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Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan
An instant New York Times bestseller!
The definitive biography of guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, with an epilogue by Jimmie Vaughan, and foreword and afterword by Double Trouble’s Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon.
Just a few years after he almost died from a severe addiction to cocaine and alcohol, a clean and sober Stevie Ray Vaughan was riding high. His last album was his most critically lauded and commercially successful. He had fulfilled a lifelong dream by collaborating with his first and greatest musical hero, his brother Jimmie. His tumultuous marriage was over and he was in a new and healthy romantic relationship. Vaughan seemed poised for a new, limitless chapter of his life and career.
Instead, it all came to a shocking and sudden end on August 27, 1990, when he was killed in a helicopter crash following a dynamic performance with Eric Clapton. Just 35 years old, he left behind a powerful musical legacy and an endless stream of What Ifs. In the ensuing 29 years, Vaughan’s legend and acclaim have only grown and he is now an undisputed international musical icon. Despite the cinematic scope of Vaughan’s life and death, there has never been a truly proper accounting of his story. Until now.
Texas Flood provides the unadulterated truth about Stevie Ray Vaughan from those who knew him his brother Jimmie, his Double Trouble bandmates Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton and Reese Wynans, and many other close friends, family members, girlfriends, fellow musicians, managers and crew members.
The definitive biography of guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, with an epilogue by Jimmie Vaughan, and foreword and afterword by Double Trouble’s Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon.
Just a few years after he almost died from a severe addiction to cocaine and alcohol, a clean and sober Stevie Ray Vaughan was riding high. His last album was his most critically lauded and commercially successful. He had fulfilled a lifelong dream by collaborating with his first and greatest musical hero, his brother Jimmie. His tumultuous marriage was over and he was in a new and healthy romantic relationship. Vaughan seemed poised for a new, limitless chapter of his life and career.
Instead, it all came to a shocking and sudden end on August 27, 1990, when he was killed in a helicopter crash following a dynamic performance with Eric Clapton. Just 35 years old, he left behind a powerful musical legacy and an endless stream of What Ifs. In the ensuing 29 years, Vaughan’s legend and acclaim have only grown and he is now an undisputed international musical icon. Despite the cinematic scope of Vaughan’s life and death, there has never been a truly proper accounting of his story. Until now.
Texas Flood provides the unadulterated truth about Stevie Ray Vaughan from those who knew him his brother Jimmie, his Double Trouble bandmates Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton and Reese Wynans, and many other close friends, family members, girlfriends, fellow musicians, managers and crew members.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 13, 2019
222 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Alan Paul
28 books103 followersAlan Paul's last two books have been instant New York Times bestsellers: One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band, and Texas Flood: the Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan. The latter has been optioned and is being developed for both documentary and feature films. His first book, Big in China: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues, and Becoming a Star in Beijing, is about his experiences raising an American family, forming a band and becoming an unlikely rock star in Beijing.
He also founded Friends of the Brothers, the premier celebration of the music of the Allman Brothers Band, featuring members of the Dickey Betts, Jaimoe and Gregg Allman bands. He is a regular guest on radio shows and a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal, Guitar World, and other publications. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Rebecca Blumenstein. They have three children.
Please visit www.alanpaul.net or www.facebook.com/alanpaulauthor.
He also founded Friends of the Brothers, the premier celebration of the music of the Allman Brothers Band, featuring members of the Dickey Betts, Jaimoe and Gregg Allman bands. He is a regular guest on radio shows and a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal, Guitar World, and other publications. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Rebecca Blumenstein. They have three children.
Please visit www.alanpaul.net or www.facebook.com/alanpaulauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 16, 2019
Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughn by Alan Paul is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
This book made me feel like I’d been invited to a memorial service for Stevie, with everyone who knew and loved him, either personally or professionally gathered around sharing intimate memories of Stevie’s life from their own unique perspective.
I remember when Stevie died, perhaps more vividly than I might have because of a death in my own family just days before. Despite my personal grief, I was still in utter shock and disbelief. Yet, it would be years down the road before I was able to truly absorb the magnitude of his loss and the incredible void he left in the world of music.
This book is not written in the traditional biographical format. The presentation is unique, a compilation of interviews, reflections, and recollections.
I loved it!! Memories are so subjective. Sometimes people remembered events differently or had differences of opinion.
That gave the book a realistic quality and made me feel as though nothing was being glossed over or sugarcoated or left out, because at the end of the day we all experience events in different ways. Anything too pat, might be circumspect. This material came straight from the mouths of the participants. Their words were pure, unedited with no way to put a spin on it.
