BLUES N'AT

    Yesterday, August 27, marked one of the saddest dates in blues history as an icon was taken from us far too soon on this date in 1990. Stevie Ray Vaughan was 35 years old when he died and he was just getting his life and music back on track when he left us.
    
     Stevie Ray was born in Dallas, TX on October 3, 1954. At age 7, he began playing the guitar, just like his older brother, Jimmie. Stevie Ray honed has skills in local bands as a teenager, eventually dropping out of high school in 1971. A year later he made the move to Austin, TX, where his legend would grow.

     SRV played in the Nightcrawlers with Marc Benno and Doyle Bramhall and the Cobras with Denny Freeman. Later, he formed his own band, Triple Threat, featuring vocalist Lou Ann Barton. Eventually, that band would morph into Double Trouble with drummer Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon on bass.

     Relying on influences like Albert King, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Jimi Hendrix, and Freddie King, Stevie Ray and Double Trouble helped spearhead the blues revival of the 1980's. Their breakout performance came at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival. From there, they took off.

     SRV and Double Trouble toured with acts such as Jeff Beck and Joe Cocker. Stevie Ray performed on David Bowie's "Last Dance" album and was expected to join Bowie's "Serious Moonlight" tour. However, SRV took a chance and left Bowie's touring band days before the tour began. He wished to pursue a career fronting Double Trouble.

      In 1983, they released their debut album, "Texas Flood". They followed that up with "Couldn't Stand the Weather" in 1984. As he released "Soul to Soul" in 1985 and "Live Alive" in 1986, the struggles of alcohol and cocaine addiction began to take hold of his career and his life.

     Stevie Ray came back in 1988 with "In Step", celebrating both his music and his newfound sobriety. Next came "Family Style" in 1990 with his brother Jimmie. Yes, Stevie Ray was back "in step" with his music and his career.

     In August, 1990, Double Trouble opened 2 shows for Eric Clapton at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, WI. On the second night, August 26, the show ended wth EC, SRV, Jimmie, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray jamming to "Sweet Home Chicago". SRV's helicopter, also carrying members of Clapton's entourage, crashed departing the amphitheater that evening due to foggy weather conditions. All aboard died instantly.

     Just like that, Stevie Ray was gone in an instant. The 6-time Grammy winner has continued to garner accolades, even after his passing. He was a 2000 Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Stevie Ray was also inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame this year. And his adopted hometown, Austin, TX honored him with a statue, his beloved Fender guitar at his side.

     It seemed like Stevie Ray Vaughan was just getting his life back together when it all ended much too soon. But Stevie Ray was doing what he enjoyed most on the night of his passing, playing the blues for me and for you. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!