Kinky Woman

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Kinky Woman" by Jimmie Vaughan from his 1998 album Out There. This blues-rock track, with its gritty guitar riffs and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, captures Vaughan's signature Texas roadhouse sound. In a 2010 Texas Monthly interview, Vaughan shared that his music draws from the raw energy of early blues and rock, and "Kinky Woman" reflects that vibe with its playful yet edgy narrative about a troublesome lover. The song’s lyrics, like “You got your whips and your chains all over me,” showcase his knack for blending humor with bluesy grit, a style honed during his days with The Fabulous Thunderbirds. A fun tidbit from a 2021 Paste Magazine session at Paste Studio ATX: Vaughan performed "Kinky Woman" live, and his band’s chemistry was electric, with Vaughan joking afterward on Instagram that the song “always gets the crowd grinning.” Fans on the Jimmie Vaughan Official Facebook page have called it a “classic Vaughan burner,” with some sharing stories of dancing to it at his live shows.

While specific stories about the creation of "Kinky Woman" are scarce, Vaughan’s X posts often highlight his love for the blues’ storytelling tradition, which shines through in the song’s vivid imagery. In a 2022 Classic Rock History article, the album Out There was praised for its raw, unpolished feel, and "Kinky Woman" stands out as a fan favorite for its cheeky attitude. The Jimmie Vaughan Fan Club on Facebook buzzes with fans posting live clips of the song, with one member recalling a 2019 Austin gig where Vaughan extended the guitar solo, leaving the crowd in a frenzy. The song’s infectious energy makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s hippie vibe, so crank it up, Zoo Freaks!

Jimmie Vaughan’s journey to blues stardom began in Dallas, Texas, where he was born on March 20, 1951. Raised in a musical household, he picked up the guitar as a teenager, inspired by legends like Freddie King, B.B. King, and Johnny “Guitar” Watson. According to his bio on jimmievaughan.com, Vaughan’s first public performance was in 1965 at L.V. Stockard Junior High with a band called The Pendulums. By the late 1960s, he moved to Austin, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant blues scene, playing with musicians like Paul Ray and WC Clark. In 1969, his band opened for The Jimi Hendrix Experience in Fort Worth, where Vaughan famously lent Hendrix his Vox Wah-wah pedal, only for Hendrix to break it and gift him a touring pedal in return—a story Vaughan recounted fondly in a 2005 Wikipedia entry.

Vaughan’s big break came when he co-founded The Fabulous Thunderbirds in the mid-1970s with singer Kim Wilson. The band, mentored by Austin blues club owner Clifford Antone, released their debut album in 1979, earning praise for their “white blues” sound, as noted in a AllMusic bio. Their early albums, though critically acclaimed, didn’t sell well, but their 1986 hit “Tuff Enuff” brought mainstream success. Vaughan left the band in 1989 to record Family Style with his brother, Stevie Ray Vaughan, though tragedy struck when Stevie died in a 1990 helicopter crash before the album’s release. Jimmie’s solo career took off with his 1994 album Strange Pleasure, featuring the tribute “Six Strings Down” for his brother. Today, Vaughan remains a blues icon, celebrated for his economical yet soulful playing, as highlighted in a 2010 Texas Monthly profile.

Stay connected with Jimmie Vaughan through his official website, where you can find tour dates, news, and merch. Follow him on Facebook for updates and fan interactions, or check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and live clips. His X account offers glimpses into his thoughts on music and life, often with a dash of humor. Fans can join the Jimmie Vaughan Fan Club on Facebook to connect with other devotees, share concert memories, and discuss his discography. For more fan-driven content, visit tyronevaughanmusic.com, a site linked to his son Tyrone Vaughan’s music, which often celebrates Jimmie’s legacy. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let "Kinky Woman" keep the good vibes flowing!