Stevie’s fans have generously reached out to share stories and special memories of how Stevie inspired them on a personal level.  Whether through his music or the way he lived his life, Stevie continues to bring people together in a way very few artists can.

What you’re about to read have usually come to me by way of the old web site Guestbook and or e-mails received. I didn’t want them to get lost in the shuffle and missed, so I created this page and added them first.

You’re sure to enjoy the heartwarming & inspirational offerings below.  I’m honored to be able to help share them with the rest of Stevie’s fans.  You may post yours directly in the comments section at the bottom.

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The image at the top – “Life By The Drop” was created by Gene Gunderson.
You can get a wallpaper sized one at his site.

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Larry Schofield – 10/31/09

I first heard of Stevie Ray Vaughn when I was a college student at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos 1982. My Chemistry Lab teacher told my roommate and I that we should go see this guitar player in Austin by the name of Stevie Ray Vaughn. To this day I am still kicking myself for not taking him up on his offer.

Fast forward to 2009. My wife and I adopted our son in 2002. Our son has Cerebral Palsy, and one day I was watching one of my SRV videos when I noticed Thomas really came alive. We found that Thomas loves to watch Rock and Blues videos. Stevie is still his favorite bar none. You can just mention his name, and Thomas starts to kicking his legs. Thomas and I were at a United Cerebral Palsy function two years ago. It was the 4th annual Classy Chassis Car show on the floor of Reliant Stadium. Thomas had his 1971 429SCJ Mach I in the show, and Jimmy Vaughn had on of his Caddys in the show. At the kickoff party my wife says to me that the guy across from us looked like Jimmy Vaughn. Sure enough it was him. Jimmy is a very generous man as was Stevie. I was able to get a picture with Thomas, Jimmy, and myself. Jimmy also donated a guitar to be auctioned off. Jimmy’s Caddy took first place, and he was slatted to return to the dinner party the next year. He was going to play this year, but could not make it because his Mother was ill. He did donate another guitar for auction along with concert tickets, and back stage passes. No offense Jimmy, but in my books Stevie Ray Vaughn is the greatest guitar player ever, and he learned it all watching big brother play.

Larry

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Rachel S. -  09/28/08

I first heard Stevie in a club in Austin around 1980. I did not get to go inside. as I had my young daughter with me. I really wanted to go see the person behind the guitar with a sound of music that I had never heard before. It took me some time to find out who the man behind the guitar was, but I did. I made so many calls to clubs on 6th street and would give them a date around the time I heard his music. I was fascinated at what I heard and I could not let go of wanting to know who this man was! I let it rest for some time and got back to my life and living. I finally found out who Stevie was thru my daughter several years later. She had heard a tape of one of her friends and knew it had to be the same singer, and It was the one and only. My daughter and I started to make planes to go see him play. That day never came, but we still listened to his music over and over. My only child was a rhythm and blues person like her Mom. We had planned to go see him in Austin in the summer of 1987. That day never happened. She was killed in a car crash in may 1987. She was only 19. I suffered severe depression for many years and could not bring myself to enjoy my life as it was before. I just stopped listening to pretty much any kind of music, thinking I did not deserve to be happy and guilt riddled over something I had no control over.

Life is so good for me now. I had the blind faith in God and he pulled me thru the hardest time of my life. I appreciate everyday, enjoy life like there is no tomorrow, and when I get down, I just say, It is, what It is, and this to shall pass. I admire Mrs. Vaughan’s letter that is posted. She understands what it’s like by giving encouragement to others and is so thankful for how her son turned his life over to God. I understand very well what that means to a parent. My daughter rededicated her life 31 days before she was killed. One of her friends was killed in a terrible accident and she came home from her friends funeral and talked to me about what her plans were going to be from that moment to the end. When she left my bedroom that night, she said, Mom, that could have been me dying and I want to know where I am going in the future. I was so proud of her and how in only 31 days she had her life so together, knew the real importance of God in her life.

I just recently found out about Stevie’s death. I was watching a PBS publication on television a few weeks ago and it was all about him. I kept hearing the word he WAS.. over and over again, and finally went to the computer and goggled his name. I was shocked to know he was killed in 1990. I just did not know. I have read his articles and his life stories that are nice to read. I love how his personal life is protected and its really no body’s business to know every detail of his life. I know where he’s at and I know My Girl has finally got to see him in spirit.

