in the morning light / Just to see what is there.” That’s an attitude to take you through life. I finally saw Winwood live 2 years ago in Tampa. What a beautiful soul. His voice makes you believe, “There must be a higher love.”
Yeah he does. That night in Tampa the guitarist was sick. Stevie had to play keyboard and guitar. I like Steely Dan but went to see Winwood. Did not disappoint. Love your videos. Thank you Professor.
I remember seeing the Jordan Brothers perform Gimme Some Lovin' in my hometown of Bethlehem, PA in the 60s, even at that time some of us had already heard Stevie Winwood with Spencer Davis Group. Great time to be alive!
Good post, Professor! There aren't enough superlatives when talking about Steve Winwood. All praise is an understatement. In the late 80s I took my kid brother to see Winwood in Seattle. He had no idea who Steve was, but he was pretty sharp musically. I got double my pleasure listening to great music & seeing my little brother's jaw on the floor! Made a believer out of him fast! Steve started out with 'Gimme Some Lovin' You heard the intro, then BANG, the curtain went DOWN & the Show was on! He had Russ Kunkel with him on drums. Fantastic!
A fantastic tribute to one of my favorite vocalists, culminating in a fantastic #1, including a video that made Chaka Khan my dream girl. Thanks for this one.
I have couple of honorable mentions for Steve: 1. Man of Leo (from the 1975 Go Album); 2. Empty Pages (from Traffic's John Barleycorn Must Die, Album); 3. Hidden Treasure (from Traffic's Low Spark of the High Heeled Boys, Album); 4. Shootout at the Fantasy Factory (the title track from Traffic's Album of the same name); 5. Time is Running Out (from Steve eponymous 1st solo Album); Enjoy!
What an absolute legend Steve Winwood is, definitely my fave musician. A great voice, great chops on keys and guitar and that famous mandolin! Steve is on tour with Steely Dan in 2022....there'll be some talent on stage at those gigs!!
I remember a few years ago there was a dance version of “Valerie” that was either by him or by another artist with his samples and that was played so much in dance clubs. Who would’ve thought the mastermind of the band traffic would be a disco hit?
With as much as he's done, and as great as he's been, I hate to say that he is so underappreciated these days. I would personally rate him right up there with the most talented musicians ever. Didn't he play every instrument on most songs on his solo albums? That live video of Can't Find My Way Home is just amazing...and the video his acoustic version from like 10 years ago in front of a crackling fire is pretty damn great too.
"Finer Things" was robbed. The opening chords of that song is so, so haunting...that song immediately ties me back to my child hood, and I feel it is Winwood's best. As usual, excellent work. :)
For me it's a tie between "Back in the High Life Again" and "The Finer Things" they both make me feel a way that only a few other songs do. I also love "Don't You Know What the Night Can Do" even if it was used in a beer commercial.
saw Steve Winwood live when he toured with Tom Petty and of course it was amazing. A little sad that a number of people didn't show up for his part of the show, I guess never knowing what they were missing. "Dear Mr. Fantasy" especially was awesome live.
I grew up in Nashville and we were exposed to lots of new music. We had the Arc Of a Diver album from its release in the U.S. and we listened to every track, flipping the LP endlessly. I still know every word to every track on this album. I was 15 and it spoke to me!
@@ProfessorofRock Yeah Adam, I saw your shirt. 🙂 Nice. By the way... you're doing a great job on these vids. I enjoy them very much. I'm a little older than you, (59), but I like that you highlight music from the 60's, 70's and 80's. And I love all of it. But to me, becoming a teenager in 1975, nothing comes close to the 70's music for evoking real emotion. As you like to say, for me it truly was the soundtrack of my life. And to this day that music still evokes so many different emotions. Something I know you strive for in your videos. You obviously are extremely passionate about music and your father was apparently a big influence on you in that way. As was mine. My father was a country/western guitar/mandolin player in the 1950's and taught me to play before I was a teen. I went on to play bass mainly and moved from South Florida to L.A. and played in several bands through the mid 80's. Mostly blues. I tried to make it my profession but like so many others... it just didn't happen. Anyway, sorry for the long winded reply. This is actually the first time I've ever commented on any RUclips video. Keep the faith brother! 😎
been studying his music for 60 years and still having fun learning new things. to do a proper story about winwood would take a long time. this is just a simple introduction. there's so much wisdom hidden within his catalog. most of it hidden in the jacket sleeves somewhere. thanks for your presentation. you express yourself with excellence.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Poll: Steve Winwood has one of the all time great voices, having said that, who are your top five choices for greatest voices in rock and pop history?