I think it is the unique layout of the book that gives it such a personal and emotional atmosphere. I admired the way the author assembled the information, letting those who were there, tell the story chronologically. Using this unconventional approach took some extreme organizational skills, and the author pulled it off quite nicely.
Over the years, the little details of Stevie’s life have slipped from my consciousness. This book brought back a few memories for me, not just musically, but geographically, since Stevie was a home- grown talent. There are so many talented blues artists, so many guitar heroes out there, but no one could touch Stevie Ray Vaughn. The guy was electrifying. It wasn’t just his skill- There was an aura around him, a presence, that spilled over his live performances casting a spell over his awed audience.
I miss Stevie a lot. I often wonder just how far he would have traveled musically and personally, as well. His life was clicking into place, coming together on all fronts. He was blazing hot with nowhere else to go but up. His death was a tragedy of epic proportions, only made worse by the knowledge that it was preventable. Hearing the various artists reflect on that fateful decision reiterates the senselessness of it, only compounding the loss even more.
In some ways, though, this book was cathartic for me. I never really got to grieve this loss has I have other artists who left an indelible mark on me. I enjoyed hearing these heartfelt, humorous, honest, harrowing, poignant, and inspirational stories about Stevie, learning a few details about his career I didn’t know, or had forgotten about over time. But mostly this book was a reminder of what a great talent Stevie was and how grateful I am for the influence he had on me and my great love affair with pure blues.
The sky is still crying….
This book made me feel like I’d been invited to a memorial service for Stevie, with everyone who knew and loved him, either personally or professionally gathered around sharing intimate memories of Stevie’s life from their own unique perspective.
I remember when Stevie died, perhaps more vividly than I might have because of a death in my own family just days before. Despite my personal grief, I was still in utter shock and disbelief. Yet, it would be years down the road before I was able to truly absorb the magnitude of his loss and the incredible void he left in the world of music.
This book is not written in the traditional biographical format. The presentation is unique, a compilation of interviews, reflections, and recollections.
I loved it!! Memories are so subjective. Sometimes people remembered events differently or had differences of opinion.
That gave the book a realistic quality and made me feel as though nothing was being glossed over or sugarcoated or left out, because at the end of the day we all experience events in different ways. Anything too pat, might be circumspect. This material came straight from the mouths of the participants. Their words were pure, unedited with no way to put a spin on it.
I think it is the unique layout of the book that gives it such a personal and emotional atmosphere. I admired the way the author assembled the information, letting those who were there, tell the story chronologically. Using this unconventional approach took some extreme organizational skills, and the author pulled it off quite nicely.
Over the years, the little details of Stevie’s life have slipped from my consciousness. This book brought back a few memories for me, not just musically, but geographically, since Stevie was a home- grown talent. There are so many talented blues artists, so many guitar heroes out there, but no one could touch Stevie Ray Vaughn. The guy was electrifying. It wasn’t just his skill- There was an aura around him, a presence, that spilled over his live performances casting a spell over his awed audience.
I miss Stevie a lot. I often wonder just how far he would have traveled musically and personally, as well. His life was clicking into place, coming together on all fronts. He was blazing hot with nowhere else to go but up. His death was a tragedy of epic proportions, only made worse by the knowledge that it was preventable. Hearing the various artists reflect on that fateful decision reiterates the senselessness of it, only compounding the loss even more.
In some ways, though, this book was cathartic for me. I never really got to grieve this loss has I have other artists who left an indelible mark on me. I enjoyed hearing these heartfelt, humorous, honest, harrowing, poignant, and inspirational stories about Stevie, learning a few details about his career I didn’t know, or had forgotten about over time. But mostly this book was a reminder of what a great talent Stevie was and how grateful I am for the influence he had on me and my great love affair with pure blues.
The sky is still crying….
July 26, 2019
"Well you've heard about love givin' sight to the blind
My baby's lovin' cause the sun to shine
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy
Yeah I love my baby, my heart and soul
Love like ours won't never grow old
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy
Yeah I love my baby, she's long and lean
You mess with her, you'll see a man gettin' mean
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy
Well I love my baby like the finest wine
Stick with her until the end of time
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy"
By Stevie Ray Vaughan.
I discovered the magic of Stevie Ray about the same time in 1983 as the rest of America when he rose to fame on the strength of his soloing on Bowie's Let's Dance and the release of Texas Flood with its raw excitement. He was the King of the Texas Blues, and he was a rocket 🚀 that fell out of the sky - literally- before reaching his full height. He joined Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman and so many others whose immeasurable talent vanished in a moment.
