Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: August 13, 2019
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
The first definitive biography of guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, with an epilogue by Jimmie Vaughan, foreword by drummer Chris Layton, and afterword by bassist Tommy Shannon.
A clean and sober Stevie Ray Vaughan seemed poised for a new, limitless chapter of his life and career just a few years after his severe addiction to cocaine and alcohol almost killed him. Years of sibling rivalry with big brother Jimmie, his first and greatest musical hero, were behind him, and their first collaborative album was complete and on the verge of being released. His tumultuous marriage was over and he was deeply in love with a supportive, creative woman. His last album had been his most successful, both critically and commercially.
Instead, it all came screeching to a sudden end, when Vaughan was killed in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, after that evening’s dynamic performance with Eric Clapton, leaving an endless stream of What Ifs. He was just 35 years old. In the ensuing 28 years, Vaughan’s legend and acclaim have only grown; he is an international musical icon. Despite the cinematic scope of Vaughan’s life and death, there has never been a truly proper accounting of his story. Until now.
Texas Flood will provide the unadulterated facts about Stevie Ray Vaughan from those who were with him throughout every stage of his life and career and who knew him best: his brother Jimmie, his Double Trouble bandmates Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton and Reese Wynans, and many other close friends, girlfriends, fellow musicians, crew members and managers.
A clean and sober Stevie Ray Vaughan seemed poised for a new, limitless chapter of his life and career just a few years after his severe addiction to cocaine and alcohol almost killed him. Years of sibling rivalry with big brother Jimmie, his first and greatest musical hero, were behind him, and their first collaborative album was complete and on the verge of being released. His tumultuous marriage was over and he was deeply in love with a supportive, creative woman. His last album had been his most successful, both critically and commercially.
Instead, it all came screeching to a sudden end, when Vaughan was killed in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, after that evening’s dynamic performance with Eric Clapton, leaving an endless stream of What Ifs. He was just 35 years old. In the ensuing 28 years, Vaughan’s legend and acclaim have only grown; he is an international musical icon. Despite the cinematic scope of Vaughan’s life and death, there has never been a truly proper accounting of his story. Until now.
Texas Flood will provide the unadulterated facts about Stevie Ray Vaughan from those who were with him throughout every stage of his life and career and who knew him best: his brother Jimmie, his Double Trouble bandmates Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton and Reese Wynans, and many other close friends, girlfriends, fellow musicians, crew members and managers.
My Review ♥︎
I still see August 27, 1990 vividly through nine year old eyes. I remember both my mom and dad beside themselves with grief, like a member of our family had passed away, and in a way they did. Stevie's music and talent had a way of touching lives far and wide and since he was a fellow Texan, I believe there was an unspoken kinship to the man, among other similarities. Us Texan's are proud of our own.
At the time, I didn't understand the tears, or why my parents left a photo of SRV on my moms keyboards in our living room for months after his death but, years later, I believe I have a better understanding, especially after reading Texas Flood.
Hearing about a life by those that lived that life with that person is unique, and that's exactly what Texas Flood is all about. Raw and real, you get a glimpse of who Stevie was at his core, his rise to stardom by those who were by his side, his long-time battle with drugs and alcohol, and the amazing story of him overcoming his demons, and finally going clean, only to be killed at the peak of his life on a plane that he wasn't supposed to be on. Oh those damn airplanes! So many of the greats lost by the same fate.
Stevie is buried in Dallas at the same graveyard as my cousin, who died before I was born. Visiting his grave reminds me just how close I feel to the rocker that I never got to meet, yet is apart of me. Reading Texas Flood brought me even closer to the legend, and for that I am grateful. He was an amazing talent that deserves to be remembered not only for his music but for the man that he was.
I cannot recommend this biography enough! I can honestly say that I've never read such a wonderfully unique tribute, and I am so happy to be reviewing this incredible work on my dad's 60th birthday! Happy Birthday Dad!!
My Rating: ★★★★★
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
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