According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, "Stephen ("Stevie") Ray Vaughan was born in Dallas, Texas October 3, 1954. (He) was an American blues guitar legend, known as one of the most influential electric blues musicians in history." His two biggest influences were the legendary blues guitarist Albert King, and Jimi Hendrix, where he covered some of Jimi's tunes on his studio albums and in performance.

Stevie dropped out of high school at age 17 to concentrate on playing music. His first well known band was Double Trouble, with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Jackie Newhouse, who got together in the 1970's. Tommy Shannon replaced Newhouse in 1981. He was noticed by David Bowie at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival, and went on to play on Bowie's Let's Dance album in the songs, "Let's Dance" and "China Girl".

Texas Flood was Double Trouble's debut album, produced by John Hammond, and released in 1983. Texas Flood was a blockbuster blues success; receiving positive reviews in both blues and rock publications. It was critically acclaimed and produced a top 20 single, "Pride and Joy". The Texas Flood

guitar solo

is just one example of Stevie's mastery of his instrument. Couldn't Stand the Weather (1984), and Soul to Soul (1985) followed the debut album. The Stevie Ray Vaughn Guitar tabs that come from these three albums comprise some of the finest work in the Blues/Rock idiom. Unfortunetly, Vaughan was plagued by drug addiction and alcoholism, and they took their toll on the guitarist in 1986, where he collapsed while on tour. In 1987, he quietly entered rehab, and he and Double Trouble were inactive.

Stevie recovered from his addictions and became a teetotaler, and in 1989 Vaughan recorded In Step. This album was another critical success, and it won a Grammy award for Best Contempoary Blues Record. It was his most successful album.

Citing Wikipedia again, "Vaughan's comeback was cut short when, in the early morning of August 27, 1990, he died in a helicopter crash near East Troy, Wisconsin following a concert at the Alpine Valley Music Theater where earlier in the evening he appeared with Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton and his older brother Jimmie Vaughan. It was Eric Clapton who gave his seat on the helicopter to Stevie.

Stevie Ray Vaughan is interred in the Laurel Land Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.