Steve Winwood Photography

With more bands and projects than could ever be counted, Steve Winwood is amongst the most prolific and visible musicians of the past century. The world first caught wind of this Englishman at a mere 14 years old singing and playing keys for the Spencer Davis Group in the mid ’60s, though smashes such as “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “I’m a Man” would prove ubiquitous for decades.

From there, he launched the progressive/psychedelic rock band Traffic, then joined Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker in the supergroup Blind Faith in 1969. However, Winwood struck true mainstream gold as a solo artist with soulful pop sounds such as “Valerie,” “Back in the High Life Again,” “Higher Love,” and “Roll with It.”

Even with all the commercial visibility, Winwood frequently returns to his roots—including a Traffic reunion in the ’90s and tour with Clapton at the end of the 2000s. This road warrior was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic and ranked number 33 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.”