Was Stevie Ray Vaughan as good as they say he is? Is he _BETTER_ than Steve Vai?

At 1:36:43, You see Jimmy behind Stevie Ray both playing on the same Double Neck guitar. I saw Stevie Ray every time he played in NY. One show I'll never forget was at The Pier in NY City, right next to The Intrepid WW2 Ship. Jimmy's band opened the Show, and then Stevie Ray came out with Double Trouble. About halfway into the Show, Stevie says "We're just gonna take a break for a quick minute", and as they walked off, a Roadie walked in with a folding chair that he set up center stage. Stevie Ray comes walking out with a Double Neck guitar, sits down, and just starts tearing it up. About 5 minutes into this amazing jam, Jimmy walks out in stage, steps up lookin at Stevie from his left, the looks at the Audience, walks to the other side, looks at the Audience again and points at Stevie, kinda like saying "Do you see how good my brother is ???"... Then he walks behind Stevie, leans over him, and starts jamming on the other neck of the guitar. It was just one of those epic moments in an already incredible Show that you never forget. The roar from the crowd could be heard across the water in New Jersey. I just can't believe it's been almost 40 years since I saw that Show. I'm a huge Clapton fan, seen him every time he's been near NY City since the late 70s. There were only TWO guitarists that Clapton admitted being "intimidated" by. One was Jimmy Hendrix, the other was Stevie Ray. Clapton used to say about Stevie, that it was like he was a Pure Conduit, like the guitar was plugged into his Soul. To get that kind of compliment from "God", Eric Clapton, man you just had to see Stevie Ray play. He really was absolutely UNREAL. Imagine if Hendrix never passed away so young, and they both hit the Stage together, which happens so much at Clapton's Crossroads Tours. That would be a sight to see. We lost Stevie Ray WAY too soon. There was SO much more he had to do I just feel incredibly privileged to have seen him all those times. ✌️

I cried the day I heard about crash. I love that guy like he was my own brother. Rip Stevie.

One of the few to ever go into rehab, emerge sober and STAY sober. Chris Cornell said, " Actually, I can't think of anyone else but Stevie that was able to do that." Stevie the guitarist, the world knows, Stevie the man, his true fans know! Strong, talented, kind, empathetic, a great humanitarian and more was Stevie. RIP. Thanks for all the Love you passed our way. ❤️

With Stevie there is never, ever the sense that his playing is for himself or to show off - for self adulation in any way whatsoever. Rather it was always a way to show and give his love to us, even during those lowest points when he struggled with his addiction demons. He had a big heart and it always came through. That's the feeling I get. always.

SRV was one of a kind. I don't know of anyone that could make you feel what he was playing the way he did.

It’s almost impossible to watch this without tears flooding my eyes and heart.

That night, I went home, plugged in my guitar and played the best and longest I could in his honor. The tears were flowing. My wife had stopped what she was doing and sat and listened. It was a solemn sobering evening. (Through the years, new players ask what guitar, what gear do I need to get SRV's sound? I always reply, "First, you need to be SRV. Strats, strings, amps and speakers barely scratch the surface. Secondly, you have to realize you are not worthy to wipe his sweat from the stage floor.)

🙏GONE TOO SOON - GONE TOO LONG😭 THIRTY-TWO YEARS THIS DAY - AUGUST 27, 2022...To Say You Are MISSED, Stevie, Does Not Express The DEEP Loss Of Your Gifts, Your Presence, Your Special Spirit & Your Soul In This World! The Impact You Had On Countless Lives All Over The World, Including This One, With Your Unique Musical Talents, Your Generous Loving Nature, Your Endless Smile, Your Bottomless Compassion For Your Fellow Human Beings - Especially For Your Fellow Addicts Who Still Struggle & Suffer With Drug & Alcohol Addiction - Changed This World In A Meaningful Way That HAS Not Been & WILL Not Be Forgotten! I Thank You For How You Impacted MY Life & Pray That God Bless You As You Served Him So Well🙏 SOUL💞SOUL💗😘 My Brother In Recovery✝️

