The Sky Is Crying

"The Sky Is Crying" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble is a soul-drenched blues classic that carries a weighty emotional resonance, especially for the Zoo Freaks tuning in to THE ZOO. This track, a cover of the Elmore James original, was one of Stevie’s favorites to perform, as noted in liner notes from the album’s biographer, Dan Forte. Stevie’s rendition, released posthumously in 1991 on the album of the same name, showcases his ability to wring every ounce of feeling from his guitar. In a 1985 interview with *Guitar World*, Stevie spoke about how he loved the raw, elemental quality of Elmore James’ slide guitar, which inspired him to infuse his version with a mix of reverence and his own fiery style. He recorded it in 1985 at Dallas Sound Lab, but it didn’t see release until after his tragic death, when his brother Jimmie Vaughan carefully compiled the album from unreleased tracks. Fans on Facebook often share stories of how this song’s mournful lyrics and searing solos hit them hardest during tough times, with one fan in the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club group calling it “the sound of a heart breaking in six strings.”

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s recording process. According to producer Richard Mullen in a 1991 *Rolling Stone* piece, Stevie laid down the track in a single take, with the band locked in so tightly it felt like they were channeling the stormy mood of the lyrics. The song’s intensity wasn’t just technical; it was personal. Stevie once told a radio interviewer in 1989 that playing blues like this was his way of “crying without tears,” a catharsis for life’s ups and downs. On X, fans still post clips of live performances where Stevie would stretch the song into a 10-minute jam, his guitar howling like the rain-soaked streets in the lyrics. The SRV Fanzine website has archived stories from concertgoers who saw him play it live, one recalling a 1986 show where Stevie dedicated it to “everyone who’s ever lost someone,” leaving the crowd in stunned silence.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s journey to becoming a blues legend began in Dallas, Texas, where he was born on October 3, 1954. Growing up, he was drawn to music through his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan, who played guitar and introduced him to the sounds of bluesmen like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. Stevie picked up the guitar at age seven, starting with a toy Sears model before graduating to hand-me-downs from Jimmie. By his teens, he was sneaking into clubs to watch local acts, absorbing every lick he could. He dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time, playing in bands like the Nightcrawlers and Paul Ray & the Cobras. In 1978, he formed Double Trouble with bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton, named after an Otis Rush song. Their gritty, electrified Texas blues caught attention, and by 1983, they landed a deal with Epic Records after a breakout performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Stevie’s blend of raw talent and relentless gigging made him a torchbearer for the ‘80s blues revival, though he always credited his heroes for lighting the way.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Stevie’s legacy lives on through his official website, packed with discography and archival photos. His Facebook page shares updates on reissues and tributes, while Instagram offers vintage performance shots and fan art. On X, the conversation stays lively with fans posting rare live videos and quotes. The SRV Fanzine is a treasure trove for diehards, with fan stories and detailed gear breakdowns. The Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club on Facebook is another spot where Zoo Freaks can connect, swapping memories and debating the best live version of “The Sky Is Crying.” Wherever you look, Stevie’s music keeps the blues alive for a new generation of freaks and geeks.