Stephen Ray Vaughan (Stevie) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He performed as the guitarist for the blues band Double Trouble. His official career was not very long yet it made a lasting impact on the blues music genre. He is said to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time as well as an influential musician.
He was born on October 3rd, 1954 in Dallas, Texas. His appreciation and awe of his elder brother led to him learning to play the guitar at a young age. In 1972 he dropped out of high school to pursue music. He moved to Austin, where he played gigs at the local clubs. After gaining a following, Vaughan formed the band Double Trouble in 1978. Slowly, the band gained recognition and became the most popular act in Texas. His performance at a Jazz festival acted as a breakthrough for him. He was noticed by David Bowie while performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival. From there he first earned a part in the album Let’s Dance and then managed to strike a record deal with Epic Records. His debut album Texas Flood achieved great success and Double Trouble became well known to a wider audience. He gained such recognition that he became a leading personality of the blues revival of the 1980s. He was not only a great influential figure for the blues genre but guitar players around the world. He began touring as the popularity of his band spread to Europe. His skillful guitar playing gave way to other talented players such as Robert Cray, Walter Trout, and many more.
Stevie died in a helicopter crash while returning from a performance at Alpine Valley Music Theatre with Double Trouble. An investigation into the incident deemed it the pilot’s fault. Vaughan died at the age of 35 on August 27, 1990.
Stephen Ray Vaughan (Stevie) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He performed as the guitarist for the blues band Double Trouble. His official career was not very long yet it made a lasting impact on the blues music genre. He is said to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time as well as an influential musician.
He was born on October 3rd, 1954 in Dallas, Texas. His appreciation and awe of his elder brother led to him learning to play the guitar at a young age. In 1972 he dropped out of high school to pursue music. He moved to Austin, where he played gigs at the local clubs. After gaining a following, Vaughan formed the band Double Trouble in 1978. Slowly, the band gained recognition and became the most popular act in Texas. His performance at a Jazz festival acted as a breakthrough for him. He was noticed by David Bowie while performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival. From there he first earned a part in the album Let’s Dance and then managed to strike a record deal with Epic Records. His debut album Texas Flood achieved great success and Double Trouble became well known to a wider audience. He gained such recognition that he became a leading personality of the blues revival of the 1980s. He was not only a great influential figure for the blues genre but guitar players around the world. He began touring as the popularity of his band spread to Europe. His skillful guitar playing gave way to other talented players such as Robert Cray, Walter Trout, and many more.
Stevie died in a helicopter crash while returning from a performance at Alpine Valley Music Theatre with Double Trouble. An investigation into the incident deemed it the pilot’s fault. Vaughan died at the age of 35 on August 27, 1990.