Pride and Joy (Live 1985)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying "Pride and Joy (Live 1985)" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, a track that ignites the airwaves for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a cornerstone of Vaughan's legacy, was originally released on his 1983 debut album, Texas Flood, but the 1985 live version from the Montreux Jazz Festival captures the raw energy of his performance. According to Double Trouble drummer Chris Layton, Vaughan wrote "Pride and Joy" for a new girlfriend, though a later argument with her inspired the lyrically similar "I'm Cryin'" from the same album. Some fans, like Linda Salerno on the SRV Lost Stories Facebook page, claim Vaughan wrote it for her during their relationship in 1978-79, adding a layer of personal intrigue. Others, including a fan named 1/2 Pint from Wartrace, Tennessee, recall Vaughan saying he wrote it for his beloved guitar, likening its sweetness to a Les Paul. The song's origins are further complicated by its roots in a 1962 track, "I Go Into Orbit" by Johnny Acey, which Vaughan reimagined into a classic Texas shuffle in the key of E♭, thanks to his half-step-down guitar tuning.

The live 1985 performance at Montreux holds special significance, as it marked a triumphant return for Vaughan. In 1982, his first appearance at the festival was met with boos from some audience members unaccustomed to his hard blues sound. However, this performance caught the attention of David Bowie and Jackson Browne, leading to pivotal career opportunities. By 1985, Vaughan headlined "Blues Night" at Montreux, delivering a blistering set that silenced doubters. Social media posts on X from users like @rocknrollofall highlight the 1982 Montreux performance of "Pride and Joy" as a turning point, noting how Vaughan's career skyrocketed afterward. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in fan communities, such as the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks might share their love for its infectious groove and Vaughan’s soulful guitar licks.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, was a blues prodigy whose journey began under the influence of his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan, later of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Inspired by Jimmie’s guitar playing and blues records, Stevie picked up the guitar in childhood and was gigging in local nightclubs by his teens. Dropping out of high school at 17, he dove headfirst into music, playing in garage bands like the Cobras and A Cast of Thousands in Austin’s vibrant club scene. By the mid-1970s, he formed Triple Threat with bassist Jackie Newhouse, drummer Chris Layton, and vocalist Lou Ann Barton. After Barton’s departure in 1978, the band became Double Trouble, named after an Otis Rush song, with Vaughan as lead singer. The addition of bassist Tommy Shannon in 1981 solidified the lineup, and their relentless gigs in Austin clubs built a fierce local following.

Vaughan’s big break came at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival, where his performance, despite mixed crowd reactions, impressed Bowie and Browne. Bowie invited him to play on Let’s Dance, while Browne offered free studio time in Los Angeles. This led to a record deal with Epic Records, facilitated by A&R legend John Hammond, Sr., and the release of Texas Flood in 1983, featuring "Pride and Joy" as its breakout hit. Vaughan’s fiery style, blending influences from Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and Buddy Guy, bridged blues and rock, sparking a blues revival in the 1980s. Tragically, his life was cut short in a 1990 helicopter crash, but his legacy endures through his music and fan devotion.

Fans can explore more about Vaughan on his official website, which offers discography and tour archives. His Facebook page shares updates and tributes, while the Instagram account posts vintage photos and performance clips. On X, the official handle engages with fans and celebrates his influence. Beyond official channels, fan sites like SRV Archive provide detailed discographies and rare footage, while the SRV Lost Stories and Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook groups foster community discussions, perfect for Zoo Freaks to connect over their shared love for Vaughan’s music.