The Greatest Stevie Ray Vaughan Guitar Moments
Stevie Ray Vaughan had been rocking with his band, Double Trouble, for a while before his big break came. But what happened next solidified his place as a blues rebel of a new generation. While most people first heard Vaughan on David Bowie’s 1983 hit “Let’s Dance,” that didn’t box him into sidekick territory. Instead, it pushed him to focus on his own career, leading to the success of his debut album Texas Flood. Here’s a look back at some of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s greatest guitar moments:
“Testify” (Texas Flood, 1983)
Inspired by his idol Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan took on the Isley Brothers’ classic “Testify,” which was originally graced by Hendrix’s signature weeping guitar. Vaughan’s rendition with his band, Double Trouble, brings a fresh, fiery energy while staying true to the original’s soulful vibe. It’s a perfect fit for Vaughan’s power trio, showing off his ability to transform a song while honoring the legends who came before him.
“Couldn’t Stand the Weather” (Capitol Theatre Performance, 1985)
Vaughan’s 1984 single “Couldn’t Stand the Weather” set his reputation as a guitar master. His live performance from the Capitol Theatre shows off his raw skill and improvisation, proving that he wasn’t just riding the coattails of his band. The track captures the stormy, powerful energy that became a hallmark of Vaughan’s signature sound.
“Riviera Paradise” (In Step, 1989)
One of Vaughan’s few ventures into jazz territory, “Riviera Paradise” is a smooth, Wes Montgomery-inspired tune from In Step. With his Fender Strat’s “King Tone,” Vaughan brings an unparalleled crispness to the track, showcasing his versatility. It’s a rare gem that demonstrates his mastery not only of blues but also of jazz influences, creating a hauntingly beautiful instrumental.
“Rude Mood” (Texas Flood, 1983)
“Rude Mood” is a high-octane instrumental that stands alongside classics like “Testify” and “Lenny” on Vaughan’s debut album. With its quick, fiery guitar work and rapid alternate picking, this track serves as a showcase of Vaughan’s technical prowess. It’s a whirlwind of sound, displaying his ability to blend intricate finger techniques with his signature drive and energy.
“Lenny” (Live at the El Mocambo, 1991)
The emotional instrumental “Lenny” honors Stevie Ray Vaughan’s cherished wife, Lenora. The song, which has a gentle, soulful feel and is reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix’s “Angel,” is a stunning demonstration of Vaughan’s emotional depth, demonstrating that even in a sea of fast blues licks, he could create something delicate and profoundly personal. Vaughan decided to play the guitar she gave him, also called “Lenny,” for this performance at the El Mocambo.
“Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” (Couldn’t Stand the Weather, 1984)
It’s no easy task to cover a Jimi Hendrix classic, but Vaughan did a fantastic job with his rendition of “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return).” He adds his own fiery touch, making it distinctively his own while maintaining the original’s raw force. With his sultry and soulful performance, Vaughan demonstrated his ability to honor Hendrix while incorporating his own blues-inspired magic.
“Pride and Joy” (Texas Flood, 1983)
You can tell you’re in for a treat as soon as “Pride and Joy” begins with its steady riff. Vaughan adds his own dramatic twists and great solos to this traditional Texas shuffle. Written initially for his fiancée, this song turned into an anthem that only Vaughan could do, fusing heart with hard-hitting blues. It’s the ideal illustration of his ability to breathe new life into old blues.
“Texas Flood” (From Texas Flood, 1983)
Long before Vaughan recorded the slow-blues masterpiece “Texas Flood,” it was a mainstay of his live performances. Larry Davis wrote and recorded the original version, but Vaughan’s rendition builds upon that base and elevates it to new levels. Recorded in a single take, his version honors Davis’ original framework while adding layers of intensity, demonstrating Vaughan’s ability to elevate and reinvent the blues with his own approach.
