When Stevie Ray Vaughan First Met Albert King

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Jimmie Vaughan talked about how his brother Stevie Ray first met Albert King. "When Stevie was 19, we were at (Austin blues club) Antone’s and Albert King was playing. (Club owner Clifford Antone) says to Albert you’ve got to let this kid play, because he’s (amazing)."

"Now Albert had heard it all, but he got Stevie up there, and Stevie commenced doing Albert King licks. There was silence at first. Everyone stood there with their mouths open. They couldn’t believe it. But Albert loved it. He put his arm around him, and from then on it was Albert and Stevie. Everybody went, ‘Whew, that was scary.’ I would never have tried that, but you’ve got to admire the audacity."

Read more at the Chicago Tribune website.

Comments for this News article

Re: When Stevie Ray Vaughan First Met Albert King

Wed, 08/17/2011 - 20:35 — tommy joe

Ive seen S.R.V. 5 times, last time with Jeff Beck, amazing, I saw him in 84 at Lupos in Providence and he signed a guitar for me after a lot of chasing the limo, Lenny was there, she said" dont get too comfortable"in the limo!the guitar is not for sale. I was offered 6 grand from Guitar Ctr. which was very amusing to me. I would just like io have this authenticated for my kids. can anyone help me out?

Re: When Stevie Ray Vaughan First Met Albert King

Wed, 08/17/2011 - 19:37 — austincarnut

I was relatively new to Austin in the late 70's.

Cruising 6th street one night we heard loud/powerful blues/rock music coming from down the
street. It was Stevie, and the line was out the door, the rest of us had to listen from the street
that night. From then on I was hooked, Austin/Stevie/6th, how much better could it get!!!

I briefly met Stevie in 1984, it was at the Fish Market on 6th(long gone), we were celebrating
my 30th birthday with a big party there, Stevie and the band were sitting nearby.
He came over and congratulated me, I was stunned! I never knew him, but his humanity
came through his music and came through him, in every way.

I am still as sad today as I was 21 years ago, we miss his music, and we will always be proud
of what he means to us personally, and what he means to Austin. God bless you Stevie.

Re: When Stevie Ray Vaughan First Met Albert King

Wed, 08/17/2011 - 01:19 — detroit darkstar

I sure did! Austin '81-'85* Concerts on the Hill, Riverside and Congress~Jimmy n Double Trouble playing with- *6th Street,* Barton Springs* bartending at the Back Door Bar. Stevies comin in on a whim and takin the stage with the usual Sunday night blues band W.C. Clark* Met Stevie at that time. Town Lake right across from my work and my crib. You're right!!! on. It just did'nt get any better than this- accompanied by Willie in town? If I could freeze that time period...

Re: When Stevie Ray Vaughan First Met Albert King

Tue, 08/16/2011 - 19:20 — namedmydogvaughan

I wasn't fortunate enought to meet Stevie in person. Once I saw him at Auditorium Shores on Town Lake I felt I had finally seen a true musician at one with the music. Watching Stevie on the stage with Town Lake and the Austin skyline behind him surrounded by fellow devotees, pretty girls, and cold Shiner Boch it just couldn't get any better for me and it didn't. Anybody else enjoy those outdoor concerts?