SRV

Today is the anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan's untimely passing in 1990. Stevie Ray Vaughan's music touched millions and it certainly touched me. I got into Vaughan's music about 4 years after his death. At the time, I wasn't very familiar with his work. I knew his name and recognized images of him, but I assumed he was just another overrated guitarist that people like to gush over. But after seeing some pictures of him with Jeff Beck from their 1989 tour, I started to become more intrigued.

A few months later I was scanning the radio stations while driving and I came across "Pride And Joy." I purposely listened to the track because I knew it was him and I wanted to see if I was going to hear what all the hype was about. At first I was enjoying the shuffle groove of the rhythm, but then the guitar solo hit. The stinging tone that sounded like Albert King. I was into it. A few days later I heard "Telephone Song" from the Vaughan Brothers album. Not a song one will hear on regular rotation on a radio station play list. Wow, now that was a guitar solo. At that moment, I knew I had to check this dude out.

Stevie changed my life. I always had liked the sound and feel of the Blues, but had never fully explored the genre that extensively beyond the obvious choices like B.B. King. Vaughan helped open the door to the genre and a whole new world of music: T-Bone Walker, Johnny Copeland, Guitar Slim, Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Lonnie Mack, Earl King, Albert Collins, Elmore James, Lightnin' Hopkins, Hubert Sumlin, etc etc etc.

Stevie's mainstream career only lasted about 7 years from 1983 - 1990. But the story started much earlier. He was part of the bustling and rich Austin, TX Blues scene throughout the 70's and early 80's in various Blues bands such as Paul Ray & The Cobras and Triple Threat. His story of breaking into the big time is legendary. After finagling their way into a slot at the famous Montreux Jazz Festival in 1982 (and being booed throughout their set by the audience), Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble's fortunes soon would be changed. David Bowie who was at the festival was blown away by Vaughan's playing and offered him the slot of playing lead guitar on his new solo album (Let's Dance) and another Rock icon, Jackson Browne, was equally impressed with Stevie and offered him free studio time in Los Angeles at his studio if he was ever in town. After the festival, Stevie did lay down some incredible guitar licks on the "Let's Dance" album and also made his way to Jackson's studio in L.A. where he and Double Trouble cut their debut album, "Texas Flood." Soon after, legendary A&R man John Hammond (also famously known for signing Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, etc) signed Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble to a record contract with Epic Records.

Stevie Ray Vaughan only released 5 official albums during his brief mainstream career. He was not only known for leading a Blues revival and being considered one of the finest electric guitarists of all time, but also for being an inspiration due to his battle with a severe drug addiction and successfully defeating it. At the time of his death (in a tragic helicopter accident), Stevie had been drug and alcohol free for over 3 years. His music and life influenced and inspired millions.

By 1990, he was somewhat of celebrity and major concert attraction. His playing was impeccable and also pretty polished. His final studio album "In Step" is a little sleek for my taste (although "Riviera Paradise" is one of his most stunning pieces he ever played). The era of Stevie's career I enjoy the most is from before he was famous when he was playing the Blues club circuit. I love listening to his early recordings such as the "Texas Flood" album and private recordings of various shows from the late-70's through the early-80's. Back then, he was playing raw authentic blues. His playing was so impassioned. Stevie played the Blues until the end, because after all he was a Blues musician, but there is something special and very organic found in his playing from the beginning stages of his career. For a taste of what I am talking about, check out not only "Texas Flood," but also "In The Beginning" which is an awesome glimpse of a club gig from Austin, TX in 1980.

Stevie Ray Vaughan's death was a huge loss to music. His playing continues to inspire and influence countless music fans and musicians from around the world. Stevie said it perfectly: "...I use heavy strings, tune low, play hard and floor it. Floor it. That's technical talk." Stevie, you are missed.

Recommended Stevie Ray Vaughan listening:

1) Texas Flood
2) The Sky Is Crying
3) Couldn’t Stand The Weather
4) In The Beginning
5) Live At Carnegie Hall
6) In Step
7) Soul To Soul

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If you want a compilation to start with, check out:

1)Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: Stevie Ray Vaughan
2)SRV [box set, sort of a one-stop-shop with a mixture of masters and gems]