Here are my top 5.
1. Paul Rodgers...so underrated
2. Ann Wilson
3. Rod Stewart
4. Steve Perry
5. David Coverdale
Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury, Steve Perry, Prince & Lou Gramm
David Lee Roth
Richard Page
Paul Carrack
Lou Gramm
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury
Rob Halford
Roger Daltry
Paul Rodgers
Sade
Tori Amos
Stevie Nicks
Chrissie Hynde
Peter Gabriel
Freddie Mercury
"The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" by Traffic is a classic.
I agree 100%
Hole in my Shoe is my Favourite.
His best work of all time. I don't care about pop hits, chart ratings or Grammys, Low Spark was his best work of all time. Followed by Can't Find My Way Home and Mr. Fantasy. I'm separated generationally from The Professor and didn't really care for much of the music produced in the 80s and my son who is 49 loves the 80s but he was born in 72. So I understand the differences The Professor has in his taste and opinions of what is great and what's not so great or maybe not as great would be more appropriate. And Jackson Browne actually wrote 2 songs about Valerie Carter, who he credits with pulling him from a very dark place emotionally. She also broke his heart but was never dishonest so they remained friends and close until the day that she died. He has done interviews where he talks openly and honestly about her. And speaking of Jackson Browne, if you highlighted his career I guess I missed it. He was at his best when David Lindley was playing with him but he is great when playing with anybody. IMNSHO
@@texasplumr I agree with you 100% on your take on the Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.
Dear Mr Fantasy is my favorite Traffic
My number 1 Steve Winwood song is "Can't Find My Way Home" when he was with Blind Faith. Succinct lyrics that say a lot more than what many songs struggle to say and with a vocal performance that's just goosebump inducing.
I love it as well. It's definitely in my top 10.
Blind faith was a legendary group for sure
yep.
great song!
saw Clapton play it live in1990 with Nathan east on lead vocal! the vocal is s bit high for Clapton...
+1 - especially love the acoustic version in the castle as shown in this video. Blind Faith and Cream (I know Steve wasn’t in Cream) put out some amazing songs.
I'd go for the Hyde Park version which features the most amazing lyrical drumming from Ginger.
It's amazing Gimme Some Lovin' was sung by a teenager. Dude's voice sounded the same in his 40's and 50's.
A friend described his voice as a "an old man's voice".
I know! Right?
The emotions and inflictions in his voice here are amazing for anyone at any age, and to have mastered this at 16 he was truly a prodigy.
Alex Chilton gave me that impression, too.
@@Slammy555 This! I love telling the "young'ins" these days how old he was after I first play them the song. My niece said,"He sounds like a grown ass man."
My dad sang in a band when he was in high school, and I asked my mom what dad sounded like when he sang. She said he sounded like Steve Winwood! I heard my dad singing once, singing along to the radio while working in his garage, and he does sound like Steve Winwood!
Very cool! Thank you for sharing that!
Please interview Mr Winwood while he is still with us.
Trying!
"Valerie" has always been a favorite of mine, but I had never heard the backstory. Thanks, Professor!
Have you heard “Valerie Loves Me” by Material Issue? Total jam big time!
Steve Winwood is a magical force. I lost my wife in May 1987 due to a car wreck. Just a few weeks before we bought this album and love to dance to Higher Lover. After her death, I played this song untold amount of times. Every time now when I hear this song I smile at the times we had. Nine great years.
Sory man, great song to remember someone by
Can't Find My Way Home is my favorite vocal of his.
It's amazingly poignant .
