Feature Story-October 2002
Jimmie Vaughan

10/17 for MAP-Musicians' Assistance Program benefit also featuring Michael Brecker, Ivan Neville, Rich Dangel Quartet, Martin Ross & Overton Barry)

by Tony Engelhart

Once overshadowed by his younger brother, the late Stevie Ray, Jimmie Vaughan has come into his own and garnered the respect of his peers as well as amassed his own fan base. Being the founding member of the blues crossover band the Fabulous Thunderbirds in the mid-'70s, Vaughan's career spans close to three decades with an impressive body of work, not to mention four Grammy Awards (two with the Thunderbirds). In 1999, Jimmie Vaughan was inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame. The Vaughan legacy continues with Jimmie's son and rising Austin musician, Tyrone Vaughan, who co-wrote and played guitar on "Without You" off the 2001 Do You Get The Blues? CD.

With his slicked back hair, vintage duds, and passion for classic cars, Jimmie Vaughan has created a persona far removed from Stevie's. Perhaps more importantly, the brothers approach the guitar with two unique styles. (Stevie was more Hendrix-influenced while Jimmie plays in a more traditional manner.) Stevie was once quoted as saying, "I probably play 80 percent of what I can play. Jimmie plays one percent of what he knows. He can play anything." While the Vaughan duo only recorded one album together, 1990's Family Style, this recording showcased their deep musical roots while combining two distinctive techniques. Sadly, just weeks before the release, Stevie Ray Vaughan was killed in a tragic accident. Like most of Stevie's supporters, Jimmie mourned the loss and retreated from recording and touring. It wasn't until friend Eric Clapton invited Vaughan to open a series of 16 concerts at London's Royal Albert-Hall that Jimmie returned to the stage. Moved by the warm reception as a solo artist, Jimmie Vaughan entered the studio in early 1993 to record Strange Pleasures. Upon its release, Strange Pleasures debuted at number one on Billboard's Heartseeker Chart, was praised by critics, and won Jimmie his first Grammy as a solo artist. It was now time for the gifted artist to emerge as a frontman and bandleader as he set out on his first tour.

Jimmie Vaughan solidified himself as a leader in the new wave of blues artists with his 1998 release Out There, which was nominated for another Grammy. However, the guitar slinger would have to wait until his third release, also his debut for Artemis Records, Do You Get The Blues?, to take home his fourth Grammy Award. The disc has been hailed as the musician's most compelling and appealing musical statement to date. In between touring and recording, Jimmie has contributed his talent to many outside projects including: B.B. King and Eric Clapton's Riding With The King, Bob Dylan's Under The Red Sky, Carlos Santana's Havana Moon, Willie Nelson's Milk Cow Blues and most recently James Cotton's 35th Anniversary Jam.

At 51 years of age, Jimmie Vaughan has just gotten started and he continues to tour, record, and inspire up-and-coming blues guitarists with his individual approach to music.