Ain't Gone 'N' Give up on Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble's "Ain't Gone 'N' Give Up on Love" from their 1985 album Soul to Soul, a track that resonates deeply with Zoo Freaks for its raw emotion and gritty guitar riffs. This song, written by Vaughan, is a powerful blues-rock anthem about resilience in love, with lyrics like "Every tear that I've cried only washed away the fear inside," reflecting a determination to persevere through heartbreak. One intriguing piece of trivia comes from the song’s reference to blues artist Little Johnny Taylor, as Vaughan nods to Taylor’s influence with the line, “Little Johnny Taylor told us so long ago.” This nod connects the track to the rich history of blues music, emphasizing themes of love and endurance that are central to the genre. The song’s recording at Dallas Sound Lab between March and May 1985 showcased Vaughan’s fiery guitar style, with the expanded lineup including keyboardist Reese Wynans and saxophonist Joe Sublett, adding a soulful depth that set Soul to Soul apart from earlier works.

Another layer of the song’s legacy comes from its live performances, particularly a notable rendition at the Orpheum Theater on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, in August 1986, which was later shared on YouTube. Fans on platforms like X have celebrated Soul to Soul’s release anniversary, with posts from users like @crockpics highlighting the album’s impact since its debut on September 30, 1985. The song’s lyrics also carry a philosophical weight, with lines addressing “midnight cryin’” and “cheatin’ and lyin’,” which some interpret as Vaughan grappling with personal struggles, including his battles with addiction during this period. According to a 1999 reissue of Soul to Soul, the album included a studio interview segment with Timothy White for Westwood One Radio, where Vaughan discussed his creative process, offering Zoo Freaks a glimpse into the mind behind this enduring track.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, began his musical journey at age seven, inspired by his older brother, guitarist Jimmie Vaughan. Growing up in a music-loving household, Vaughan was drawn to the blues, teaching himself guitar by mimicking legends like Albert King and Jimi Hendrix. By his teens, he was playing in garage bands, occasionally landing gigs in Dallas nightclubs. In 1972, at 17, he dropped out of high school and moved to Austin, Texas, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. Vaughan’s early bands, like the Cobras and Triple Threat, honed his skills in Austin’s clubs, but it was in 1978 that he formed Double Trouble with bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton. Named after an Otis Rush song, the band quickly became a local favorite, known for Vaughan’s electrifying performances and soulful vocals.

Vaughan’s big break came in 1982 when Double Trouble performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, catching the attention of David Bowie and Jackson Browne. Bowie invited Vaughan to play on his album Let’s Dance, while Browne offered free studio time in Los Angeles. This led to a record deal with Epic Records, and in 1983, their debut album, Texas Flood, was released to critical acclaim, igniting the blues revival of the 1980s. Vaughan’s career skyrocketed, with Double Trouble’s relentless touring and gold-selling albums cementing his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Tragically, Vaughan’s life was cut short in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, but his music continues to inspire through platforms like his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X fan accounts.

Zoo Freaks can connect with other fans through dedicated spaces like the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share stories, rare photos, and performance videos. Another fan-driven site, SRV Archive, offers a treasure trove of discographies, interviews, and memorabilia, keeping Vaughan’s legacy alive. These communities reflect the enduring passion for Vaughan’s music, with “Ain’t Gone ‘N’ Give Up on Love” remaining a fan favorite for its heartfelt message and blistering guitar work, perfect for the Zoo THE ZOO radio station’s hippie DJ vibe.