I was surprised only an Honorable Mention. Presence Of The Lord...not mentioned at all. :-O
No doubt! And he played everything on Night Train, another all-time great song.
I think "Can't find my way back home " is my favorite song.
Steve Winwood has given us a lot to love.
Stevie Winwood is such a profound talent! It is impossible to overstate the career he has had.
Thank you POR for all that you do.
Thank you for watching!
“Higher Love” was easily his best. The addition of Chaka Khan was icing on the cake, my friend. Myself, if I could squeeze “Finer Things’ in there as well, I would. Winwood’s keyboards in those two songs, as well as “Valerie” absolutely force me to blow the dust off of my air keyboards and pretend to play along.
@Jay Trace. May I say that Steve Winwood is one of the few keyboard players who really knows how to incorporate the synthesiser into his songs. Check out "While You See A Chance" and "Help Me Angel". I am sure I read that the Roland keyboard company used a Steve Winwood "patch" on their production models after they heard his work on "Arc Of A Diver". Apparently Steve Winwood (aged around 14 years old) used to practice on the local church organ where he grew up in Great Barr, Birmingham U.K. Stay safe and well.
"While you see Chance" came out in 1981 I think and I've loved it every year since. I never grow tired of that inspirational little piece of work.
Gimme Some Lovin' is on my shortlist for greatest rock 'n roll recordings of all time.
No kidding. It still sounds amazing.
It's such a shame that the only/ most common live video of it is from the Finnish TV show. Their voices were worn out and cracking and it was a very low energy, lack luster performance.
My 3 top winwoods songs..
Roll with it
Valerie
Higher love
So fresh and timeless songs
You can't go wrong with those. Thanks for watching
Without a doubt the number 1 song that Steve Winwood preformed, for me - Can't Find My Way Home by Blind Faith.
Just an AMAZING band, wish they'd stayed together for at least a follow up album.
Adam, thank you so much for doing this one on Steve Winwood. He is one of my all time favorite singers. Love his voice and his style. I live in Nashville, TN and Steve has a home here, as well as London. I was blessed to do some work for him at his house for a couple years back in 2002-03. He is such a genuinely nice person. His little girl was about 5 at the time and always had me sit down and have “tea” with her. She was such a sweetheart. Now, Lily is on her way to having a music career of her own and she is very talented. Love her version of Higher Love. Wonderful people. Blessed by God.
I have always enjoyed Steve Winwood's music. He had success when he was very young, made an impact in several great bands, and then re-invented himself with a great solo career. His longevity in the music business has been very impressive. From the 60s through the 80s, he has consistently recorded quality songs.
As a college student I took a summer trip to Scandinavia. After weeks of buses, ferries, and trains I needed to drive a car. I rented a car and drove out of Helsinki. After clearing the city I reached into my backpack, popped the mix tape out of my Walkman then popped it into the deck of the car. And what was queued up? Higher Love. Each time I hear the song my mind is transported back to that drive on the E12 from Helsinki to Toijala.
I'm learning "While You See a Chance" now and it is remarkable. The first to second verse/chord change... what? A genius at work.
Definitely one of the most underrated rock legend, I'm simply shocked at why he hasn't been inducted into the Rock and roll Hall. He has such an unique voice. I'm totally in agreement in Higher Love as his no. 1 song. You missed Don't you know what the night can do, love this song. Thanks for doing a video on my favourite solo artist. Get Stevie into the hall as a solo artist!!!!
RRHOF is a joke
The 70s music scene was so crowded, it was hard for new acts to break through. Many 70s artists could not break through until the early 80s.
@@kenperk9854 but Steve Winwood wasn't a 70s artist, he joined Spencer Davis Group as a teenager in the early 60s.
Winwood was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic in 2004.
@@Dee-x9f yes, but what I meant was he hasn't been inducted as a solo artist.
Stars aligned just right to give us Steve!
My five favs.
5 Mr. Fantasy
4 can't find my way home
3 gimme some lovin
2 higher love
1 when you see a chance
That's was a tough one professor, so many fantastic songs, great installment!!
Adam, you're the modern day Casey Kasem. I see and hear the same energy when you talk about the music and artists.
