Little Wing

Zoo Freaks, get ready to soar with the Zoo Crew as we spin the mesmerizing instrumental "Little Wing" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their 1984 album Couldn't Stand the Weather. This track, originally penned by Jimi Hendrix in 1967, was transformed by Stevie Ray Vaughan into a nearly seven-minute guitar masterpiece. Fun fact: this version was never meant to see the light of day! According to The Guardian, Vaughan and his band used "Little Wing" as a warm-up in the studio during 1984 sessions. It was only after Stevie's brother, Jimmie Vaughan, discovered the tape while compiling the 1991 album The Sky Is Crying that this gem was released, earning a posthumous Grammy in 1992 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. The Guardian raved, “Vaughan lifts it into the stratosphere with a beautifully constructed and virtuoso seven-minute tour de force,” noting its superiority over covers by Sting or The Corrs.

Another tidbit from the Reddit community reveals the awe "Little Wing" inspires among guitarists. One fan shared a story from an interview with a backup guitarist who worked with Vaughan, describing how Stevie could seamlessly play rhythm and lead guitar simultaneously, a skill evident in tracks like "Pride and Joy" and this cover. The Louder website highlights Vaughan’s deep connection to Hendrix, noting that he jammed on Hendrix’s "Third Stone From The Sun" and drew inspiration for his own ballad "Lenny" from "Little Wing." Vaughan himself told Guitar World in 1984, “I’m trying to expand on [Hendrix’s] stuff,” humbly acknowledging the challenge of reinterpreting such a classic. This instrumental rendition, stripped to its core, showcases Vaughan’s technical brilliance and emotional depth, making it a favorite among Zoo Freaks.

Now, let’s dive into how Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Dallas-born blues rock legend, got his start. Born on October 3, 1954, Vaughan picked up the guitar at age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan, who later became a renowned guitarist himself. According to Wikipedia, Stevie was drawn to the blues sounds of Albert King, Otis Rush, and Jimi Hendrix, as well as rock and jazz influences like Lonnie Mack and Kenny Burrell. By his teens, he was playing in garage bands around Dallas, often sneaking into nightclubs to perform. At 17, he dropped out of high school in 1972 and moved to Austin, Texas, where he honed his craft in the vibrant club scene. His raw talent and fiery style quickly built a local following.

In 1978, Vaughan formed Double Trouble, named after an Otis Rush song, with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Jackie Newhouse (later replaced by Tommy Shannon in 1981). The band became a staple in Austin, catching the attention of music heavyweights at the 1982 Montreux Festival. This led to a pivotal moment: David Bowie recruited Vaughan for his Let’s Dance album, and Jackson Browne offered studio time, resulting in the band’s debut album, Texas Flood, recorded in just a week. Released in 1983 by Epic Records, it skyrocketed Vaughan to fame, cementing his status as a blues revivalist. Over his seven-year mainstream career, he collaborated with icons like Stevie Wonder and James Brown, released hits like "Pride and Joy," and sold out concerts worldwide until his tragic death in a 1990 helicopter crash at age 35.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s legacy through his official website, which offers news, discography, and merchandise. Follow updates on the official Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page and check out vintage photos and fan discussions on the Stevie Ray Vaughan Instagram. On X, fans at @SRVaughanFans share tributes and rare clips. Join the vibrant Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group for community discussions, or visit fan sites like SRV Fan Club for exclusive content and stories. Keep the blues alive, Zoo Freaks, and let "Little Wing" carry you to new heights!