Doyle Bramhall, a Stevie Ray Vaughan collaborator who helped write some of the most recognizable blues songs of the '80s including The House is Rockin', died this weekend at his home in Alpine. He was 62.

Bramhall's career spanned more than 40 years, during which he provided the beat and the lyrics for a modern sort of rocking blues. Outside of Texas he was probably best known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan, who recorded numerous songs written and co-written by Bramhall. In Texas he was a draw on his own, a band leader with a gritty and soulful blues voice that greatly influenced the way Vaughan sang.

In high school Bramhall started a band, the Chessmen, with Jimmie Vaughan on guitar; they once opened for Jimi Hendrix when he played Dallas.

By the '70s Bramhall was keeping the beat in Texas Storm, which featured both Vaughan brothers. The period was one of great creative growth for all three players, as they found eager audiences in Austin for their fiery update of the blues. The sound they created would end up making Stevie Ray a star in the '80s.

Read more at the Houston Chronicle.