Taxman

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy pals at THE ZOO radio station, spinnin’ the wax that makes your soul dance! Right now, we’re crankin’ up “Taxman” by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, a smokin’ cover from their 1995 compilation album Greatest Hits, not The Sky Is Crying as some might think—our apologies for the mix-up! This track, originally penned by George Harrison for The Beatles in 1966, got a blues-rock makeover by SRV, with his fiery guitar riffs and that gritty Texas swagger. Fun fact: this was a previously unreleased gem when it dropped on Greatest Hits, giving fans a fresh taste of Stevie’s genius years after his tragic passing. In a 1995 interview with Billboard, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie’s brother and the album’s compiler, shared that “Taxman” was a favorite in the studio, with Stevie channeling his inner Hendrix to make it his own. The band reportedly jammed to it during sessions for In Step, but it stayed in the vault until Jimmie handpicked it for the compilation.

Now, let’s talk about the magic behind this tune. According to a post on the official Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page, fans went wild when “Taxman” hit the airwaves, praising how Stevie’s blistering solos transformed the Beatles’ classic into a blues-rock anthem. Some Zoo Freaks might not know that Stevie was a huge Beatles fan, and covering “Taxman” was his way of tipping his hat to their influence while adding his signature Stratocaster sting. A fan on the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group shared a story about hearing “Taxman” live in a rare 1989 performance, where Stevie allegedly improvised a solo so wild it left the crowd howling for more. Sadly, no official recording of that moment exists, but it’s the kind of legend that keeps the SRV spirit alive!

Let’s rewind to how Stevie Ray Vaughan got his start, ‘cause this cat was born to shred. Born October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, Stevie picked up a guitar at age seven, inspired by his big brother Jimmie. As a kid, he was obsessed with blues giants like Albert King, Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix, teaching himself by ear since he couldn’t read music. By his teens, he was gigging in Dallas clubs, dropping out of high school to chase the dream. In 1978, he formed Double Trouble with drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon, naming the band after an Otis Rush tune. Their big break came in 1982 when they blew minds at the Montreux Jazz Festival, catching the eye of David Bowie, who tapped Stevie for his Let’s Dance album. Signed to Epic Records in 1983, they dropped Texas Flood, and the rest is history—Stevie became a blues-revival icon, selling out shows and earning gold records.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into SRV’s world, check out the official Stevie Ray Vaughan website for discography and merch. Stay connected on socials at the Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook, Stevie Ray Vaughan Instagram, and Stevie Ray Vaughan X for updates and throwback posts. Fans are keepin’ the vibe alive at the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group and sites like SRV Fan Club, where you’ll find stories, rare photos, and more. Keep rockin’, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep Stevie’s legacy burnin’ bright!