Blues guitarist Johny Winter dies at 70

Los Angeles: Blues legend Johny Winter has passed away aged 70 in his hotel room in Zurich, Switzerland.The guitarist, one of the most popular live acts of the early 1970s, died on July 16 in Zurich. There was no immediate word on the cause of death, suggest reports.

His wife, family and bandmates were all saddened by the loss of one of the world`s finest guitarists, a statement by his representative, Carla Parisi, said. Winter had been on an extensive tour this year that recently brought him to Europe. His last performance was on Saturday at the Lovely Days Festival in Wiesen, Austria. Winter was known for his lightning-fast blues guitar riffs, his striking long white hair and his collaborations with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and childhood hero Muddy Waters. He was a leading light among the white blues guitar players, including Eric Clapton and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, who followed in the footsteps of the earlier Chicago blues masters. His addiction problems with heroin during 1970s and later battles with alcohol and prescription medication, including methadone, also drew attention. Among the blues classics that Winter played during that era were `Rollin` and Tumblin`, `Bad Luck and Trouble` and `Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl`. He also teamed up with his brother Edgar for their 1976 live album Together.