Cold Shot

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Cold Shot" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their 1984 album Couldn’t Stand the Weather, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this blues-rock gem! One wild story about the song comes from Double Trouble drummer Chris Layton, who shared in a 2024 interview that the track was recorded in a late-night haze. Stevie woke him up at 3 a.m., saying, “C’mon, I wanna do Cold Shot.” When Layton asked how it went, Stevie replied, “We’ll find out when we get in there.” Half-asleep, the band jammed it out, capturing a raw, mysterious energy that made the song a hit. Written by W.C. Clark and Mike Kindred, "Cold Shot" showcases Stevie’s searing guitar and weary vocals, with a humorous music video that got heavy MTV rotation for its quirky vibe.

Another cool tidbit is how the song fits into the album’s recording process at the Power Station in New York City in January 1984. Unlike their debut Texas Flood, where they recorded their live set, Couldn’t Stand the Weather featured new material not yet played live. Layton noted the pressure of producing a follow-up within a year, which made the spontaneous creation of "Cold Shot" stand out. The track’s percussive guitar riff and Hendrix-esque tone, backed by Tommy Shannon’s loping bass and Layton’s slow shuffle, gave it a fresh yet timeless feel. Fans on X still rave about Stevie’s live performances, like his 1989 Austin City Limits set, where his guitar mastery shone.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, was a blues prodigy who started playing guitar at age seven, inspired by his older brother Jimmie Vaughan. Growing up, Stevie was obsessed with blues legends like Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix, often sneaking into clubs to watch local acts. By his teens, he was gigging in Austin’s vibrant music scene, dropping out of high school to pursue music full-time. In the late 1970s, he formed Double Trouble with bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton, honing their sound in Austin’s honky-tonks. Their big break came in 1982 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where Jackson Browne offered them studio time, leading to their debut album Texas Flood. Stevie’s raw talent and purist approach to blues made him a modern giant, influencing countless artists.

Though Stevie tragically passed away in 1990, his legacy lives on through his official website, srvofficial.com, where fans can explore his discography and merchandise. You can connect with the community on the official Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page, which shares updates and tributes, or follow stevierayvaughanofficial on Instagram for photos and videos. On X, the @stevierayvaughan account posts about his music and impact. Fans also gather on the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group, a lively space for Zoo Freaks to share stories, covers, and memories. For more, check out fan sites like SRV Archive, a treasure trove of interviews, setlists, and rare photos.