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CibbuanoStevie Ray Vaughn
February 29th 2008 03:32
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Heavy string blues guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughn died tragically before his full potential could be basked in by the general public. Voted #7 on Rolling Stones Greatest Guitarist of all time list, Vaughn lost his life in a helicopter crash on August 27th 1990.
The Statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn in Austin Texas
Born in Texas in 1954 the future blues master began his guitar fuelled journey at the age of seven when he received his first string instrument. Taught by his recognisable brother Jimmie Vaughn young Stevie was playing his axe live by the time his 13th birthday clocked over.
Self taught and unable to read sheet music he was discovered by guitarist Johnny Winter. In the early 70’s making his initial recordings with a band called Paul Ray and the Cobras.
It was a bold performance in 1982 at the renowned Montereux Jazz Festival that announced Vaughn’s abilities. David Bowie and Jackson Browne were in attendance and both sat up and took notice of his fast licking style that added dimension to the traditional slow hand blues notes. Ironically Stevie Ray and his band Double Trouble were booed by the audience who didn’t appreciate the lumpier edge he injected into songs. Three years later he was welcomed as one of the heroes of the Festival.
face to face with Stevie
In 1982 Stevie and Double Trouble also recorded their first album the acclaimed Texas Flood. Working as a session guitarist for Jackson Browne he also was recruited by Bowie to play on his highly successful “Let’s Dance” release.
Able to finally quit his day job as a truck driver, he toured extensively and the band released their next record “Couldn’t Stand the Weather”. “Soul to Soul” came next and as Stevie Ray’s reputation grew so did an addiction to cocaine and whisky.
By the late 80’s his vices took their toll on the work and after struggling to perform he entered rehab. Emerging clean after intense struggle Stevie returned to work collaborating with some famous artists and touring with Double Trouble. Recording the Grammy award winning “In Step” album in 1989 took the band to the next level of fame.
His final gig was a show at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre alongside Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray. After the performance Stevie chatted with Clapton about doing a series of Jimmie Hendrix tributes in London….sadly fate had other plans.
Here is an excellent interview with Stevie Ray Vaughn talking about guitar and his life. Don't let the oipening fool you, there is gold to be found here as Stevie breaks down the blues.
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