"I'm going through a Traffic phase right now," Winwood says by phone from his home in Nashville. "For a while, I thought that Traffic was eccentric, but when I listen to it now I think it had a great deal of substance. I have recently realized that much of my solo work is a continuation of what I did with Traffic."
Steve Winwood is a living legend. Okay, that's a fairly bold statement to make, but ever since he started his musical career, his distinctive vocal style and casual almost intuitive keyboard playing has marked him out as something special. His formative teenage years, spent with the Spencer Davis Group, resulted in a number of all-time classic record releases, including the Number One hit "Keep On Running" with its distinctive intro, followed by another number one with "Somebody Help Me", and culminating in two more classic singles, "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man".
ANNOUNCER: Live, via satellite, from Hollywood and Nashville, it’s RockLine, the show where you interview the biggest stars in rock 'n' roll. Hello again, I'm Bob Coburn. Tonight, Rockline is an evening with Steve Winwood, so get your questions ready, and call us toll free in the US and Canada at 1(800) 344 ROCK; that’s 1(800) 344-7625; one number toll-free from anywhere in North America. Steve Winwood’s illustrious career in rock 'n' roll has included stints with the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith; all upper echelon bands. But to me, Steve’s biggest contribution to music is his soulfulness. He’s never forgotten his R&B roots; in fact, it’s an integral part of his music, andRefugees of the Heart, his new CD, bears that out. It’s a pleasure to welcome live from Nashville, Tennessee, Mr. Steve Winwood. Steve, good evening, and welcome.