Guide Note

Stevie Ray Vaughan was a Grammy Award-winning blues musician. As one of few blues artists to break into the mainstream in the '80s, he became an influential guitarist throughout the world. Vaughan has become a regular in "Best Guitarists Ever" polls, including being named the seventh greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2003.

Vaughan grew up playing blues guitar, and in the late '70s formed Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble with Chris Layton (drums) and Tommy Shannon (who replaced Jackie Newhouse on bass in 1981). Vaughan turned down an offer to tour with David Bowie to focus on his own band, and his debut release Texas Flood became a hit record behind the single "Pride and Joy." As the band continued to release albums and tour, Vaughan fell into a downward spiral of cocaine addiction and alcoholism until he was near death.

Although he made a full recovery from his addictions and became an advocate for sobriety, Vaughan died accidentally when the helicopter he was riding in crashed into the side of a mountain on August 27, 1990.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 3, 1954
2. Birthplace: Dallas, Texas
3. Plays lead guitar on David Bowie's Let's Dance LP
4. Won Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Recording 1989
5. Died: August 27, 1990
6. Brother: Jimmie Vaughan (of The Fabulous Thunderbirds)