Remembering Guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan

by Rick Landers.

In tribute to one of the greatest electric guitarists of all time, Stevie Ray Vaughan (October 3, 1954 – August 27, 1990), Modern Guitars magazine is honored to present a group of previously unpublished photos of Stevie at the Beacon Theater, New York City on December 28, 1983.

On stage at the Beacon SRV and Double Trouble members Chris Layton (drums) and Tommy Shannon (bass) played some thunderous blues that included such memorable songs as “Testify,” “Mack Shuffle,” “Voodoo Chile,” “Boot Hill,” “Texas Flood,” “Little Wing,” “Rude Mood,” “Third Stone from the Sun” and Lonnie Mack’s “Wham.”

In the summer of that year, the group released their hard driving debut album Texas Flood with Stevie on the cover holding a Tokai Springy Sound guitar, a Japanese replica of a Fender Stratocaster. The album sold 500,000 copies earning it a Gold Record and placing it in the Top 20 in the charts. Texas Flood was a huge awakening for guitarists during an era of glitter and glam rock. SRV paved the way for a re-ignition of the blues by young guitarists who began to imitate his monster sound and soulful blues vocals.

Stevie launched an impressive career that continued to soar until his untimely death in a helicopter crash after a two-day concert (August 25-26, 1990) at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin, that included Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan and Stevie. The show ended with Clapton calling them on stage for a rendition of “Sweet Home Chicago. Shortly after midnight, on August 27, 1990 the helicopter Stevie rode toward Chicago crashed into a mountainside.

Later, Buddy Guy would say about their last gig, "It was one of the most incredible sets I ever heard Stevie play. I had goose bumps."

Photo Gallery

Stevie Ray Vaughan performing at the Beacon Theater, New York City, on December 28, 1983. Photo courtesy of Rick Landers.

Stevie Ray Vaughan performing at the Beacon Theater, New York City, on December 28, 1983. Photo courtesy of Rick Landers.

Stevie Ray Vaughan playing his Stratocaster known as #1 behind his head at the Beacon Theater, New York City, on December 28, 1983. Photo courtesy of Rick Landers.

Stevie Ray Vaughan playing his Stratocaster known as #1 behind his back at the Beacon Theater, New York City, on December 28, 1983. Photo courtesy of Rick Landers.

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble performing at the Beacon Theater, New York City, on December 28, 1983. Photo courtesy of Rick Landers.

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble performing at the Beacon Theater, New York City, on December 28, 1983. Photo courtesy of Rick Landers.

Stevie Ray Vaughan plays his Stratocaster named Lenny at the Beacon Theater, New York City, on December 28, 1983. Photo courtesy of Rick Landers.

Related Link
Stevie Ray Vaughan Interview (1985)