I meant to post to this thread on Sunday, but never got around to it.

I was a late comer to the Blues (maybe turning 40 had something to do with it). I wasn't big into Stevie Ray when he was around, but I do remember back in '83 when I picked up a copy of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance' and kept playing 'Cat People' over and over because I couldn't get enough of that "In-Your-Face" guitar intro.

I didn't link that record with Stevie Ray until some time later when he became more well known. I've recently (sadly) been making up for lost time.

Anyway some random thoughts:

It really bugs me to hear people going on about how he was a Hendrix wannabe, or dissecting his music for this or that influence. Yes, he incorporated other artists licks, sounds, etc. If you listen closely, you'll hear Hendrix, Lonnie Mack, Albert King, brother Jimmie (Stevie's biggest idol) and other influences in his music. But in the end, it was all Stevie Ray.

I think the thing that made Stevie Ray Vaughan special was the not his tone or technique or licks (fine though they may have been), but it was the way he poured his heart and soul into every performance of every song.

He was special because (from what I've read) the people who knew him personally still thought he was special, and not just for his guitar playing.

He was special for not being a tragic hero in the Hendrix/Joplin/Morrison vane, but for cheating death to give us three years of his best music before fate finally claimed him.

I have to admit that (much to Áine's chagrin) I did buy a Strat. And Stevie Ray was a big factor in that. I'll never play like he did; but, I think about him every time I pick it up, and I try to match the passion, if not the profienciency (though usually failing on both counts).

While other guitarist may go by all three of their names, sandpaper their guitar, and comp the notes and the tone, there will never be another Stevie Ray Vaughan.

But here's hoping ...