Steve's been around forever and has given us so many great tunes over the decades. So versatile-he plays multiple instruments and has a voice to match his amazing musical talent. Saw him open for Tom Petty a few years back and he played for an hour to a standing ovation! IMHO, he's never truly has gotten his due.
One of My Top 3 Songs from Mr Winwood
I think all the time about this very issue, and wrote a lengthy comment with my thoughts on why. Sadly, I think he is unlikely to get the recognition he deserves until he passes away.
Love Winwood’s acoustic version of John Barleycorn (Must Die).
"Every Mother's Son" is my #1. His vocal is phenomenal, and the song is moving.
That song, “Til the end of time” and “no time to live” are on my top list
*my favs from SW:*
*"Holding On"*
*"Dont You Know What the Night Can Do"*
*"Still in the Game"*
*"Theres a River"*
"I can light the night up with my soul on fire. I can make the sun shine from pure desire." Best lyric ever.
One of my earliest memories with buying music is being in downtown Pittsburgh with my mom when I was a kid and going past National Record Mart. I begged her to buy me one thing in NRM and I picked the Roll with It cassette by Steve Winwood, which I listened to endlessly ("Shining Song" and "One More Morning" should have been U.S. singles and hits). Later on, I developed a true appreciation for Steve Winwood as an artist when I learned more about his impressive career.
Thank you for sharing!
One of my favorite teachers from high school caught me off guard once when I asked her "How was traffic?" to which she replied, "Better with Steve Winwood." I never forgot that clever come back and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys became one of my go to albums. I quickly became consumed with Steve Winwood's music and have many great memories growing up listening to his pop era along with the progressive rock of Traffic and the supergroups he helped anchor. Thank you for cataloging the sound track of our youth.
Higher Love was so huge back then. I remember watching the Grammys and seeing it sweep up awards. Great year for radio.
Steve Winwoods voice is unmistakable!
One of the all time Best rock singers!!
🎵 "I'll be back in the high life again ..."🎵 - Life has knocked me down a number of times. I play that song when I need a reminder that things will get better again. 🙃
I saw Steve open up for Tom Petty about 7 or 8 years ago. What a show! Ive always been a fan. I'm a Man is a total jam!
Steve and Tom. Two of the greatest talents in the universe in my opinion.
I saw Steve Winwood in concert in San Jose, CA back in 2014 when he was the opening act for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers on their Hypnotic Eye tour. Can you imagine? One Rock n Roll Hall of Fame act opening up for one Rock n Roll Mt. Rushmore act... unbelievable! That was a great night. Sadly, Petty would pass away just three years later. Glad I decided to drive the hour down from San Francisco to catch this concert.
The Blues Brothers soundtrack is what got me into SDG, then Traffic, Cream, Blind Faith etc.
Crazy how having 1 oddball soundtrack in the '80's (13yrs old at that time) can take you on a life long journey not for just tracking down the originators of covered songs but also new artists too you that weren't played on the radio.
Pretty sure he wasn't in Cream, but that's just a minor quibble. did he do anything with them that I don't know about?
@@shoogerkane well traffic intros Eric Clapton then onto cream,
Steve Winwood is an awesome musician period. Keep up the great work my friend. Three chords and the truth.
Man, I love hearing all these stories and about the different connections. It's really incredible what all he's done. It blows my mind how young he was!
He's done a lot over the years.
My dad passed this year. I thought going back home, driving down I-5 in WA state, back to the small town where I grew up, would be super emotion and tough at times. It wasn't... until a Steve Winwood song came on the radio. It was a song I'd heard 500 times driving that same freeway, a song I remember from my youth, growing up there.
While you see a chance. That one verse... when that old gray wind is blowing and there's nothing left worth knowing, now it's time you should be going.... that just hit me, and something happened in that moment.
Higher love, finer things, roll with it ,back in the highlife again and give me good lovin. Great talent and back drop to my adolescence. Thanks 👍 Professor
Thanks for listening
@@ProfessorofRock Valerie honorable mention
@@ProfessorofRock Valerie honorable mention
I saw Steve Winwood twice live, as the opening act for Tom Petty. Steve Winwood is my favorite all around British musician. Cheers! ✌️
Winwood opening for Petty? Sacrilege!