I can't imagine what great music could have been. One of the saddest days of my life, I loved him so much, he was my absolute favorite. I'm an artist & sketched him that night. Saw him in concert many times. Rip Stevie

It was really nice too see Janna doing an interview in this Documentary, never seen her do an interview, nice to hear her side of the story, still really beautiful, bet she still misses Stevie, what could've been 😢

Got to see him on 7/3/90 at a small fairgrounds in Vermont. Stood in front of the speaker stack until Voodoo Chile when I just walked over right in front of him and just took it in. The man was Greatness

Gone too soon is an understatement here. SRV took the blues, soul, and rock music of the past and made something new. Few people have done that in the history of music. When you hear people talk about the “SRV sound” they are describing a style of music. To say he was a blues artist or a rock artist is too confining. I never got to see him live although I followed his career closely and have listened to his music for hours upon hours. I cried the day he died and was so moved by it……someone I didn’t even know. His first three albums were great but In Step was a revelation. He was clean and sober and just a musical juggernaut. In this mode no one could touch him, he was so good. His loss is still felt but the music is a gift to us that lives forever. Fly on SRV……we will see you again someday. Gone but never forgotten!

Stevie was in a class of his own... there is no comparison!

The best thang that ever came out of TX is SRV. Rip Stevie, the guitarist ever!

RIP...stevie...Genius...forever love.

I had the greatest thrill of seeing him play at Red Rocks, Denver,CO. Behind the red rock backdrop to stage, were Denver lights & a long low row of storm clouds, spider lightning flashes and a full moon rising above the clouds!!! And Stevie was playing "Lennie" ....I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!!! So magical!!! He died not long after that show. So miss him 💖💖💖

I doubt he had any idea how much he'd be missed.

One of the best singers I have ever heard.

I Remember Watching Stevie Ray Vaughn in Austin Texas. A five dollar cover charge to get in. He was a great musician, way before he made it Big, RIP!

Wow another great musician gone but not forgotten

Wow, such a great documentary on Stevie Ray Vaughan!! Y’all even have Janna on here talking about their relationship!! First for me to hear her speak! Bravo!! I named two of my sons after the man STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN!! Rip SRV🙏🏼

R.I.P. Stevie. We miss you and your music.

Stevie Ray, we miss you on this almost, the 32nd anniversary of your passing.

FANTASTIC AND AMAZING!! "AMPLIFIED" WORKS REALLY BRIGHT IN THE SHADOWS!

Janna acknowledged Stevie asked her many times to marry him, but she kept stalling. When she finally agreed, she hurt him by refusing to set a date. Janna blamed it on busy schedules, but Stevie would have eagerly accommodated her. She shifted her focus off of him and onto her modeling career by leaving their home to move into the apartment he leased for her in NY. He remained in Dallas to attend daily meetings at the Aquarius Chapter of AA. This allowed him to be close to his mother, as well as conveniently located near Dallas Sound Lab studios. She claimed the apartment was leased to benefit both of them, but considering his disdain for being alone, it was undoubtedly a source of friction and she acknowledged they had fights. In an interview Stevie stated he was “not well” and admitted it was a daily challenge to remain sober. He carried a high risk for relapse, but Janna was comfortable leaving him to his own devices. After his death, Martha and Jimmie extended the lease on the apartment for another year, but she filed an unsuccessful lawsuit to collect more from his estate. Bottom line: he was far more devoted to her, than she was to him.

Miss him so much.

I really like the album Soul to Soul I thinks its under-rated

So true, I was 14, into early 80s heavy metal etc, I saw him on TV, Austin City Limits show for the first time and was blown away. Been a fan since. Long live SRV

My younger brother and I were there that fateful night, and SRV played his a$$ off! He outperformed everyone, including Clapton. It was a great concert for blues aficionados! The beauty of his transition is that he got his house in order and he went out on top!

Always loved his music. Long time ago I got a tattoo of his guitar on my back with a banner that says the road goes on forever, as I was a traveler for work all my life, and a nomad in general. Thanks for the great documentary.

Also remembering those we did not know. about the lives of those who tragically. died with him. Thank you.