Please if you can, let Mrs. Vaughan know how much I respect her and her strength. She just tells it like it is and that is a real good think.

I also found out that there is and has been a memorial in Dallas area for years. I am trying to plan to go there this year and hopefully find it to be good thing. I have not experienced a concert by myself, but I am going to give it a try.

A good fan from Beaumont, Texas
Rachel S.

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Andy Linegar – 05/30/08

My Stevie Ray Vaughan story begins on August 25th 1989 at the Concord Pavilion in Concord California. To understand it I need to give you a brief history of my life prior to that night. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s I remember my father listening to jazz, blues and 50’s and 60’s rock music, some which I liked most I did not. I joined the military in early 1983 as I was trying to escape my father’s rules and discipline. I did not realize how cool he really was (he died in 2005). I left home and spent 1983-1988 overseas not really paying much attention to modern music trends. The time away from home and the military matured me rapidly and the relationship with my father which had been stormy all my life was now strengthening. As a teenager he and I used to argue about music amongst many other things and I would never appreciate where modern rock originated from, the blues as he would stress to me. I returned to the U.S. in late 1988 and my father purchased 3 tickets to Stevie’s concert with BB King at the Concord Pavilion. He invited my brother and I, ages 25 and 24 at the time to go with him. At this time I was familiar with Stevie’s current radio hits but not the depth of his talent, nor did I know anything about his personal life or what kind of person he really was.

Now I had been too many rock concerts in my life up to this point but never a blues show. BB King opened and was fantastic but Stevie Ray WAS ASTOUNDING! The music really seemed to flow through him and Guitar #1. He seemed on a totally different planet when he played his head down and the faces he made that coincided with the screams, cries and howls that came from that guitar. His encore was Voodoo Chile one of the songs my dad did play previously (Hendrix Version) which I liked. Stevie took this song to a new level beyond any guitar playing I had ever heard before. I remember having my eyes closed and playing air guitar as Stevie was ripping. I briefly opened my eyes and saw my 49 year old father and my brother doing the exact same thing as me. My dad was like a little kid, as I had never seen him before, he was so happy as we all were. That concert cemented a wonderful relationship my brother and I had with my father from that day forward. I recently read a book on Stevie Ray’s life and learned what a wonderful down to earth and caring person he was. His recovery from drug and alcohol addictions and his discovering spirituality amplified the joy of just playing music for people as he loved to do. His music was healing for him and for me. That concert and the way Stevie’s music brought healing to my relationship with my father is something I will never forget and is the happiest moment in my life with my Dad. I think this story would put a smile on Stevie’s face if he were alive today for me to tell him this story. I wonder if he ever really knew how powerful his music was and what joy it brought and still brings to people. Thanks so much Stevie Ray, Rest in Peace my friend.

Andy Linegar

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Ray – 03/27/08

Thank you for hosting such a wonder and awesome website.

Another side note about SRV… I now live in southern California, L.A. area, but back then I was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island just north of Seattle, on active duty with the Navy. I took time off to drive 1/2 way across the state to go see him in concert. I was my first time seeing him live.

A few weeks after the concert, I was working the night shift. I worked in a shop that helped prepare for flight, and recover returning aircraft some their training missions. I was member of the BMG music subscription by mail service, and I one I received SRV’s Soul To Soul album on cassette. I played the cassette on a player that had auto reverse, and the time side 2 was almost over, our aircraft returned early. We all rushed out into the cold western Washington night to service the aircraft; while back at the shop the cassette kept playing and playing over and over. It was about 1 in the morning when we finally returned to our shop after about 4 hours of working on the aircraft. I turned off the cassette, put it my backpack, and headed to my barracks room to sleep off the rest off the night. The following morning at about 9:30 or so, I was awaken by a loud knock on my door. It was co-worker friend of mine who knew I was a big fan of SRV. He called out loud to me to turn the the TV on, and put it on MTV channel. One of MTV’s news guys (Kurt I think was his first name), was breaking the tragic news that SRV had been lost in the horrific helicopter crash the night before… At the same time that his Soul To Soul album was playing at our shop.

This story is one that always makes me think about the amazing randomness of the universe, or proof of the Almighty at work…

True story.

