Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, and one of the most influential guitarists in the revival of blues in the 1980s. He is commonly referred to as one of the greatest guitar players of all time. He played gigs with numerous bands, earning a spot in Marc Benno’s band the Nightcrawlers and later with Denny Freeman in the Cobras, with whom he continued to work through late 1977. He then formed his own group Triple Threat Revue, but he renamed them Double Trouble after hiring drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon. He gained fame after his performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1982, and his debut studio album Texas Flood charted at number 38 in 1983, a commercially successful release that sold over half a million copies. Vaughan headlined concert tours with Jeff Beck in 1989 and Joe Cocker in 1990. He died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, at the age of 35. In 1983, readers of Guitar Player voted him Best New Talent and Best Electric Blues Guitar Player. In 1984, the Blues Foundation named him Entertainer of the Year and Blues Instrumentalist of the Year, and in 1987, Performance Magazine honored him with Rhythm and Blues Act of the Year. Here are all of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s albums ranked.

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6. Family Style (1990)

“Stevie’s last studio recording was somehow fitting that it was with his big bro Jimmie, the man he idolized growing up, the one that turned him on to the guitar in the beginning. The music is a little more upbeat as a whole than what he would have done with Double Trouble and it is a little different than his norm but certainly is a great CD and any fan of SRV will want this in your collection. The poignant Tick Tock – the song debuted at his funera l- is a fitting close to the CD and naturally the heart yearns for more. Yes, we will remember Stevie… the music you gave us, the love and feeling that passed thru those notes you played so deeply.”

5. The Sky is Crying (1991)

“This album is essentially a collection of SRV recordings that Jimmie Vaughn pulled from the vault and released after Stevie’s death. And thank God he did! SRV – arguably the best rock and blues guitarist of his generation – left incredible treasures for us. His version of Little Wing alone certifies and preserves his incredible talent. A definite must have for all who appreciate rock and blues.”

4. Soul to Soul (1985)

“After 2 pretty solid albums, this is a lot more forgettable and not full of as many memorable songs. In fact, the only song on this I really fully enjoyed was Say What! Most of the songs on here are generic blues rock songs that you’d hear from pretty much every other blues rock artist. Even his Hendrix cover Come On comes nowhere close to touching the original version, which is odd considering Vaughan was usually a pro when it came to covering Hendrix. But that being said, this is still a pretty catchy album and is still a solid blues album, but its also a downgrade from his first 2 albums. But that just goes to show at his worst, even Vaughan could still play some good guitar solos and make solid enough blues rock. And even if its his worst album, its way better than most bands worst albums.”

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3. In Step (1989)

“About 15 years ago I was driving home from work with the radio on. Someone was playing the best guitar I had perhaps ever heard. Whoever it was reminded me of Jimi Hendrix although his pure technique was obviously superior. Who the heck is this person I wondered while still sitting in my car after arriving home. Recently, I came upon a discount CD of SRV at a local Best Buy store and have been playing it over and over. I also ordered his incredible recording, “In Step” from Amazon and have been enthralled all over again. Rolling Stone lists him at #7 on their all time top 100 rock guitarists list and frankly this is not fair. Yes, he should probably take a back seat to Hendrix (not on technique but certainly on overall influence) and probably Clapton, but not B.B. King, Albert King, Chuck Berry or anyone else in my opinion. If you like the blues and/or dazzling rock and roll guitar, go buy this CD and play it to pieces. It is, in my opinion, as good as rock and roll ever gets.”

2. Couldn’t Stand the Weather (1984)

“I would give this 10 stars if that was an available rating. Maybe I’m biased as I like this style of music, but everyone always enjoys hearing this CD, no matter what type of music they normally listen to, whenever I put this one on. Listening to this music always makes me think what a loss we had by Stevie’s early death. The musicianship in this recording is simply superb. Great tunes too!”

1. Texas Flood (1983)

“This is where the rest of the world got to know about SRV. When you listen to this recording, keep in mind it was done pretty much in one take live in a warehouse owned by Jackson Brown. This entire piece was recorded in 2 days, and was just suppose to be a demo for club owners. As the only unsigned act to play the Montreux music festival shortly before this was recorded, SRV and DT shocked the reserved European audience. This performance was also where SRV won his first grammy It’s where he met Jackson who offered him studio time for free. So after more than 10 years playing road side dives, This is where SRV and DT became over night successes. What you’ll hear is Texas style 12 bar blues, train wreck bends, and control of the fret board many like myself are still trying to copy 25 years after his death. Stevies influences are all present here, from Albert King to Jimmy Hendrex and so many, many others. If you love the blues, this is what the 80’s were for many of us. Enjoy a legend. RIP SRV. “

Bonus: In Session (1999)

“Rarely does an album get released where teacher and student aren’t too shy to cut loose. I didn’t have high expectations for this one but this release is clearly an an exception to the rule. AK and SRV are having a great time and while SRV is in awe of the master bluesman he doesn’t take the back seat on this one because around Albert, that WOULD be disrespectful. AK and SRV go at it with great respect for each other and the music. The result is a firey session that is sure to satisfy every fan of these two artists. SRV is clearly the only guitar player to copy AK’s licks perfectly and it is a real treat to hear them together. The CD is peppered with dialogue between to two and AK acknowledges SRV as the future of blues as if to pass the torch. But the music is the meat here and it is wonderful. Recording quality is very good and the disc is about 60 minutes in length. If you are an Albert King and/or an SRV fan this one will be on the top of your favorites list for a long time.”