Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan first met in December 1978

Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan first met in December 1978 when they both performed at a music festival in Canada. At the time, Vaughan was an up-and-coming blues guitarist who had recently formed his band, Double Trouble, while King was a seasoned blues veteran who had been active since the 1950s.

Vaughan was a huge fan of King’s music and had even played some of his songs in his early gigs. When Vaughan learned that King was also on the bill for the festival, he was excited to meet him. After their respective performances, the two guitarists ended up jamming together backstage, and they quickly hit it off.

The following year, in 1979, King invited Vaughan to open for him on a tour of the United States. The tour was a great success, and the two guitarists played together every night, often jamming on each other’s songs. This tour cemented their friendship and musical collaboration, and they continued to play together at various gigs and festivals throughout the 1980s.

Unfortunately, both Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan died relatively young. King passed away in 1992 at the age of 69, while Vaughan died in a helicopter crash in 1990 at the age of 35. Despite their untimely deaths, their legacy as two of the greatest blues guitarists of all time lives on through their recordings and the memories of their fans.

Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan are both legendary blues guitarists who left an indelible mark on the music world. Although they were born more than a generation apart and came from different parts of the United States, their lives had some striking similarities.

Albert King was born in Indianola, Mississippi in 1923, and moved to Arkansas as a child. He started playing the guitar at a young age, and was heavily influenced by blues legends such as Lonnie Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson. King was known for his distinct style of playing, which featured heavy use of bends and vibrato. He released his first record in 1953, and went on to become a major influence on many rock guitarists, including Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. King passed away in 1992 at the age of 69.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born in Dallas, Texas in 1954, was also heavily influenced by the blues. He grew up listening to his older brother Jimmie’s extensive record collection, which included blues greats such as Albert King, Freddie King, and B.B. King. Vaughan started playing the guitar as a child, and by the age of 17 he was playing in clubs around Austin, Texas. His virtuosic playing style quickly caught the attention of the music world, and he went on to become one of the most influential guitarists of the 1980s. Vaughan tragically died in a helicopter crash in 1990, at the age of 35.

Both Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan had families of their own, and both experienced significant loss during their lives. King’s wife, Mary, passed away in 1970, leaving him to raise their seven children on his own. He also tragically lost his son in a car accident in 1986. Vaughan struggled with drug addiction for much of his adult life, and his brother Jimmie also battled addiction. Vaughan himself passed away in a helicopter crash while on tour in Wisconsin, leaving behind his wife and two young children.

Despite the challenges and tragedies they faced, both Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan left a lasting impact on the music world through their virtuosic playing, distinct styles, and influential recordings. Their contributions to blues and rock music continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians today.

Family and friends of Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan have often spoken fondly of the two guitarists and their impact on the music industry.

Albert King was known for his warm personality and his love of performing. He was dedicated to his craft and always worked hard to put on the best possible shows for his fans. His family and friends have described him as a kind and generous man who loved to share his music with others.

Stevie Ray Vaughan was also known for his dedication to his craft, as well as his intense passion for music. He was described by many as a humble and down-to-earth person who always remained true to his roots. His family and friends have spoken about his incredible talent and his unwavering commitment to his music.

Overall, both Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan were respected and admired by those who knew them. They were dedicated to their music and their fans, and their legacies continue to inspire musicians and fans around the world.

Albert King’s top songs include:

1. “Born Under a Bad Sign”
2. “Crosscut Saw”
3. “As The Years Go Passing By”
4. “I’ll Play the Blues for You”
5. “Oh, Pretty Woman”
6. “Laundromat Blues”
7. “The Hunter”
8. “Personal Manager”
9. “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home”
10. “Blues Power”

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s top songs include:

1. “Texas Flood”
2. “Pride and Joy”
3. “The Sky is Crying”
4. “Cold Shot”
5. “Couldn’t Stand the Weather”
6. “Tightrope”
7. “Scuttle Buttin'”
8. “Love Struck Baby”
9. “Crossfire”
10. “Little Wing” (a Jimi Hendrix cover)

These songs continue to be beloved by fans of both musicians and are considered to be some of the greatest blues songs of all time.