John Barleycorn Must Die

But Steve Winwood Lives

Happy 78th Birthday to the magnificent Steve Winwood, who has been an enduringly meaningful character in my life, and a significant contributor to the soundtrack of my life. I’ve grieved, grooved, and celebrated with Steve Winwood. I’m grateful.

Steve Winwood joined The Spencer Davis Group at age 14. He wrote and sang “I’m a man” at 18, and shortly thereafter “Gimme Some Lovin’.” And then so much great music with Blind Faith, Traffic and a great solo career.

Traffic (featuring Steve Winwood) was my first concert ever and, maybe, my favorite.

On a slushy January evening way back in the day, my best friend (Danny Siegel) and I saw, heard and experienced Traffic at the Academy of Music on 14th St in NYC (a few years later it became the Palladium). We were not quite 14 years old. (Mom? Dad? Hello!) It was an incredibly fun experience. *Great* music, and a lot of second-hand smoke. Our parents were strict, in a way, but they often had no idea where we were or what we were doing.

I’m listening to Traffic’s “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” right now and I’m remembering that evening (and Traffic) with appreciation.

Traffic wasn’t especially political, but I often think that my life’s work was partly inspired by this line from “Low Spark ...”: “The man in the suit has just bought a new car from the profit he’s made on your dreams.”

All of this said, here’s my favorite Steve Winwood joint: “John Barleycorn Must Die”

Indeed!