Cheers to you!
I saw him open for Petty at the L.A. Forum. His live sound was 1000% better than Petty's.
@@samanthab1923 Not in my opinion. I thought it was a great concert. I like both artists equally.
Saw that tour. Actually made me appreciate Tom who I didn’t care about
Steve Winwood definitely has one of the greatest voice ever..
From Gimme some Lovin to Higher love to my favorite song by him can’t find my way home!
Once again you out did your self by bringing another Artist from the great music past to The forefront of another great Conversation 👓🎩
He's one of my favorite voices.
He's also a dangerous pick for karaoke. Prof wasn't kidding about Winwood being a tenor🤣
Another song I won’t listen to the same again
I can't have just one Steve Winwood Favorite. Impossible - I have too many moods and Winwood classics to soothe those moods.
Love Steve Winwood!
Even Ray Charles said that no one could do "Georgia On My Mind" better than Steve Winwood.
One of the greatest of all time.
I agree 100%
John Barleycorn Must Die, Can't Find My Way Home, Mr. Fantasy, Gimme Some Lovin', Higher Love!!! I remember riding around with my Dad back in the late 60's, and he had the AM radio blaring, here in DC. In his thickly accented English, he'd be trying to sing along with what was playing on the AM. Among the many great songs of the those years, I remember these Stevie Winwood songs. Higher Love (along with the whole album, "Back in the High Life"), reminds me of my days in the Army. Thanks for the memories, Professor.
Picking Steve Winwood's five best songs is like choosing your five favorite sunsets. Can't be done. Each song, each sunset reminds you of another one equally as great. Also, a shout out to you, Professor of Rock. Your commentary perfectly compliments the songs and artists. You are erudite and passionate---loquacious and succinct. What you hint at and leave to our imagination and what you elucidate and expound upon are perfectly balanced. You are an artist in your own right. I'm so glad that I discovered you. 😉
Thank you! so appreciated!
I remember Casey Kasem's top 40 countdown, that was one of the highlights of my teen years and beyond 🎶
Thank you!
I went to visit family in Cologne, Germany in 1986 and my aunt played Back in the High Life quite a bit. When I had some time to myself, I broke out the walkman and listened to Talk Talk's The Colour of Spring. I didn't realize until later that I was actually getting a double dose of Winwood, because he played keyboard and organ on that album.
@binkey Resto. Peace Mark Hollis
His work on the albums "Blind Faith" (1969) and "John Barleycorn" (1970) is among my favorite things ever.
Adam, you are the Stevie Winwood of music history! Keep the videos coming.
Unbelievable Talent
Steve Winwood is truly one of the greats. Interestingly enough, I don't think he gets talked about nowhere near enough.
But he is so gifted. He can play the keys, but I loved when he would trade licks on the guitar with Clapton.
On another note, "Higher Love" sounded so good from the 80s. Great voice with a great, upbeat tune!
Very true. Hope you are well my good friend!
@@ProfessorofRock And I hope that you are doing well too, my friend. I hope that your family is doing well during this pandemic too.
Professor, you have a wonderful gift for putting the soundtrack of our lives into proper context. "Higher Love" is one of the most important songs ever delivered to the public, as it delivers timeless truths in a delicious manner. And all of these gifts come from the same Source. For what has any man but that which he was given?
Positively love, love, LOVE Steve Winwood's music!! I remember hearing and singing along to Gimme Some Lovin when I was a young kid in my mom's VW Beetle. Fast forward 12 years and I'm in high school and fell in love with Steve Winwood's gorgeous soulful voice and amazing song-writing. The dimwit between my ears thought "Amazing, but this fella almost sounds like the lead singer of the Spencer Davis group singing Gimme Some Lovin!" His music has accompanied through some of the very BEST times of my life and helped me get through many of the very most difficult. God bless you, Steve Winwood, for all the happiness you have brought to SO many for decades with your amazing song-writing, singing and musicianship! My fiver would include:
One and Only Man
Spy in the House of Love
Night Train
Back in the High Life Again
Holding On
To this day, his first solo album, Steve Winwood (standing next to the tree), is still one of my all time favorite albums! Let Me Make Something In Your Life is such a touching beautiful song.