Thank you, Ray

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Ray – 03/18/08

Great site dedicated to of the best (if not the best) guitar player, and amazing human being; Stevie Ray Vaughn.

I got a chance to see him, at least, once in concert, before he was taken from this world far too soon.
I saw him on his second to last stop of his “In Step” tour, in the little towns of Quincy and George, Washington. He would only publicly play to more times, once in Vancouver, Canada for the end of his In Step tour, and his final farewell a few weeks later.

If I live to be a hundred, I will never forget the image and sensation of listening to Stevie play live Rivera Paradise, with the snow peak covered Cascade Mountains and Columbia River Gorge as his backdrop. It was hypnotic. The site is an open air amphitheater that is carved into the side wall of the east bank of the river gorge. The site is known as simply “The Gorge.”

Stevie Ray will always be missed, but I am sure glad we at least got be witness to his gift of love in the form of his music to the world.

I know my life is better for it.

-Ray

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Laura Anne Mills – 02/20/08

Hi…I just discovered Stevie Ray Vaughan’s music this year and I am a 51 year old female. I was looking into something deep to listen to and enjoy…I try to get my mind off the fact that I have Multiple Sclerosis…but enough of that. I have really gotten into his music so much, that I but the books on how to play the guitar and also, yes, bought an electric guitar. If I continue to keep my mind off of other things and only on the guitar, who knows???  Probably not as good as SRV was, but when you commit yourself to learning something in lieu of the alternative…you never can tell. I will not let my “MS” rule me, I will instead rule the guitar, much like Stevie did. Thank you for you time and your website.

Truly, LA Mills

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Carole Logan – 04/11/07

Thanks for the great site about Stevie. I have long been a fan of his music and the man. Mama Vaughan’s letter is a testimony that all things work together for good. I emailed Mrs. Vaughan several years ago after I had read her letter on another site, expressing my thoughts on her letter and how the Lord was using it. I was shocked when she took the time to personally answer my email. She is a dear woman and I hold her email as a treasure. Stevie was a bright flame that burned strong and clear if only for a short time, but his light still shines in our hearts through what he left, his legacy of beautiful music and a wonderful spirit.

“Life without you….All the love you passed my way
The angels have waited for so long….Now they have their way
Take your place….…..”

Thank You
Carole

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Curt Donnell – 10/18/06

Hi there,  I just checked out your web-page for the first time …. WOW !! I was soooo freak’n moved by the letter from Martha that it brought me to tears …

I was fortunate enough to see Stevie three times the year he passed … I actually got to see him front row center when Stevie and Jeff Beck did their tour … I was in such amazement watching his fingers move so effortlessly and to hear him speak of the dangers of drugs and alcohol just like I read in Martha’s letter … WHEW ..

Stevie has meant so much to me before and after his death .. I had a truly remarkable experience that I’ve never really shared with anyone before but I’m here now and why not .. I was in a horrific motorcycle accident in March of 2002 … and after one of my 20 or so surgeries I had … this one in particular was the removal of my right leg … after the surgery I was in my recovery room and my cousin came up to check on me .. When he walked in my room, he said I was having a full blown conversation with someone in the room that he couldn’t see … Todd listened for a bit and got totally freaked out .. He came up and asked me who I was talking to and I said .. ” well dumbass ..?? Can’t you see .. I’m talking to Stevie .. Can’t ya see him ???? Todd got really freaked out because after listening to me talk, he truly believed that I was having a conversation with Stevie … I believe that Stevie was there with me that day helping me understand not to give up on life even after what I had just gone through …

Anyway, gotta stop talking about it now .,… I’m at work and I can’t thing about all this right now .. WHEW …

Keep up the great site !!
Best,
Curt Donnell

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Michael Insuaste – 04/07/06

I was fortunate to have seen Stevie Ray seven times live in concert and even more so to have met him five times in person. Stevie was always genuine, polite and truly glad to have met you. The last time I saw him live was at the 1990 Blues Festival in Dallas. As a photographer for many local Dallas music magazines, I was there to cover his performance. They allowed us to shoot the first three songs and later on the encore with BB King and Joe Cocker. I took 23 rolls of film that night which is way more than I shoot on any other artist. Turns out to be one of the most important shows I ever covered. After the show, since it was a Sunday night, late, I decided Not to stick around to meet Stevie. I said to myself “I will see him again when he comes back”. A few months later, when I heard the news of his death over the radio, I was a t work in the mix with several people and I had to excuse myself to the nearest restroom and shed a tear for Stevie and his family. I guess I always took it for granted that I would meet him again, usually after his show. The news of his tragic death left a horrible feeling inside of me and I still get choked up at times. Stevie was one of a kind. It is artist like him that makes me proud to be living in Texas and to consider myself a Texan by choice.

