Raisin' Cain - The Wild and Raucous Story of Johnny Winter

Mary Lou Sullivan is a music journalist whose 30-year career began at a dinner with Bruce Springsteen. She has interviewed B.B. King, Michael Bolton, Joan Rivers, Bruce Springsteen, McCoy Tyner, Albert Collins, Kenny Garrett, Rick Derringer, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Rory Block, Ellen McIlwaine, James Montgomery, Charles Calmese, Duke Robillard, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, and Al Anderson.

She met and interviewed Johnny Winter in 1984, a meeting that led to a close rapport that has deepened through the years..Fascinated by all the twists and turns in his illustrious career, his openness and honesty, she was determined to write Johnny's biography.

Although his (then) manager Teddy Slatus turned her down several times, she never abandoned her quest. When Johnny was ready to tell his story, she was the only one he trusted to write his authorized biography.

Mary Lou spent more than a year of Saturday nights interviewing Johnny in his home, followed up by hours of phone and backstage conversations. She also attended the rehearsal and studio sessions for his "I'm A Bluesman" CD.

Johnny Winter and Mary Lou Sullivan share a smile backstage in 2003.

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Once she had Johnny's story in his own words, she embarked on a six year journey from Memphis to Austin to Mississippi, New York, and Chicago to make it a definitive biography.

The result is a page-turner that includes interviews with Johnny Winter's mother Edwina, his wife Susan, his brother Edgar, and dozens of friends, artists, musicians,  producers, and music industry people who generously shared their time and memories.