Thank you for the upload😃

I hate to say this, when I heard of his death on the radio that morning on my way 2 work & they said they weren't sure if it was SRV or Clapton, I was really hoping it was Clapton & not SRV bcuz he was so young & just got his life together & was doing so well & and so much more to give. Love you SRV

Greatest blues guitarist ever RIP STEVIE RAY. !!❤❤

Rhythmic smooth funky soulful percussive and what ever else I forget to mention. Rare Talent missed so much

At the time, I was such a guitarhead, that I hated it when SRV added keyboard. Now I like it. 🙂

I've listened to metal my whole life, introduced to SRV in mid 80's and said hands down the greatest guitar player in history.

If only he was still alive, he would be the best. So sad for this tragedy of a legend. I will always remember SRV and forever play his music.

Not enough can be said about the brilliance and ability of SRV, The Greatest Ever!!... SRV and Randy Rhoads are the two Zenith guitar legends. Gone too soon for sure but their marks remain immortal. The spirit of music chose them and spoke through them as a vessel for the music spirit. For me, nobody makes me want to pick up my guitar more than SRV. Unrivaled passion and technique, sound and tone coming from his hands. All the while, this is the era of shred. The Rhoads, Van Halen, Lynch, Jake Lee, Malmsteen and the list goes on. Even Satriani was on the unplugged set but nobody was as massive and passionate as Stevie. With all those shredders burning up the scene, Stevie came along with something that was considered dead. But he resituated it and breathed the life and spirit of that music back into it because he was destined to do so, music chose him. If he were still around he would be able to play anything because he was that great and it would have blossomed an amazing creation of whatever he wanted to do. Randy Rhoads the same way but when it comes down to who had the most passion and how Stevie had the "touch". Thank you SRV, you inspire me to connect with my guitars and instruments and always remain in love with creating my music .....

I came late to hear and appreciate the great Stevie Ray Vaughan. Now... I believe he is definitely among the best guitarists of all time, and close to the top of the list, at that. Sad that he had gotten his life back together, only to die way too early.

Don't like people's interpretations and summarizes of other people's lives. Listen to Stevies interviews and music and you will have your own

I cannot say better than what the other comments habe said, but Stevie's power is transendent. We miss you and we all hope to see you, once we pass the veil.

🎸💙🎶‼️ I am loving April and Stevie Ray. You must watch Riveria Paradise from Austin City Limits 1989. It is a song Stevie composed after his own rehab and recovery and dedicates it to all those out that there that are still suffering in any way. It is the most gorgeous jazz infused healing music I've ever heard.

We all love stevie

He made Love his guitar!! Playing his amazing blues. Sweet voice almost a whisper, beautiful and sexy!! ❤❤❤Heart. RIP SRV. Lost life to collapsing during , I n 1989 right after getting a new man, that himself and music. He had turned around was tour Ing , clear eyed and top of his game he talked to have back!! Arsinal Hall had idea he was, Stevie was and of people and that taken her life, were to Lose one another up!! Not down, to help built up, not down!! We are to Lose one, a genuine sweetness to him . We lost much, the guys that he liked in Walter, Buddy Guy, it what he had learned from him. He was very sweet!! He was 3 million dollars at time his life. Very sad lose life at 35 years!! He had to give, And Loving , sober!!Miss forever SRV❤ 40:Love Love one another!! He was happy after treatment, and was Loving life Sober!! On late tv. 43:39

The greatest guitarist ever

Good God, I would ABSOLUTELY clean up for her!! Bless his amazing heart

RIP SRV, we love ya!

Another casualty of the 1980s music business. Rip SRV

17:46-"I don't see the point..." I'm sorry but that is a truly ignorant, blasphemous, and unbelievably shallow thing to say. He essentially fixed that tune much in the same way Hendrix himself fixed Bob Dylan's "watchtower." That tune rocks hard. Every single show he played that got him rousing applause. Covering a tune that "signature" takes balls as well as talent. He had both. The point, bud, was he had something to bring to that tune and he KNEW that.

Touring with the Moody Blues!! Can you imagine having to sit through the Moody Blues Lunesta song set after SRV played like he was breaking out of jail?? I don't think I could do it.

