Telephone Song

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Telephone Song" by The Vaughan Brothers from their iconic album Family Style. This track, a standout from the 1990 release, is an elegant blues shout with screaming guitar breaks that showcase the electrifying chemistry between Stevie Ray Vaughan and his older brother Jimmie Vaughan. One juicy tidbit from the recording sessions reveals the brothers’ playful side: they were known to swap a single guitar cable back and forth, and you can hear the clunk of it being yanked and plugged in during tracks like "Brothers" on the same album, a vibe that carries into the raw energy of "Telephone Song." Critics and fans alike, including a reviewer on MusicMeter, have praised Stevie’s spettering solos on this song, noting how his guitar work elevates it to a level reminiscent of his solo albums. The song’s production by Nile Rodgers, known for his work with David Bowie and Madonna, adds a polished yet fiery edge, making it a fan favorite for its blend of blues grit and pop accessibility.

The making of Family Style, which includes "Telephone Song," was a deeply personal project for the Vaughan Brothers. Stevie Ray had long dreamed of recording with Jimmie, a wish he expressed in his early years, as noted in the album’s liner notes that end with the heartfelt “Thanks Mama V. for letting us play.” Tragically, this was Stevie’s final studio performance, recorded in spring 1990 across Dallas, Memphis, and New York, and released just a month after his death in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990. Jimmie later shared in a Music Enthusiast interview, “There were a lot of times where I was thinking of something to do and Stevie would already be doing it. I guess it comes from having the same blood, growing up together and having a lot of the same influences.” This sibling synergy is palpable in "Telephone Song," where their guitars dance in perfect harmony, a testament to their shared roots and mutual respect.

The Vaughan Brothers, comprised of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan, were born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where their love for music took root. Jimmie, born in 1951, picked up the guitar first, inspiring his younger brother Stevie, born in 1954, to follow suit during childhood. Jimmie honed his skills in various Dallas and Austin bands before co-founding The Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1974 with singer Kim Wilson. The band’s R&B-infused blues led to a deal with Chrysalis Records and hits like “Tuff Enuff” in 1986. Stevie, meanwhile, moved to Austin in 1973, playing with groups like the Nightcrawlers and the Cobras before forming Triple Threat, which evolved into Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble by 1978. His breakthrough came at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival, catching the attention of Jackson Browne and David Bowie, leading to a contract with Epic Records and the release of Texas Flood in 1983, a landmark blues album.

Both brothers carved distinct paths in the blues-rock revival of the 1980s, with Stevie’s fiery, Hendrix-inspired style and Jimmie’s smoother, R&B-leaning approach. Their collaboration on Family Style was a dream realized after years of their bands sharing stages, as Jimmie left The Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1989 to make it happen. The album, produced without their usual bands, allowed them to explore new sounds, with "Telephone Song" showcasing Stevie’s soulful vocals and Jimmie’s inventive lap steel textures. Fans can dive deeper into their legacy on Stevie Ray Vaughan’s official website, follow updates on his Facebook, check out Jimmie Vaughan’s official website and Facebook, or connect with The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ Facebook. Instagram fans can explore Jimmie’s posts at @jimmievaughan, while X users can follow Jimmie Vaughan and The Fabulous Thunderbirds for the latest news.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, there are vibrant communities online. The Stevie Ray Vaughan Fan Club on Facebook is a hub for enthusiasts sharing stories, photos, and tributes, while the Stevie Ray Vaughan Fans group offers a space for discussions about his music and legacy. Fan-run sites like SRV Archive provide detailed discographies, interviews, and rare photos, perfect for diving into the Vaughan Brothers’ world. While The Vaughan Brothers as a duo don’t have dedicated social media, Jimmie’s active presence and Stevie’s enduring fanbase keep their spirit alive. So, crank up "Telephone Song," feel those blistering riffs, and let the Zoo Crew take you on a bluesy ride with the Vaughan Brothers!