Boot Hill

The Zoo Crew is spinning some raw Texas blues today with Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble's "Boot Hill" from their posthumous album The Sky Is Crying. This gritty track, recorded in 1989 at Sound Castle Studios in Los Angeles, showcases Stevie’s electrifying guitar work and a nod to the mysterious origins of the song itself. Nobody’s quite sure where "Boot Hill" came from, but Stevie took this obscure piece and infused it with his signature high-energy style, turning it into a foot-stomping blues anthem. Fun fact: Texas blues legend Johnny Winter also tackled this tune, but Stevie’s version, with its razor-sharp riffs, stands out as a fan favorite from his 1983 Wax Museum performance in Washington, DC. That show, captured in bootleg glory, had the crowd roaring as Stevie transitioned from "Boot Hill" to the rowdy "Love Struck Baby."

Digging into the song’s vibe, "Boot Hill" carries a dark, almost cinematic edge with lyrics like “Look up on the wall, baby, hand me down my shootin’ iron.” It’s a perfect fit for The Sky Is Crying, an album compiled by Stevie’s brother, Jimmie Vaughan, after Stevie’s tragic death in 1990. The album, which hit number 10 on the charts, mixes uptempo bangers with slow, soulful blues, and "Boot Hill" is one of those tracks that just grabs you by the collar. Zoo Freaks, you might not know this, but the song was laid down during sessions for In Step, Stevie’s comeback album after rehab, showing he was still at the peak of his powers. Fans on Facebook groups like Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans often rave about how this track captures Stevie’s ability to make any song his own, no matter its roots.

Let’s talk about how Stevie Ray Vaughan got his start. Born in Dallas, Texas, on October 3, 1954, Stevie was picking up the guitar by age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie. Growing up in a tough household with an alcoholic father, music became his escape. By his teens, he was already playing in garage bands, landing gigs in local clubs. At 17, he dropped out of high school and moved to Austin, where he hustled on the club circuit, building a reputation as a guitar prodigy. In 1978, he formed Double Trouble with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon, naming the band after an Otis Rush song. Their big break came in 1982 at the Montreux Festival, catching the eye of David Bowie and Jackson Browne. Bowie tapped Stevie for his Let’s Dance album, and Browne offered free studio time, leading to their debut, Texas Flood, in 1983. From there, Stevie and Double Trouble became the torchbearers of the ‘80s blues revival, selling out shows and earning gold records.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Stevie’s legacy through his official website and connect with fellow fans on social media. Check out the official Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page, follow along on Instagram, and see what’s buzzing on X, where fans share tributes and rare clips. For deeper dives, The Stevie Ray Vaughan Archive is a treasure trove of discographies and bootleg info. You can also join Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans on Facebook to swap stories and celebrate the man who made blues burn brighter than ever.