All The Best,
Michael

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Larry Elliott – 03/28/06

your website is the best one that i have found so far…i have been a srv fan for about 15 yrs now……found one of his cassette tapes in the seat of a company truck i was driving…had been a die hard country fan….until i plugged in that cassette tape… i was hooked instantly on the music….i think it was “texas flood”……i asked my friend who this tape was……he said you never heard of srv…..i said no not till now….but i am sure a fan……my friend said that he and his wife used to go to the small clubs in austin and dallas and see him……said sometimes there would only be 10 or 15 people there….he said he was good back then and still is even after his death…..later on i was able to see jimmie in dallas and in ft worth…….just know that they were brothers makes you feel like a part of stevie was there too….anyway thanks for putting together a nice website….i will be back to check it often……..L.E.

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Kirk b. Martin – 03/13/06

I fell in love with Stevie after hearing my buddy record “Let’s Dance” Album prior to Marine boot camp… it was a year later I heard Texas flood, and in my book…Stevie saved the 80’s musically for me. I was fortunate enough to see Stevie & DT 7 times beginning 1984, and seeing him 3 times in 1990. The first was at Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, and then, being suspicious, I purchased Easter day tickets to See Eric Clapton…and as predicted (more like hoped) halfway through the show, while I was getting a couple of beers, Clapton announces “A very special guest….” Well let’s just say I had very little beer left by the time i finished scurrying down several steps to get to my 10th row main floor seats….but following a blistering jam, what i enjoyed most was watching Clapton have a drink and a smoke, leaning against his amps just to watch Stevie perform, an encouraging Stevie to continue to play to the enthusiastic crowd. The last time I saw Stevie live was in June of ‘90, the Joe Cocker combined tour, as a father’s day gift I took my father, who is a huge Joe Cocker fan (our family Mad Dogs and Englishmen album was literally worn out) but my father and I shared a great evening and Stevie garnered yet another fan. Like so many others…when Stevie died a part of me seemed to go too, but in learning more of the man and his character following his death make me simply ache for the loss of a good human being who happened to be a musician.

Great site….please keep it up!
Kirk

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Kia – 02/28/06

This website is really tight! My name is Kia. Im 14 years old, and I love Stevie’s music. My dad ( a fellow guitar player) had me listening to Stevie’s music at a really young age ( I think around the age of six). And I liked what I heard. I recently found some of my dad’s tapes. One was a recording of a documentary about Stevie, the second was the “Pride And Joy” video which had Stevie’s videos, and another I cant remember the name, but it had a video for Stevie’s remake of “Little Wing” with various clips for the video. I haven’t hear all of Stevie’s music, but I’ll look for my daddy’s CD’s. This is a nice website, and Im sure I’ll be a frequent visitor! :)

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Tom Lane – 06/29/05

I love Stevie’s music just as much today as the first time I heard it. It still give me chills, goosebumps, and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. This guy is the reason I myself play guitar. If ever there is something weighing on me, all I have to do is pop in a SRV CD, or pick up my guitar and everything is alright. I can’t play a single note without hearing some of Stevie’s music in my head, almost telling my what note to play next. If I could play one 10th as good as Stevie I would be a musical genius. I doubt I will ever hear another guitar player who moves me as move as his work does. I thank you Stevie for all the joy your music brings me……I know heaven is a better place with you there…keep the house rockin brother.