Yea that remains one of the saddest day's...I remember trying to make everyone understand how special this dude was....I so blessed I knew about him....rest in peace Stevie, you made my life better

Blatantly underrated as "one of the best" in my opinion. I'm not a musician but a normal Blues, Rock lover and personally I think SRV was The Best or as used in mma today, The GOAT! And although may be considered as blasphemy (even by myself), I like more the Voodoo Child of SRV then of Jimmi. For me just sounds much better I don't know why. And I'm sure that was not any "competition made" stuff, but respectfully honoring the Monster before him, for that I love this guy so much, he was so humble in front of his Masters. Greetings from Spain!

Still miss him left a hole in his craft, dynamite blueman gifted always had more than since he was. young. Innovative. Another gone too soon..

Great video.

Thanks for this. Top knotch

Stevie Ray Vaughan and my most favorite song: Tin Pan Alley however, it ties with Couldn't Stand the Weather . This question should be our favorites of his music. There's so many.

Riveria Paradise mannnnnn

Love SRV🎸 one day at a time.

Love and miss you forever. SRV 💙

I was kinda disagreeing with the english dude a bit, but at the very end he cane and completely redeemed himself with that life by the drop shout out!! Then comparing it to redemption song made me even happier!!😁😁 Life by the drop was always one of my very favorite songs!! Love you stevie!!🤟🤟

I had seen the Austen City Limits show on tv. That was my first introduction to this great artist. What a gift he gave to the world at the expense of his own humanity and yet, he shared his story in the hope of helping others to get sober and enjoy life.

descent documentary. Would appreciate it if y'all could get the title and description correct, "helicopter crash in 1989" ?? Second, would have liked to hear more from his fiancé, someone who knew the intimate side of Stevie. But thank you for posting this vid, much appreciated.

I still admire Stevie Ray Vaughan Music and he and Jimmie Vaughan are the BLUES BROTHERS to me !!! ......... Willie G. 😎

Don't mess with Texas, Stevie is the greatest that's ever been :p

Blues never lost respect. I hear that shit all the time. It just needed to be pushed to the hilt with a loud guitar and a newer sound. Some of the old blues is truly wonderful with open tunings, old time radio sounds and lyrics mumbled into a poor microphone. Zeppelin did the same thing, took old blues tunes and cranked them up with some other modifications. The early death of Stevie Ray Vaughan pisses me off to no end. Helicopter in some fog. I know hindsight is always 20/20 but damn...

did I miss the mention that he won a Grammy w/ 'Little Wing' an instrumental, which correct me if I'm wrong, nobody else, even Jimi tried?

This is an effin' great doc - but every time we cut to that Nigel Williamson guy, it's like being back in school - now we all have to analyse what Stevie does. UGH!!!

Very good doc!

I can totally relate with the substance abuse I've had bouts with those demons Getting high off hard-core drugs.The whole pressure metaphor spoke volumes

I'm proud enough to have seen him Otis Rush opened. For him and what a night it was . Another year he died

He had a great sound and preserver’s when others wouldn’t ❤❤❤❤too soon gone ❤

Soul to Soul was great, nuts...

I saw him in denmark in 88. Great show!!

SRV's fashion sensibilities were shaped by his bandmate in several bands - bassist Keith Ferguson. Ferguson played in several bands with Stevie before he became famous with the rhythm section "Double Trouble" (a nick name originally for the female vocalist - if I remember correctly, kept for the rhythm section), and gradually Stevie adopted his unique fashion sensibilities. Keith also played in bands with Jimmy Vaughan, and was first choice of Billy Gibbons for ZZ Top, but he recommended Dusty Hill since he was stuck in California with his new love interest. Not taking that gig was the worst mistake he ever made, because it would have solved his money problems - Dusty Hill sent him a picture of himself covered in money saying "thank you" for getting him the gig! I read that in the excellent book: "Keith Ferguson, Texas Blues Bass". Everybody loved Keith Ferguson, women and men, and when he died in the hospital from liver failure after a life of addiction, he was surrounded by friends - mostly musicians. Unlike SRV, Keith never could get clean, and his disease of addiction eventually killed him. SRV almost died from his addiction, but thank God he survived, and went on to make some of the best music ever after getting clean: "In Step" was released while I was going through rehab myself, and I still love songs on that recording about recovery. I was fortunate to see Stevie Ray Vaughan twice in Orange County, at the Golden Bear in the early 1980's, and Costa Mesa "Pacific" Ampitheater for the "Benson and Hedges Blues Festival", with BB King, and several other excellent acts. I'll never forget his encore, just after sunset when the lights had been turned on, sitting on a stool on stage with a spotlight on him playing Riviera Paradise. He was dead a few months later, RIP SRV - you will never be forgotten, and will live-on through your music.

