Tell Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Tell Me" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their iconic debut album Texas Flood, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this blues-rock gem. One fascinating piece of trivia about "Tell Me" is its origin as a cover of a 1960s blues tune by Howlin’ Wolf, written by Chester Burnett. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s version, recorded in just two days in November 1982 at Jackson Browne’s Los Angeles studio, transforms the original with his fiery guitar work and soulful delivery. According to Double Trouble drummer Chris Layton in a 2023 Guitar World interview, the band approached the Texas Flood sessions like a live gig, with minimal takes and no overdubs, capturing the raw energy of their stage performances. Layton noted that songs like "Tell Me" were played just a couple of times in the studio, with the band relying on their instinctive chemistry to nail the track.

Another tidbit comes from the recording process itself. Engineer Richard Mullen, quoted in a 2023 Line 6 blog post, revealed that Vaughan used his beloved “Number One” Fender Stratocaster—often mistakenly called a ’59 but actually a 1962 model—for most of the album, including "Tell Me." The guitar’s worn-in tone, paired with a combination of Fender Vibroverb and Dumble amps miked closely with Shure SM57s, gave the song its distinctive bite. Fans on X often celebrate Texas Flood’s 1983 release as a turning point for blues, with posts like one from @crockpics in June 2023 asking followers for their favorite track, where "Tell Me" frequently gets shout-outs for its gritty groove and Vaughan’s expressive solos.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born Stephen Ray Vaughan on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, began his musical journey at age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan, a guitarist who later co-founded The Fabulous Thunderbirds. As detailed in his Wikipedia biography, young Stevie picked up the guitar and quickly developed a passion for blues, drawing from influences like Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and Buddy Guy. By his teens, he was playing in local bands, and in 1972, at 17, he dropped out of high school to move to Austin, a hub for live music. There, he honed his craft in clubs, gaining a loyal following with his intense performances. In 1978, he formed Double Trouble with bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton, and the trio’s chemistry solidified their reputation as Austin’s premier blues act. Their big break came in 1982 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where a standout performance caught the attention of Jackson Browne and producer John H. Hammond, leading to a record deal with Epic Records and the recording of Texas Flood.

Vaughan’s career was tragically cut short when he died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, but his legacy endures through his music and devoted fanbase. His official website, srvofficial.com, offers discography details, merchandise, and updates on posthumous releases. Fans can connect on social media via the official Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page, which shares archival photos and performance clips, and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Instagram, where posts highlight his gear and live moments. On X, the @SRVLegacy account keeps the community active with tributes and rare content. Fan-driven spaces thrive too, like the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can join over 20,000 members discussing his music, gear, and live bootlegs. Another fan site, srvarchive.com, provides a deep dive into his performances, setlists, and interviews, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to geek out over SRV’s blues mastery.