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Susan Crawford – 04/06/05

Hello…I want to thank you so much for this GREAT tribute site to Stevie; it is overflowing with great energy! I have been a fan since October 1985; he changed my life in many many ways. I got to meet him in October ‘88, and I will never forget that wonderful experience as long as I live!
~ Susan Crawford ~

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Portia Reyna – 04/04/05

I came across your website last week. Thank you so much for posting Mrs. Vaughan’s beautiful letter! Since the last 80’s I’ve loved SRV and his music. He has touched me like no other musician has. My young sons and I listen to his music all the time. One day my five year old asked me if we could go see SRV in concert. Of course, I told him sadly that SRV died. “But,” I said, “if he asked Jesus into his heart before he died then he’s in heaven and everyone who asks Jesus into their hearts also will see him in heaven when they die.” Stevie and Mrs. Vaughan, in a very special way, are helping me tell my son about the most important thing he can ever do in his life – come to know Jesus. This conversation came about before I read the letter on your sight. When I read it last week I came to tears and I couldn’t stop crying I was so happy and relieved! To think that I will get to see him play live again! And REALLY alive this time! I can’t explain it, but it brings such joy to my heart. So, my “thank you” at the beginning of this message is deeply, deeply heart-felt. I keep thinking that Stevie Ray is actually my brother in Christ! WOW!
PLR

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Micky B.- 09/10/04

SRV has changed the way I look at music, up until a little while ago, I mostly listened to whatever the radio stations played. One day my brother took me to a blues club, I was hooked, my cd collection quickly became all blues, and well….the first Stevie Ray cd I played….I finally got what it’s all about. I have now been learning guitar for a year cos thats what srv does….he inspires you….

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Jon D. Clark – 07/22/04

Appreciate the site I’m 27 years old, play guitar and am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. Stevie has had a profound influence in my life.

Thanks again, Jon

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Michael J. Heetland – 04/22/04

I have been looking through A LOT of these tribute sites, they remind me that I’m not always alone, especially when I think that the Blues has really gotten a hold of me, ya know? It is so reassuring to find so many different folks found so much meaning in what Stevie Ray gave us & that they “feel” it too, when everything is just so & the groove is good & you become a part of it too. The way the that our emotional connections & communications are so universally shared through music…..it’s just so cool & good. No translation needed, it doesn’t have to be explained or rationalized, we just share it & enjoy it….together, even when we’re alone especially when we feel the loss…..the great loss.

Enjoy the time you share with others, & let them know they made that time better by being there, before it’s too late to tell them. It doesn’t hurt or cost a thing, & man does it feel good.  Try to leave this place better than you found it, ok?! Be Cool, Be Happy, compassion is our inner strength.
Thanx

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Tammy – 04/16/04

Hey Trish, Very catching site you’ve designed. Thank you. Sometimes it seems as tho’ I can’t read enough about Stevie Ray. I last saw him in Columbus, OH, July ‘90, my third and of course last show. I had just found out I was expecting a baby in Feb.’91. After learning a few weeks later about the loss of this incredible man, I decided that no matter if I had a son or daughter, that baby’s name was to be Stevieray. So that’s my son’s name, he just turned 13 and he too loves Stevie Ray’s music. Thanks again for your work and research for this site.

Tammy

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John May – 02/27/04

I only went to see Stevie Ray and Double Trouble once and I was hooked for life. My only regret is that I should have gone to see him play every time he came through town. SRV is sadly missed, but he inspired a new generation of blues rock musicians. IE. Kenny Wayne Sheppard. The concert in Shreveport, La. 1986 by the Red River. This was the only time I saw SRV in person… regrets regrets for not going again.

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Tom – 01/31/04

I didn’t know much about SRV until me and a few buddies bought tickets to a show at Alpine Valley and drove up from St. Louis one August night. I was actually going to see Clapton. We saw the first show, and I was hooked… on Stevie. Drove back the next day and we couldn’t stop talking about what a great concert it was. Especially SRV. And then I heard the news that morning on K-SHE 95, and…. Well, I’m 38 now and still love his music. I feel very fortunate to have seen SRV in concert that night, and sad that only a few more got to see him play again. But his music is timeless, and every time I hear it, it brings back a great memory.

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Robert Perez – 09/04/03

The very first time I heard SRV play, he touched my soul! God blessed him w/such a talent that comes once in a lifetime. he used it to his fullest! what a wonderful blessing this man was to all!

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Estella – 09/01/03

Just want to say I love this place there is so much info. I am a long time fan of SRV. I saw him in Syracuse New York in 1985 at the Landmark theater Nov.24 front row center ………god what a show !!!!!!!! The memory will always live on!!!!! Thank you for sharing all this with True lovers of Stevie Ray Vaughan.

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Thank You to ALL who sent the above.

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