August 27, 1990....I can remember it as if it were yesterday. I was in town running some errands and listening to the local rock station. I had been hearing reports all morning of a helicopter crash in Alpine Valley, Wisconsin, carrying members of Eric Clapton's entourage. All I could think of was that I hoped Eric was not on board. I pulled into a parking lot just as I heard the news that Stevie Ray Vaughan was among the passengers, and that there were no survivors. I sat for a moment in disbelief. He was so young and vital, he had battled his demons and was victorious. Surely he had more work to do before he was called away from this life. Now he would never see the album with Jimmie released. Tears welled up in my eyes.
When I got back home, I did nothing but listen to Stevie's music the rest of the day. I remembered my concert, the first time I heard his music, the feelings I got when I bought each new release. I was able to get the address to send condolances to his family and the band. I wrote to them that Stevie would want them to go on and live to the fullest. I had lost several family members in the two years prior, including my father, so I understood the pain that they were feeling. I grieved for Stevie as a member of my own family.
I picked up Family Style on the day of release, and was able to look upon it as a celebration of Stevie's life and legacy. The posthumous releases since and the import concert recordings and videos have kept Stevie alive for me. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of the man, the music, or the life of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
First, I connected with the emotion of the music that he played. Every note was heartfelt, so much that I really feel that I got to know him through the music. Secondly, through interviews that I read, I connected with the honesty and the good human nature of the man. Finally, his life and example have helped me to face my own demons, and to break down my own walls of denial, as well as to understand the situations of relatives and friends who are battling the same addictions as Stevie. His heart went out to others to show them love and human kindness, and to help them. This is a wonderful example to follow.
The picture below is from the last night at Alpine Valley, and is how I like to remember Stevie. This is a photo of a happy man. He left at the top of his game, both professionally and personally. There will never be another like him. His spirit lives on. Rave on, Stevie, Rave on......
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