Texas Flood

The Zoo Crew is spinning the blues classic "Texas Flood" by Jimmie Vaughan from the Topcat Records 20th Anniversary Blues Extravaganza!, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its soulful vibe. While this track is famously associated with Jimmie’s younger brother, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie’s rendition on this compilation album showcases his own gritty, roadhouse blues style. In a 2019 interview with Coachella Valley Weekly, Jimmie shared his love for selecting songs that fit his live performance energy, noting that tracks like those on the Topcat compilation are “designed to play live” for maximum audience impact. His take on "Texas Flood" carries the raw, expressive guitar phrasing he’s known for, paying homage to the Texas blues tradition while adding his personal touch.

Trivia about "Texas Flood" reveals its deep roots in blues history. Originally written by Larry Davis in 1958, the song became a defining anthem for Texas blues through Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1983 debut album. Jimmie’s version on the Topcat Records 20th Anniversary Blues Extravaganza!, released in 2012, is a nod to both his brother’s legacy and the broader blues community. In a 2024 Guitar Player interview, Jimmie reflected on the emotional weight of performing songs tied to Stevie, saying, “I still can’t believe that it’s true that Stevie got killed,” highlighting the personal significance of tracks like "Texas Flood." The Topcat compilation itself is a treasure trove of blues talent, featuring artists like Muddy Waters, Big Mama Thornton, and Big Walter Horton, making Jimmie’s inclusion a testament to his stature in the genre.

Jimmie Vaughan’s journey to blues stardom began in Dallas, Texas, where he was born on March 20, 1951. Inspired by his uncles’ guitar playing and the vibrant radio scene of the early 1960s, Jimmie picked up the guitar at age 12. By his teens, he was already performing, making his stage debut on February 3, 1965, with a group called The Pendulums at L V. Stockard Junior High. Moving to Austin in the late 1960s, he immersed himself in the city’s burgeoning blues scene, playing with musicians like Paul Ray and WC Clark. In 1972, he formed The Storm, which backed touring blues acts, but his big break came in 1974 when he co-founded The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Kim Wilson. The band’s early albums, released between 1979 and 1983, became cornerstones of “white blues,” blending gritty roadhouse vibes with R&B flair, as noted in his Wikipedia bio.

Jimmie’s career took a pivotal turn with The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ 1986 hit “Tuff Enuff,” which brought Texas blues to a national audience. After leaving the band in 1990, he recorded the duet album Family Style with Stevie Ray, a project tragically overshadowed by Stevie’s death in a helicopter crash that same year. Jimmie channeled his grief into his solo career, releasing his debut album, Strange Pleasure, in 1994, which included the tribute “Six Strings Down” for his brother. His commitment to authentic blues has earned him four Grammy nominations and a reputation as a guitarist’s guitarist, as praised by Texas Monthly.

Fans can connect with Jimmie Vaughan through his official website, where tour dates, news, and music updates are posted. His social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares performance clips, vintage photos, and personal reflections. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online, such as the Jimmie Vaughan Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate his contributions to Texas blues. These platforms keep the spirit of Jimmie’s music alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s record-spinning sessions.