George Winston

For other people named George Winston, see George Winston (disambiguation).

George Winston
Winston autographing a copy of his album in 2019
Winston autographing a copy of his album in 2019
Background information
Birth nameGeorge Otis Winston III
Born(1949-02-11)February 11, 1949
Hart, Michigan, U.S.
DiedJune 4, 2023(2023-06-04) (aged 74)
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
GenresStride, New Orleans R&B, folk, new age
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Piano, acoustic guitar, harmonica
Years active1972–2022
LabelsDancing Cat, RCA, Sony Classical, Windham Hill, Takoma
Websitegeorgewinston.com

George Otis Winston III (February 11, 1949 – June 4, 2023) was an American pianist performing contemporary instrumental music.[1] Best known for his solo piano recordings, Winston released his first album in 1972, and came to prominence with his 1980 album Autumn, which was followed in 1982 by Winter into Spring and December. All three became platinum-selling albums, with December becoming a triple-platinum album. A total of 16 solo albums were released, accumulating over 15 million records sold, with the 1994 album Forest earning Winston a Grammy award for Best New Age Album.[2][3] Winston received four other Grammy nominations, including one for Best Children's Music Album, performed with actress Meryl Streep, and another for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for his interpretation of works by the rock band the Doors.

Winston played in three styles: the melodic approach that he developed and called "rural folk piano"; stride piano, primarily inspired by Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson; and his primary interest, New Orleans rhythm and blues (R&B) piano, influenced by James Booker, Professor Longhair and Henry Butler.[4] While the majority of his recordings were in the folk piano style, Winston mostly enjoyed playing R&B piano.[3] His musical style has been classified as new age and sometimes classical, but he rejected both labels.[2][3]

Winston also played the guitar and harmonica. His interest in the Hawaiian slack-key guitar led him to start his own record label, Dancing Cat Records.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference inspiration was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Blistein, Jon (June 6, 2023). "George Winston, the Quiet Giant of Solo Piano Music, Dead at 73". Rolling Stone.
  3. ^ a b c Willman, Chris (June 6, 2023). "George Winston, a Titan of Soothing Piano Instrumental Music, Dies at 73". Variety.
  4. ^ Mannix, Jeff (December 24, 2015). "Want to hear George Winston? Good luck". Durango Herald. Retrieved June 29, 2016.