Pride and Joy (Live 1985)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the electrifying "Pride and Joy (Live 1985)" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their album Live Alive. This track, recorded during a blazing performance, captures the raw energy of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar prowess. One juicy piece of trivia comes from Double Trouble drummer Chris Layton, who revealed that Stevie wrote "Pride and Joy" for a former girlfriend at the start of their relationship, only to later pen "I’m Cryin’" after a fight with her, both tracks sharing a similar shuffle but with wildly different vibes. The song’s infectious Texas shuffle and 12-bar blues structure, played in E with Stevie’s guitar tuned a half-step lower to E-flat, became a staple of their live shows, igniting crowds with its dynamic rhythm and searing solos.

Another tidbit from the web reveals that "Pride and Joy" was actually a reworking of a 1962 track called "I Go Into Orbit" by Johnny Acey, though Stevie made it his own with his fiery style. Social media posts on X from fans like @racerx_music in 2025 highlight the song’s enduring appeal, sharing a live version from Austin, Texas, and calling it a blues masterpiece. Meanwhile, a 2017 Guitar World article praised Stevie’s rhythm playing on this track, noting how he alternated between muted chord chops and ringing open strings to create a pulsating groove. Fans on Reddit’s ClassicRock community have raved about the song’s ability to lift spirits, with one user, Paul from Chicago, saying it “picks me up when I’m down” and makes it impossible to sit still.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, was a blues rock legend whose mainstream career spanned just seven years but left an indelible mark. Inspired by his older brother, guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie picked up the guitar at age seven. By his teens, he was already gigging in local nightclubs with various garage bands. Dropping out of high school in 1972, he moved to Austin, Texas, where he honed his craft on the vibrant club circuit. In 1975, he formed Triple Threat with bassist Jackie Newhouse, drummer Chris Layton, and vocalist Lou Ann Barton. After Barton left in 1978, the band became Double Trouble, named after an Otis Rush song, with Stevie stepping up as lead singer. Their big break came in 1982 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where they caught the eye of David Bowie and Jackson Browne, leading to studio time and a record deal with Epic Records.

Stevie’s debut album, Texas Flood, released in 1983, featured "Pride and Joy" as its lead single, catapulting him to national fame. His blistering guitar style, influenced by blues giants like Albert King and Jimi Hendrix, bridged blues and rock, sparking a blues revival in the 1980s. Despite struggles with addiction, Stevie’s relentless touring and albums like Couldn’t Stand the Weather and Soul to Soul solidified his legacy. Tragically, he died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, but his music lives on through fans and tributes. You can dive deeper into his world at his official website, follow updates on his Facebook page, check out posts on Instagram, or join the conversation on X. Fans also gather at sites like SRV Fan Club and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect and share their love for this blues icon.