While you see a chance is his best!
Steve Winwood's playing his organ inspired me to play with mine.
Steve Winwood is an awesome talent. My favorites my him are Mr. Fantasy and I Can’t Find My Way Home. Pure Magic.
Damn! You killed it again on this video!
I'm 66 years old and you break down my music like you are an old soul!
Back in the High Life is my guiding light. It's a song that has always reminded me to keep the faith, and whenever I hear it I know that someone up there is looking out for me.
Always loved Winwood! Amazing energy! Great voice, magnificent talent!
Great job Professor! Steve is my favorite musician of all time, and may be the greatest musician of the 20th Century. Thanks!
"A beautiful ecstasy of sonic intensity"
"Higher Love" was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when my family was on vacation in Florida in 1986. I remember how big it was at the time. Great tune! 🙂👍
The finer things is one of my all time favorite 80's songs.
Definitely takes me back to my teenage years during Steve's Solo career.
I could list a top 5 of only his Traffic songs, but that wouldn't be representative of his overall contributions to rock, soul and pop. Here's my Top 5 of Steve Winwood:
1. Can't Find My Way Home - Blind Faith
2. Dear Mr. Fantasy - Traffic
3. While You See A Chance - Winwood solo
4. Had To Cry Today - Blind Faith
5. Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys - Traffic
Honorable mentions: Valerie and Finer Things - Winwood solo. But honestly, many of his other songs from his solo career are great.
He would definitely get my vote for RnR Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
While You See a Chance came out when I was 19 and became an anthem for my life. His later albums carried me through very difficult times. “I still wake up in the morning light / Just to see what is there.” That’s an attitude to take you through life. I finally saw Winwood live 2 years ago in Tampa. What a beautiful soul. His voice makes you believe, “There must be a higher love.”
I was front row a few years back when he toured with Steely Dan. It as amazing. He's still very much GOT it.
Yeah he does. That night in Tampa the guitarist was sick. Stevie had to play keyboard and guitar. I like Steely Dan but went to see Winwood. Did not disappoint. Love your videos. Thank you Professor.
So glad you did this, Steve Winwood is one of the masters. Super talented! Valerie Carter was also associated with James Taylor…
I remember seeing the Jordan Brothers perform Gimme Some Lovin' in my hometown of Bethlehem, PA in the 60s, even at that time some of us had already heard Stevie Winwood with Spencer Davis Group. Great time to be alive!
His 'Valerie.' song, epic.
The 'Call on Me' remix video, *even better.*
Good post, Professor! There aren't enough superlatives when talking about Steve Winwood. All praise is an understatement. In the late 80s I took my kid brother to see Winwood in Seattle. He had no idea who Steve was, but he was pretty sharp musically. I got double my pleasure listening to great music & seeing my little brother's jaw on the floor! Made a believer out of him fast! Steve started out with 'Gimme Some Lovin' You heard the intro, then BANG, the curtain went DOWN & the Show was on! He had Russ Kunkel with him on drums. Fantastic!
Arc Of a Diver is my favorite Winwood song. It makes me feel so good every time I hear it.
Gimme some lovin' from the beginning to the end of that song it grabs you and doesn't let go .
Dear Mr. Fantasy is gold .
A fantastic tribute to one of my favorite vocalists, culminating in a fantastic #1, including a video that made Chaka Khan my dream girl. Thanks for this one.
Roll With It....one my favorite cruising tunes
That is a great cruising song. Great observation!
I have couple of honorable mentions for Steve:
1. Man of Leo (from the 1975 Go Album);
2. Empty Pages (from Traffic's John Barleycorn Must Die, Album);
3. Hidden Treasure (from Traffic's Low Spark of the High Heeled Boys, Album);
4. Shootout at the Fantasy Factory (the title track from Traffic's Album of the same name);
5. Time is Running Out (from Steve eponymous 1st solo Album);
Enjoy!
