Hard to Be

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Hard to Be" by The Vaughan Brothers from their album Family Style! This track, a hot rock shuffle, kicks off the album with a bang, showcasing the electric chemistry between brothers Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. One cool tidbit from a Music Enthusiast post reveals Jimmie saying, “We didn’t have anything to compare this project to. We were a ‘new artist’... There were a lot of times where I was thinking of something to do and Stevie would already be doing it.” This speaks to their almost telepathic connection, rooted in their shared blood and influences. The song’s taut energy, as noted by fans, captures the brothers’ playful vibe, with some listeners on Amazon praising its fun, witty execution, making it a standout for Stevie Ray fans.

Another piece of trivia comes from the recording process, where the brothers, under producer Nile Rodgers, switched things up. According to Music Enthusiast, they deliberately avoided their usual bandmates, bringing in fresh players like bassist Al Berry and drummer Larry Aberman to create a new sound. A fan on Reddit mentioned a rumor that on the album’s final track, “Brothers,” the Vaughans shared a single guitar, passing it back and forth like they did as kids, though this hasn’t been fully verified. For “Hard to Be,” the track’s infectious bounce, as highlighted on Rate Your Music, makes it hard to resist, with some fans noting it’s a perfect blend of both brothers’ styles, even if Stevie’s fiery solos often steal the show.

The Vaughan Brothers, Jimmie and Stevie Ray, hail from Dallas, Texas, where they were born in 1951 and 1954, respectively. As kids, they were inseparable from their guitars, with Stevie picking up the instrument inspired by his older brother Jimmie. According to Last.fm, Jimmie started gigging in Dallas and Austin, eventually forming The Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1974, blending blues with rock and roll. Stevie, meanwhile, developed his blistering style in Austin’s club scene, forming Double Trouble and skyrocketing to fame with albums like Texas Flood. Their paths converged for Family Style, recorded in 1990, but tragically, Stevie died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, just before the album’s release, making it his final studio work.

For more on The Vaughan Brothers, check out Jimmie Vaughan’s official website for updates on his solo career, as Stevie’s legacy continues through archival releases. Follow Jimmie on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and tour dates. Fans can dive deeper at Stevie Ray Vaughan’s official site, which honors his music and legacy. Join the community on the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans Facebook group or explore SRV Fan Club for tributes, rare photos, and discussions. Zoo Freaks, keep those vibes high and stay tuned for more from the Zoo Crew!