LOS ANGELES, CA – Step Back by Johnny Winter (Megaforce Records) took the 57th Grammy Monday, February 9th. The 13-track set pairs Winter with such admirers as Eric Clapton, Ben Harper, Joe Perry, Dr. John, Brian Setzer and Jason Ricci. Step Back was the sequel to 2011’s Roots and the second of four planned collections of early blues and rock interpretations and was released posthumously. Winter had finished recording the album, and then played a concert tour in Europe, before he died on July 16, 2014 at age 70. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts for Blues Albums and Independent Albums “He left on a high note,” said producer/guitarist Paul Nelson.

The other nominees in the Blues category were:

• Common Ground – Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play And Sing The Songs Of Big Bill Broonzy – Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin (Yep Roc Records)
• Promise Of A Brand New Day – Ruthie Foster (Blue Corn Music)
• Juke Joint Chapel – Charlie Musselwhite (Henrietta Records)
• Decisions – Bobby Rush With Blinddog Smokin’ (Silver Talon Records)

Each of these artists were also nominated either individually or for their album in the 36th Blues Music Awards.

Keb’ Mo’ received two nominations: for American Roots Performance for his song “The Old Me Better” and for Best Americana album for Bluesamericana. He also received a nomination in The Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Rosanne Cash took both of those Grammys.