20 Years Ago Today We Lost Stevie Ray Vaughan

In my opinion one of the most tragic losses in rock and roll, an accident that didn't have to happen :(

I remember hearing the news. I was pregnant at the time and considered naming the baby either Stevie, Ray or Vaughan. Now that the future has been seen, I see how appropriate it would have been to name my son after someone who overcame a serious drug addiction and alcoholism.

Some of us can be examples about going ahead and growing, and some of us, unfortunately, don't make it there, and end up being examples because they had to die. I hit rock bottom, but thank God my bottom wasn't death.
Stevie Ray Vaughan

19 years ago we lost him:

(thank you, Drew, for reminding me)

Stevie Ray Vaughan Quote

Stevie Ray died on August 27, 1990. Its hard to believe its been almost 20 years. I was thinking about him today and found a great quote (below) and also ran across a site I had never seen before. Its called Celebrity Rock Guitars and is worth a look, lots of great information and photos.

I've said that playing the blues is like having to be black twice. Stevie Ray Vaughan missed on both counts, but I never noticed.
~B. B. King

You Will Understand

No matter what your personal taste in music is, if you are truly PASSIONATE about it, you will get this:

The last six days of my life have been hellish. I wondered at times if I would ever feel "normal" again, if life could ever have a glimmer of joy or if I would spend the rest of my days drowning in the worry that inflicts parents of drug addicts.

But then...

I watched this, and I felt good. I got lost in SRV's unparalleled talent and suddenly had hope. It may not make sense, but it is what it is.

God bless you, Stevie.

"Do you think guitarists are all that special?"

Received an excellent question in the comment section and it was just too good not to share, plus I know many of you who read here aren't shy about sharing your opinions so this should give Daniel several views.

Daniel is an artist and he ask this in sincerity, I'll share my thoughts in the comments.

Hey, I have a question, and a tribute show seems related. Do you think guitarists are all that special? I don't mean this demeaningly and I don't want to bring on the wrath of the rock gods...

I'm wondering because Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and even a girl in Korea I think can sound a lot like Hendrix in their playing. So is it how they perform live? Is it how they relate to other players in the band? Is it singing too, so is Kenny less impressive?

I guess it comes down to intent and authenticity.

This is only a pondering, not a conclusion. I have HUGE respect for guitarists, but like if someone painted like I do and you had trouble telling the difference?

Stevie Ray

Somehow the date didn't sink into my mind today, I can't believe I didn't recognize it because SRV has a special place in my heart. Thankfully, a blog friend wrote the PERFECT POST for the occasion. I will let you read his words here.

Tonight

Well, five minutes till I am off work - then later this evening I am going to go hear the same band I heard last week. They were SO GOOD. I've been listening to Stevie Ray this afternoon to get me in the mood.

What did you do tonight?

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Tears for Stevie.....

I was searching for a photo of Stevie when I came across this. WOW. This really spoke volumes to me. He truly was one of the greatest blues/rock guitarist...the person with this tattoo wanted to communicate that permantely on his arm! Awesome!

I had the complete and total honor of meeting Stevie once. It was at the Golden Bear in Huntingon Beach. It was a hot summer day and when we got there in the evening the sun was setting over the ocean. Very California. But walking into the club, suddenly it felt like we were worlds away in a real Blues club. The room was dark, filled with smoke and the smell of beer. Stevie came out and just started playing. I don't think he took a break for hours.

Afterwards, my friend, Nuel, and I went up to meet him. I don't think he had smiled once on stage all night, and he was wearing his usual hat...but when we met he shook my hand and gave me a warm smile. I think I just said something stupid like "that was great". I remember noticing that he was totally soaked in sweat, and seemed really wiped out like he had given every ounce of his energy and passion to his performance. Yet in a way, he played like no one else was in the room...just him, his Fender and his band.

We've lost a lot of the great musicians to tragedy. For some reason this one (and Michael Hutchens) got to me the most. I have tears remembering hearing the news. Was it because I had met him? Or did I just resonate with him as a person? I know it was more than the music. He seemed kind of shy and humble to me. He had overcome a drug addiction, he had just started a new tour - this was truly tragic. He so damn good.

The tragic end came on August 26, 1990. Stevie and Double Trouble had just finished a gig that included an encore jam with Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, and Robert Cray. After the concert they boarded a helicopter bound for Chicago. Minutes after it took off, the helicopter crashed, killing Stevie and the other four passengers. He was only 35 years old.

RIP Stevie Ray