Leave My Girl Alone

"Leave My Girl Alone," a track from Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble’s 1989 album In Step, is a fiery blues cover of a song originally written and performed by Buddy Guy in 1965. The Zoo Crew, spinning this record at THE ZOO for their Zoo Freaks, might share that Vaughan’s version is a testament to his reverence for blues legends. According to posts found on X, fans have praised the song’s live performances, particularly a 1989 rendition where Vaughan’s guitar solo bursts with raw energy, showcasing his ability to channel emotional intensity into every note. Lou Reed of The Velvet Underground was reportedly a fan of In Step, calling it one of his favorite albums of 1989, a tidbit noted on Society of Rock. The song’s inclusion on In Step, Vaughan’s “sober” album, reflects his personal triumph over addiction, with lyrics like “before I get evil, man, and go and do something wrong” carrying a weight of hard-earned clarity.

The recording of “Leave My Girl Alone” for In Step came during a pivotal time for Vaughan, as he collaborated closely with songwriter Doyle Bramhall, who co-wrote several tracks on the album. Bramhall, also newly sober, helped Vaughan craft songs that were deeply personal, and though “Leave My Girl Alone” is a cover, its placement on the album feels like a nod to the blues roots that grounded him during recovery. A review on Amazon describes the track as a “sweet blues epiphany,” highlighting Vaughan’s ability to tame his voice into a rich, soulful instrument by this point in his career. The Zoo Freaks might also dig knowing that the song’s live version from Austin, Texas, available on YouTube, captures Vaughan at his peak, with Double Trouble’s tight rhythm section amplifying his searing guitar work.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, got his start in music at age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan. As detailed on his official website, Stevie picked up the guitar and was soon captivated by blues and rock legends like Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix. By his teens, he was playing gigs in Austin’s vibrant club scene, dropping out of high school in 1972 to pursue music full-time. In 1978, he formed Double Trouble with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon, and the trio quickly became a staple in Texas clubs. Their big break came in 1982 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where their performance caught the attention of David Bowie and Jackson Browne. Bowie tapped Vaughan for his Let’s Dance album, while Browne offered free studio time, leading to the recording of their debut album, Texas Flood, in 1983. This launched Vaughan into the spotlight, cementing his reputation as a blues-revival powerhouse.

Vaughan’s career was marked by his electrifying guitar playing and soulful voice, blending blues, rock, and jazz influences into a style that was uniquely his own. His official website, srvofficial.com, offers a deep dive into his discography and legacy, while his Facebook page keeps fans updated with archival photos and videos. On Instagram, the official account shares clips of live performances and fan tributes, and the X account posts about milestones like the 35th anniversary of In Step. Fans can connect on the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share rare bootlegs and concert memories. Websites like SRV Tribute and StevieRay.com provide detailed timelines, gear breakdowns, and fan-driven content, keeping Vaughan’s spirit alive for the Zoo Freaks and beyond.