/r/Music

This guy is truly a musical genius, can play every single instrument known to man just about. Has released multiple albums wherein he played every instrument, wrote all the songs, and produced the album. That's Prince territory, very very rarified air right there.

Started playing with the likes of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Chuck Berry at age 14! Has his first No 1 hit at age 17. Writes the all time classic chart-topping hits "Gimme Some Lovin'" (Blues Brothers sound track) and "I'm a Man" before age 20. Leaves the Spencer Davis Group and forms a super group with Clapton, writes more classic hits, joins another super group, writes another couple classic songs. ETc.

Then in the 70s he burns out and sort of falls to the wayside. Sort of forgotten. Does studio work. Releases an album in '77 that goes nowhere. His career sputters out.

Then the 80s come along and he starts releasing albums again and in 1986 he absolutely dominates the charts and radio with Back in the High Life album. He topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "Higher Love" and earned two Grammy Awards: Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

You couldn't go five minutes in the mid 80s without hearing a Winwood song on the radio.

If you haven't delved into Winwood's work you are in for a treat. Tons of great songs. Here is the title song from his under rated '80 album Arc of a Diver.