The criticism of the Soul to Soul and Live Alive albums on this documentary is too much … at his worst Stevie was still an unparalleled virtuoso. “An embarrassment,” really ? Come on, these were fantastic albums - particularly Soul to Soul. Say What, Change It, and Come On, Pt. III were some of the band’s best work IMO.

He died in 1990 not 1989.......I can't believe you guys screwed up a date like that!

Rip.

Seen him twice life. In The Netherlands and in Belgium, front row. Was a shock when we heard he was killed.

That's the Music Man amp he played at Spring Break in Buffalo in the early '80's. Those things are nice amps, ballsy and durable.

🎸 HEAR STEVIES' ENTIRE STORY OF ADDICTION & ROAD TO RECOVERY - SPOKEN BY STEVIE HIMSELF & RECORD TO BE SHARED, FROM HIS AA MEETING - JANUARY 1, 1990 - JUST MONTHS BEFORE HIS TRAGIC DEATH....IT IS WORTH HEARING & IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO FIND ON YOU TUBE

To get recovery and die in a helicopter so sad, rory Gallagher too both amazing blues guitarists im in recovery play blues im a unknown for now

Heli crashed where we used to ski... Love that texas longhorn.

Reese aged well

Only God has the reason for this…

❤❤❤

Time is showing SRV is the biggest influence between young guitarrists who want to play blues/rock. More influential than BB King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy or even Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. You realize that when you see unknown guitarrists all over the world doing covers of "Pride and joy", "Scuttle buttin'", "Texas flood", etc, etc, etc. Stevie became the biggest icon of the genre and he is now the new god of blues.

You have the date wrong of his death it wasn't 89 it was 1990.

The "pilot error" was the most bone headed kind. "CFIT" Controled flight into terrain, at less than a thousand feet! All the "pilot" had to do was get some altitude, before flying into a fog bank, and the bunny slope behind it! Breaks my heart every time I think of it!

-x(5/7/24)…done thank you excellent

Bowie helped put him on the map. Shame he never did that tour in 1983 with him.

Oh hello 👋

Rip SRV

@16:40 Why did the band chose to record Testify? Umm..Maybe they needed a song, maybe they liked the song so maybe they decided to recorded their own version of the song, why would anyone outside of the bands management care. I can assure you that the Isley bros estate was very happy to see the song writing royalty checks from the re-recording of this song.

🤘🏻

Roy Buchanan is another amazing guitarist like Stevie but sadly he never had the exposure he so richly deserved whilst he was alive. John Lennon was impressed enough in the studio to wait hours to jam with him but Roy was so into his playing that it had obviously gone to the back of his mind.

Peter Green all day long the best

Think Albert King..... Plus

Dont get me wrong I like some blues music but i feel like its so 1 dimensional with the same beat on everything similar to old country songs and how they all used those similar basslines, guitar fills. Just different words, im much more into rock n roll, metal with different types of guitar solos and different sounding riffs...but admittedly this is someone from the outside looking in because that's not my go to genre...just like i have respect for the older rock bands from the 60s and early 70s where it had alot more to do with guitar chords instead of single string riffs but i can definitely appreciate the progression of guitar styles from the 60s and onward. And the stories about SRV fingers being soo busted up from playing so much with thick gauge strings I can respect that! And growing up I would hear his name being brought up when talking about "greatest guitar players" but not really my style is all.