George Winston

George Otis Winston III was an American pianist who performed contemporary instrumental music and became widely known for a series of solo piano recordings that helped define his public profile. He released his first album in 1972 and rose to prominence with the 1980 album Autumn, a breakthrough that established him as a leading figure in instrumental piano music.

Winston’s early-1980s run of albums proved especially successful. Autumn was followed by Winter into Spring in 1982 and December, and all three became platinum-selling releases. December went further, reaching triple-platinum status. Across his career he released 16 solo albums, and his recordings accumulated more than 15 million in sales.

Recognition from the recording industry included a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album for Forest (1994). Winston also received four additional Grammy nominations. These included a nomination for Best Children’s Music Album for a project performed with actress Meryl Streep, and a nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for his interpretations of works by the rock band the Doors.

Winston was born in Hart, Michigan, and he died on June 4, 2023. In addition to his work as a pianist, he was also a guitarist, harmonicist, and record producer.