Discovering the Legacy of the Texas Bluesman Who Earned Eric Clapton's Adoration
There are few blues guitarists who came along after the blues revival of the 1960s who could capture both fans’ and musicians’ attention alike. Most of those guitarists who were a part of that movement were from the U.K.
One man was the exception.
Stevie Ray Vaughan was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Growing up in the 1950s, he was influenced by the music around him. He started playing guitar at age 7, inspired by older brother Jimmie. He would drop out of high school at age 17 and land in Austin.
It was obvious even during those early years that Vaughan was going to take the “Texas blues shuffle” to new heights. While in Austin, Vaughan played in a few locally successful bands throughout the 70s. In 1979, the band Double Trouble would form and Vaughan would become lead singer as well as the lone guitarist in the blues power trio.
Vaughan used his guitar to meld blues and rock and roll into a formidable sound that attracted new listeners wherever they performed. Through the early 1980s Vaughan and Double Trouble played the Texas club circuit, becoming one of the most popular bands in the area.
In 1982 the band played the Montreux Jazz Festival and their performance caught the attention of David Bowie and Jackson Browne. After Bowie asked him to record on his next album, Let’s Dance, Vaughan caught the attention another guitarist -
Eric Clapton.
Clapton recalled he was in his car when the newly released Bowie track came on the radio. In Clapton’s autobiography, he wrote, “I was driving, and 'Let’s Dance' came on the radio. I stopped my car and said, ‘I have to know who this guitar player is - today. Not tomorrow, but today.’ This has only happened to me three or four times ever, and probably not for anyone in between Duane Allman and Vaughan.” That guitar solo was so powerful and original, that suddenly, young fans of David Bowie from around the world were searching for the same information Clapton was.
I was one of those people. I can still recall seeing the video on MTV in 1985 and saying, “Who is that guitarist?” when the host v-jay said, “You may be wondering who plays guitar on Bowie’s latest release, it’s Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.” The news was spreading.
It would be two years later in April,1987, that Eric Clapton would join Vaughan and a host of other great musicians to honor the legendary B.B. King. Vaughan’s powerful guitar solos and flawless technique would inspire a new crop of young guitarists to explore the blues throughout the last quarter of the 20th century. The likes of Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Gary Clark Jr., were all blending classic-rock influences with deep blues roots, trying to capture elements of Vaughan’s powerful style.
After Vaughan’s untimely death in 1990, Clapton would say, "I don't think anyone has commanded my respect more, to this day. The first time I heard Vaughan, I thought, "Whoever this is, he is going to shake the world."
And now, over thirty-five years later, Vaughan’s music is still revered and admired by fans, followers, and peers.
To learn more about Stevie Ray Vaughan and his music, you can check out the online class Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Journey Through Music and Influence coming up on Friday, March 14 with The Rock and Roll Professor.
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Stevie Ray Vaughan’s life and career were a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. This presentation explores his journey from a young guitarist in Texas to a blues legend whose music resonates even today.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Rob
Stevie Ray Vaughan is missed since that accident. Thank you for remembering him and doing a class on him.
Always interesting info about musicians.