Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the wax and diving deep into the bluesy vibes of Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble from their killer 1984 album Couldn’t Stand the Weather. This track, a blazing cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic, is a masterclass in guitar wizardry. Stevie Ray Vaughan, in a 1985 interview, said, “I love Hendrix’s music ... and I just feel it’s important for people to hear him,” showing his mission to keep Hendrix’s legacy alive. Critics like Sam Kemp from Far Out magazine noted that Vaughan made the song his own, smoothing out Hendrix’s wilder edges while keeping its raw power. Guitar World’s Damian Fanelli praised Vaughan’s ability to deliver Hendrix’s avant-garde blues to a new generation, making this track a bridge between eras. Posts on X from fans like @historyrock_ echo this, saying, “Jimi Hendrix would be proud,” especially of Vaughan’s scorching 1989 Austin City Limits performance.

Now, let’s talk trivia that’ll make you feel the groove. Vaughan’s version, clocking in at just over eight minutes, was recorded in January 1984 at the Power Station in New York City during a whirlwind 19-day session. Unlike Hendrix’s effects-heavy original, Vaughan’s take is raw and live-feeling, with minimal studio trickery. Iron Riot points out the tight interplay between Vaughan, bassist Tommy Shannon, and drummer Chris Layton, noting how the rhythm section’s groove gives the track a menacing punch. Fun fact: wrestler Hulk Hogan used this song as his theme music during his time leading the nWo faction in WCW, adding a wild pop culture twist. Fans on Facebook groups like Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans often rave about live versions, like the one from Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985, for its dark, funky edge. The song’s raw energy even landed it in the film Black Hawk Down, proving its cinematic swagger.

Let’s rewind to how Stevie Ray Vaughan got his start, Zoo Freaks. Born in Dallas, Texas, on October 3, 1954, Vaughan picked up the guitar at age seven, inspired by his older brother, Jimmie Vaughan, a blues rock legend in his own right. By his teens, Stevie was sneaking into clubs to watch blues giants like Albert King and Buddy Guy, soaking up their soul. In 1972, he dropped out of high school and moved to Austin, where he hustled gigs in the vibrant club scene. By 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 at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival, where a fiery performance caught the ear of David Bowie, leading to Vaughan’s guitar work on Bowie’s Let’s Dance. Their debut album, Texas Flood, dropped in 1983, and by the time Couldn’t Stand the Weather hit in 1984, Vaughan was a blues rock titan, blending Hendrix’s fire with Texas grit.

For more on Stevie Ray Vaughan, check out his official website at srvofficial.com. You can vibe with fans on social media via the official Stevie Ray Vaughan Facebook page, Instagram, and X accounts, where tributes and rare clips keep the legend alive. Fan communities are thriving, too—join the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group or visit srvfanclub.com for deep dives into his gear, shows, and legacy. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO as we let Vaughan’s Voodoo Child (Slight Return) chop down the mountain and raise a little sand!