![]() ![]() "The vast majority of songs, about 90% I play, are in this style," he wrote. While his more pastoral and melodic music made him a star on records, he would often insert those pianists' songs, and his own originals inspired by them, into his albums and live performances. Winston spent much of the '70s studying New Orleans pianists Henry Butler, James Booker and Professor Longhair. He would record 13 more solo piano albums, with 1994's Forest winning a Grammy Award for best new age album. Together, the three recordings helped to launch the commercial success of what became known as new age - and made Windham Hill the genre's flagship label. It was a surprise hit, which Winston replicated with a sequel season-themed album Winter into Spring and the holiday record December. By the time Winston signed with Windham Hill and released Autumn in 1980, he had a glossier style that eliminated the folksy twang and incorporated the stride piano technique of left-hand bass patterns against right-hand melody. His 1973 debut album, Piano Solos (later re-released as Ballads and Blues), was recorded by folk guitarist John Fahey and had a more identifiable folk sound. His investigation of Doors organist Ray Manzarek's roots led him to jazz player Jimmy Smith, and in turn to the stride piano of Fats Waller - who inspired Winston to switch to piano in 1971. Born in Hart, Mich., in 1949 and raised in Montana, Winston was drawn to the organ after hearing the rock band The Doors in 1967. While many listeners heard classical foundations in his playing, Winston had neither training nor interest in classical music.
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