Who's more talented: Steve Winwood or Stephen Stills?

Ths came to mind out of nowhere and sounded like an interesting question.

 

Not sure why you'd compare the two, but IMHO Winwood is a LOT more talented, based on the totality of his career. Stills is (or was) a better guitarist, though.

 

A Tale of 2 Steves

It's an interesting question and I chose Steve Winwood. SW has had a more consistent career.

Scott

 

They both play multiple instruments and been part of supergroups.

 

I'd have to go with Winwood. He's done quite a bit in his career and his voice is still in good shape. I think he can play just about any instrument.

 

The old apples to oranges IMO. Both talented and an amazing body of work.

 

Tough one. Love Winwood, but being the mastermind behind CSN and the Buffalo Springfield I have to go with Captain Manyhands.

 

When I saw Winwood shred on Clapton's Crossroads DVD, I thought, "wow, he's STILL a really good guitar player" He's also still got a great voice. I watched Robbie Robertson on this same set and although he is an idol of mine, I think he's lost his touch.

 

Winwood, not even close, IMO.

 

They are both extraordinary musicians, Stephen Stills for me. I saw CSN recently and was reminded of how many great songs Stills wrote with CSN, CSNY, BS, and solo. Great guitarist too (not that Winwood's guitar work is anything to sneeze at). Not crazy about Winwood's solo stuff, like his work in traffic the best, it's a tough choice.

 

I don't like Winwood's voice and "Manassas" is one of the best albums of all time, so Stills gets my vote.
Is "talent" important? By what standard? Musicianship? Songwriting? Does it matter?
Were the Sex Pistols talented? Of course they were and they were brilliant.

 

Winwood by a mile.

 

very different kinds of artists, hard to compare like this.

stills - guitarist mainly, a few keys. lots of great tunes

winwood - keys mainly, some guitar. lots of great tunes.

very tough call.


FYI:

there was a time CSN was considering asking winwood to join them.

 

Winwood is probably more talented, but Stills has made more music which is meaningful to me.

 

This would be a tie for me, broken only by the fact that Winwood's voice is still in decent shape.

 

Both very talented. I voted for Winwood because I think he's a bit more versatile, but it's close.

 

Vocally - Winwood
Musically - Stills

 

Stills by a mile.

 

Some of the comments here indicate a lack of awareness that Stills can play just about any instrument you throw at him. Guitar, bass, keys, drums. He's also an exceptional writer and arranger, and one of the best rock guitarists ever.

Winwood is also an excellent guitarist and keyboard player, and one of the great white soul singers of all time. He's also an excellent writer but in both cases, their best songwriting efforts were many years ago.

To me it's a wash.

 

back in the day, i'm pretty sure stills was voted best bass player in the annual playboy jazz and pop poll for his work on the bass on the couch album.

i have personally seen him play banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, congas, organ and piano. i have never personally seen him play drums.

 

Winwood is a smart guy.
Stills is a legend.

 

Winwood by a mile

 

I really cant compare them based on "talent," and I'm not sure if we all can agree to what that word really means anyway.

Stills is a VERY good guitarist and I far prefer his voice to Winwood's. As a matter of fact, I think so far in this thread he hasn't been given his due as a singer.

 

It happened because you share the same name as them.

Another Steve Winwood by a mile vote. SW continues to make interesting music, albeit with longer breaks between. He gets bonus points for pointing out albums, completely performed by himself. Stills did some great stuff, early on, but hasn't been involved with anything vital since the 70's.

 

Gotta go with Winwood. Although neither have done much that has interested me since about 1970.