Album Information:
Album ID: 9810
About Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble:
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble are an American blues rock band from Texas, led by guitarist and vocalist Stevie Ray Vaughan. They were formed in 1978 and released their debut album 'Texas Flood' in 1983, which helped establish them as one of the key figures in the blues rock genre.
Stevie Ray Vaughan was born on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, and was raised in nearby Oak Cliff. He started playing the guitar at the age of seven and quickly became proficient at the instrument. He was heavily influenced by blues guitarists like Freddie King, Albert King, and B.B. King, and he also incorporated elements of rock, jazz, and country music into his playing.
Stevie Ray Vaughan first gained recognition in the late 1970s as a member of the band Triple Threat Revue, which also featured future Double Trouble drummer Chris Layton. In 1980, Vaughan formed Double Trouble with Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon, and they began playing around Texas and the southern United States.
The band's breakthrough came in 1983 with the release of 'Texas Flood,' which was produced by blues legend John Hammond and featured the hit singles 'Pride and Joy' and 'Love Struck Baby.' The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped bring blues rock back into the mainstream.
Over the next few years, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble continued to release a series of successful albums, including 'Couldn't Stand the Weather' (1984), 'Soul to Soul' (1985), and 'In Step' (1989). The band also played at the 1985 Live Aid concert and at the 1988 Royal Albert Hall tribute concert for Jimi Hendrix.
However, Vaughan struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for much of his career, and he died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, at the age of 35. His death was a huge loss for the music world, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
In addition to his work with Double Trouble, Stevie Ray Vaughan also collaborated with other musicians throughout his career, including his brother Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world.
About the album The Sky Is Crying:
The album 'The Sky Is Crying' by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble is a collection of recordings made between 1984 and 1989, released posthumously in 1991 after Vaughan's tragic death in a helicopter crash. The album showcases Vaughan's immense talent as a guitarist and bluesman, and his band's tight and dynamic musical accompaniment.
The album features ten tracks, nine of which are covers of blues classics and one of which is an original composition by Vaughan. The title track, 'The Sky Is Crying,' is a slow and mournful instrumental tribute to Vaughan's brother, who had died years earlier. Vaughan's guitar playing is powerful and emotive, and the band provides a haunting and atmospheric backdrop.
Other standout tracks on the album include 'Empty Arms,' a driving blues-rock number with a catchy chorus, and 'Boot Hill,' a fast and furious instrumental that showcases Vaughan's virtuosity as a soloist. 'Little Wing' is a beautiful and soulful rendition of the classic Jimi Hendrix tune, with Vaughan's vocal delivery adding a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity to the lyrics.
Throughout the album, Vaughan's guitar work is the star of the show, with his searing solos, lightning-fast runs, and soulful bends and vibrato. His playing is steeped in the tradition of the blues greats that came before him, but also has a distinctive and personal style that set him apart from his contemporaries.
Overall, 'The Sky Is Crying' is a testament to Stevie Ray Vaughan's talent and legacy as one of the greatest guitarists and blues musicians of all time. The album showcases the power and emotion of the blues, and Vaughan's ability to channel that energy into his playing and performances.
Members:
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble consisted of three key members:
1. Stevie Ray Vaughan:
Born on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was widely recognized as one of the most influential guitarists of the 1980s blues revival. Vaughan's music career began when he formed the band, The Cobras, in 1975. Later, he joined several other local groups before forming his own band, Double Trouble in 1978. Stevie Ray Vaughan died tragically in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, at the age of 35.
2. Tommy Shannon:
Born on April 18, 1946, in Arizona, Tommy Shannon is an American bassist. He played with some of Texas's most prominent blues musicians, including Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Shannon was also associated with the band, The Chessmen, during the 1960s. In 1981, he joined Stevie Ray Vaughan as a member of Double Trouble and remained with the group until Vaughan's untimely death.
3. Chris Layton:
Born on November 16, 1955, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Chris Layton is an American drummer and the co-founder of the band, Double Trouble. Layton played with several local bands, including The Rhumboogies and Ivor & The Engines, before joining Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1979. He remained a member of Double Trouble until the group disbanded in 1990. After Vaughan's death, Layton continued to play in other projects, including Arc Angels and Jimmie Vaughan's band.
Track List for The Sky Is Crying:
Sure, here is the complete track list for The Sky is Crying album by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, along with a brief description of each track and their play time:
1. 'Boot Hill' (2:15) - This is a traditional blues song that features steady guitar riffs and a groovy bassline.
2. 'The Sky is Crying' (4:37) - This song is a blues classic originally written and recorded by Elmore James. Stevie's version features soulful guitar solos and heartfelt vocals.
3. 'Empty Arms' (3:29) - A slower tempo blues song that showcases Stevie's ability to convey deep emotions through his guitar playing.
4. 'Little Wing' (6:49) - This is a cover of the classic Jimi Hendrix song. Stevie's version features some of his most iconic guitar solos, demonstrating his technical skills and creativity.
5. 'Wham' (2:25) - A high-energy instrumental track that highlights Double Trouble's tight rhythm section and Stevie's lightning-fast guitar playing.
6. 'May I Have a Talk with You' (5:49) - This is an upbeat blues song that showcases Stevie's strong vocals and electrifying guitar solos.
7. 'Close to You' (3:11) - A slow and soulful ballad that displays Stevie's emotional depth and musical versatility.
8. 'Chitlins Con Carne' (3:57) - This instrumental track is a classic blues composition that features some of Stevie's most intricate and soulful guitar playing.
9. 'So Excited' (3:30) - A fast-paced blues track that showcases Stevie's high energy and enthusiasm for music.
10. 'Life by the Drop' (2:27) - A poignant ballad that reflects on life and the struggles that come with it. Stevie's emotional vocals and simple guitar accompaniment make this song a standout on the album.
Overall, The Sky is Crying is a blues masterpiece that showcases Stevie Ray Vaughan's exceptional guitar playing and musical talents. Each track tells a unique story and demonstrates Stevie's ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
Discography for Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble:
Here is the complete discography for Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble in chronological order:
1. Texas Flood (1983)
- Released on June 13, 1983
- Singles: 'Pride and Joy', 'Love Struck Baby', 'Mary Had a Little Lamb'
2. Couldn't Stand the Weather (1984)
- Released on May 15, 1984
- Singles: 'Cold Shot', 'Couldn't Stand the Weather', 'The Things (That) I Used to Do'
3. Soul to Soul (1985)
- Released on September 30, 1985
- Singles: 'Say What!', 'Lookin' Out the Window', 'Change It', 'Hard to Be'
4. Live Alive (1986)
- Released on November 10, 1986
- Live album
5. In Step (1989)
- Released on June 6, 1989
- Singles: 'Crossfire', 'Tightrope', 'Let Me Love You Baby', 'The House is Rockin'
6. The Sky is Crying (1991)
- Released on November 5, 1991
- Singles: 'The Sky is Crying', 'Empty Arms', 'Little Wing'
7. Family Style (1990)
- Released on September 25, 1990
- Collaborative album with his brother Jimmie Vaughan under the name Vaughan Brothers
8. The Real Deal: Greatest Hits Volume 2 (1999)
- Compilation album
9. SRV (2000)
- Box set including previously unreleased material
10. Blues at Sunrise (2000)
- Live album recorded in 1980
11. Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Stevie Ray Vaughan (2003)
- Compilation album
12. In Session (2003)
- Live album recorded in 1983 with Albert King
13. Solos, Sessions & Encores (2007)
- Compilation album
14. Playlist: The Very Best of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (2008)
- Compilation album
Note: This list includes their major releases and does not include every single or minor release.