Legendary rock vocalist Steve Winwood was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, on May 12, 1948. The future Traffic and Blind Faith frontman was born to a father who was a semi-pro musician and had a brother, Muff Winwood, who would later find success as a record producer. Windwood grew to regional prominence when he was just in his teens, playing Hammond organ and guitar in local backing bands for legends including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. In the instructional book “Learn from the Legends: Rock Keyboard,” Winwood reveals that his early talent may have come from his musical surroundings. “My family on both sides was quite musical. My grandmother on my father’s side was a musician, as were my grandparents on my mother’s side. My father also played lots of instruments,” he explains in the book. Winwood broke into the limelight at the ripe old age of 14 as a member of the Spencer Davis Group. He not only played Hammond organ in the group but also co-wrote their two hit songs “Gimme Song Lovin’” and “I’m A Man.” He would later sing for Traffic and Blind Faith, before launching a successful solo career that included hits like “Roll With It” and “Higher Love.”