Stevie Ray Vaughan’s influence on music is undeniable. His mastery of the guitar and ability to blend grit, soul, and technique made him a standout figure in the 1980s electric blues revival. While his sound was uniquely his own, it was deeply rooted in the legacy of those who came before him.
Drawing inspiration from the blues legends of the past and the groundbreaking style of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie created a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation. His love for music extended beyond the blues, exploring genres like rock and jazz, and crafting fusion styles that pushed boundaries.
What shaped such a remarkable artist? A key factor was the musicians he admired. Stevie’s list of favorite guitarists provides insight into the influences that helped him shape his legendary sound.
Jimmie Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan was known for his powerful guitar playing, but he was also shaped by those who came before him. One of his most significant influences was his brother, Jimmie Vaughan. Jimmie’s impact on Stevie was profound, especially during his early years.
In a 1988 interview, Stevie spoke highly of Jimmie’s influence on his musical journey. “With that kind of an influence as your big brother, it’s real easy to get into playing,” Stevie said. He admired the fun and dedication his brother brought to his music.
Although Jimmie told Stevie not to touch his guitar, that didn’t stop him. Stevie’s curiosity and admiration for his brother led him to sneak in and play, starting his own path toward musical greatness.
B.B. King
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s admiration for B.B. King went beyond just respect—it was mutual. King recognized Stevie’s talent and saw something special in the young guitarist. Their collaboration cemented the bond they shared over their love for the blues.
King praised Stevie’s ability to convey emotion through his playing. “Stevie had many ways of showing you that he had not only talent but he had the feel for playing Blues,” King remarked.
What stood out to King was Stevie’s flawless technique. “His hands seemed to be flawless the way he moved with it,” King added, acknowledging the ease with which Stevie captured the soul of the blues.
Albert King
Stevie Ray had the chance to jam with the legendary Albert King, and the result was nothing short of fiery perfection. The session was filled with intensity, capturing a blend of growl and fury that defined their powerful sound.
Vaughan deeply admired King’s guitar prowess. Reflecting on King’s influence, Stevie said, “They’re the pioneers and the innovators, and they deserve respect for that.”
For Stevie, King and other blues legends like Albert Collins, Otis Rush, and B.B. King were essential to his musical foundation. “Each one of them is unbelievable in its own right,” Vaughan acknowledged, highlighting the lasting impact these artists had on him.
Lonnie Mack
Lonnie Mack’s unique style of guitar playing had a profound impact on Stevie Ray Vaughan. Mack brought a blend of excitement and polish to his tunes, which ignited a sense of creativity in the young guitarist.
Stevie Ray recalled how Mack’s music introduced him to a new world of guitar playing. “It was the first album that I ever bought,” he said, describing how Mack’s influence opened his eyes to a new level of musicianship.
Mack’s guitar techniques were challenging, but Stevie was determined to learn. “It was one of the first things that I ever really tried to learn,” Vaughan admitted, recognizing the difficulty but also the reward of mastering Mack’s style.
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters was one of the key figures who influenced Stevie Ray Vaughan’s blues-heavy sound. Waters’ raw, soulful music left a lasting impression, shaping Vaughan’s approach to guitar and performance.
Despite this influence, Vaughan was careful not to compare himself to his idols. “There is only one Muddy Waters,” he said, acknowledging the unique impact each of these legends had on the music world.
Vaughan admired Waters’ music but always emphasized his own path. He stated, “I’m very, very glad to be able to hear him and be influenced by his life and his music,” showing both respect and humility toward the blues icons.
Howlin’ Wolf
Howlin’ Wolf’s influence extended beyond Stevie Ray Vaughan to his brother, Jimmie Vaughan. His music made a significant impact on the Vaughan household, sparking Jimmie’s desire to teach his younger brother the ropes of guitar playing.
In 1989, Stevie reflected on the early days of their musical journey. “When we were first startin’ off we had some friends of the family show us stuff,” he recalled. Their exposure to artists like Ray Sharpe and Jimmy Reed exposed them to “hip stuff for little kids,” setting the stage for Stevie’s future career.
The powerful, gritty riffs of Howlin’ Wolf created a unique sound that stayed with Stevie. The thumping, strident tones were likened to the solid, foundational work of a mason laying down concrete, marking the impact of Wolf’s music on young Vaughan.