What an absolute legend Steve Winwood is, definitely my fave musician. A great voice, great chops on keys and guitar and that famous mandolin!
Steve is on tour with Steely Dan in 2022....there'll be some talent on stage at those gigs!!
one of the best male voices ever - love his 80s stuff, so many epic jams
Love that voice. Super underrated
"While you see a chance, take it." Excellent advice!
Thank you for the trip back to my late teens. Whenever I was feeling a little blue I’d crank up some Steve Winwood. And he’d chase the blues away.
Steve Windwood especially in Traffic phenomenal music
One of my all time favorites is Split Decision. Such a great great artist and musician ❤️
I have been on a big Steve Winwood kick lately, so this video is awesome and timely! On a mission to get all of his solo albums on vinyl.
I remember a few years ago there was a dance version of “Valerie” that was either by him or by another artist with his samples and that was played so much in dance clubs. Who would’ve thought the mastermind of the band traffic would be a disco hit?
I totally remember that!
You're thinking of "Call On Me" by Eric Prydz
With as much as he's done, and as great as he's been, I hate to say that he is so underappreciated these days. I would personally rate him right up there with the most talented musicians ever. Didn't he play every instrument on most songs on his solo albums? That live video of Can't Find My Way Home is just amazing...and the video his acoustic version from like 10 years ago in front of a crackling fire is pretty damn great too.
Roll with it has always been my favorite. Thank you for giving us a deeper look at this amazing artist.
"Finer Things" was robbed. The opening chords of that song is so, so haunting...that song immediately ties me back to my child hood, and I feel it is Winwood's best.
As usual, excellent work. :)
OH! "And Don't You Know What The Night Can Do". Absolutely brilliant. :D
You almost forget how good Steve Winwood is until you hear him sing again.
For me it's a tie between "Back in the High Life Again" and "The Finer Things" they both make me feel a way that only a few other songs do. I also love "Don't You Know What the Night Can Do" even if it was used in a beer commercial.
saw Steve Winwood live when he toured with Tom Petty and of course it was amazing. A little sad that a number of people didn't show up for his part of the show, I guess never knowing what they were missing. "Dear Mr. Fantasy" especially was awesome live.
Dear Mr Fantasy Is One Of My All-time Favorites.
The Original Video Is
Absolutely A Psychedelic
Trip That Can Take You To A Mind Blowing Place!
I grew up in Nashville and we were exposed to lots of new music. We had the Arc Of a Diver album from its release in the U.S. and we listened to every track, flipping the LP endlessly. I still know every word to every track on this album. I was 15 and it spoke to me!
I have always loved Stevie.
He’s my #1 musician of all time
Steve's one of my favorites. Wore out the "Arc of a Diver" album back in the day.
One of my favorites as well. Love the cover Thanks for watching.
@@ProfessorofRock Yeah Adam, I saw your shirt. 🙂 Nice. By the way... you're doing a great job on these vids. I enjoy them very much. I'm a little older than you, (59), but I like that you highlight music from the 60's, 70's and 80's. And I love all of it. But to me, becoming a teenager in 1975, nothing comes close to the 70's music for evoking real emotion. As you like to say, for me it truly was the soundtrack of my life. And to this day that music still evokes so many different emotions. Something I know you strive for in your videos. You obviously are extremely passionate about music and your father was apparently a big influence on you in that way. As was mine. My father was a country/western guitar/mandolin player in the 1950's and taught me to play before I was a teen. I went on to play bass mainly and moved from South Florida to L.A. and played in several bands through the mid 80's. Mostly blues. I tried to make it my profession but like so many others... it just didn't happen. Anyway, sorry for the long winded reply. This is actually the first time I've ever commented on any RUclips video. Keep the faith brother! 😎
been studying his music for 60 years and still having fun learning new things. to do a proper story about winwood would take a long time. this is just a simple introduction. there's so much wisdom hidden within his catalog. most of it hidden in the jacket sleeves somewhere.
thanks for your presentation. you express yourself with excellence.