Texas Flood is Stevie's story, told through the eyes of those who knew him best, narrative interspersed with interviews of friends, family, and bandmates. It captures his childhood when he focused on nothing but guitars. He was the young skinny kid who could play like nobody's business and nothing much else mattered to him. Surprisingly, it was his older brother, Jimmie, who became famous first and in whose shadow young Stevie dwelled. It also wasn't till, his late twenties that Stevie caught on big. Till then he trucked from gig to gig, living out of someone's van. His early music years included highlights in great blues clubs but getting booed as an opening act. He paid his dues for years.
Even becoming known didn't lead to success financially as the band was poorly managed, and the record companies weren't really into promoting a blues act. And, much of the cash went into drugs and alcohol that consumed everything. Eventually, he surprised the world by going cold stone sober for four years until his demise.
This book offers the positive and the negative, a well-rounded portrait that offers so much detail many of us fans weren't aware of. Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
My baby's lovin' cause the sun to shine
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy
Yeah I love my baby, my heart and soul
Love like ours won't never grow old
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy
Yeah I love my baby, she's long and lean
You mess with her, you'll see a man gettin' mean
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy
Well I love my baby like the finest wine
Stick with her until the end of time
She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy
She's my sweet little baby, I'm her little lover boy"
By Stevie Ray Vaughan.
I discovered the magic of Stevie Ray about the same time in 1983 as the rest of America when he rose to fame on the strength of his soloing on Bowie's Let's Dance and the release of Texas Flood with its raw excitement. He was the King of the Texas Blues, and he was a rocket 🚀 that fell out of the sky - literally- before reaching his full height. He joined Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman and so many others whose immeasurable talent vanished in a moment.
Texas Flood is Stevie's story, told through the eyes of those who knew him best, narrative interspersed with interviews of friends, family, and bandmates. It captures his childhood when he focused on nothing but guitars. He was the young skinny kid who could play like nobody's business and nothing much else mattered to him. Surprisingly, it was his older brother, Jimmie, who became famous first and in whose shadow young Stevie dwelled. It also wasn't till, his late twenties that Stevie caught on big. Till then he trucked from gig to gig, living out of someone's van. His early music years included highlights in great blues clubs but getting booed as an opening act. He paid his dues for years.
Even becoming known didn't lead to success financially as the band was poorly managed, and the record companies weren't really into promoting a blues act. And, much of the cash went into drugs and alcohol that consumed everything. Eventually, he surprised the world by going cold stone sober for four years until his demise.
This book offers the positive and the negative, a well-rounded portrait that offers so much detail many of us fans weren't aware of. Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
August 30, 2020
Well-structured book about the life of Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954-1990) arranged in chronological order, including his childhood in Dallas, learning to play guitar, bands, the Austin music scene, rise to fame, albums, tours, management issues, drug and alcohol abuse, songwriting, relationships, and friendships. It is focused on the development of his artistic expression.
The authors are journalists. They have interviewed people who knew Stevie Ray well, along with some that bumped shoulders with him musically. They have strung together excerpts of these interviews into a cohesive account of major events in his life. Telling Stevie Ray’s story through the lens of the people who knew him works amazingly well in providing insight into what he was like as a person, his musical growth, damage done by his substance abuse, and the improvement in his life once he obtained sobriety.
Musicians will appreciate the technical details in this book, such as tuning the guitar a half step down and some of the techniques he used to coax expressive sounds from his guitar. Blues (or blues-rock) fans will enjoy the side stories of many blues artists that played with him or influenced his musical direction. Those dealing with substance abuse issues will find inspiration for recovery. There is something here for almost anyone interested in the life of a musical virtuoso.
The authors are journalists. They have interviewed people who knew Stevie Ray well, along with some that bumped shoulders with him musically. They have strung together excerpts of these interviews into a cohesive account of major events in his life. Telling Stevie Ray’s story through the lens of the people who knew him works amazingly well in providing insight into what he was like as a person, his musical growth, damage done by his substance abuse, and the improvement in his life once he obtained sobriety.
Musicians will appreciate the technical details in this book, such as tuning the guitar a half step down and some of the techniques he used to coax expressive sounds from his guitar. Blues (or blues-rock) fans will enjoy the side stories of many blues artists that played with him or influenced his musical direction. Those dealing with substance abuse issues will find inspiration for recovery. There is something here for almost anyone interested in the life of a musical virtuoso.
November 7, 2023
First off, I'm a HUGE Stevie Ray Vaughan fan. Loved his music and style (and, OH GOD...that tone) for as long as I can remember. Is, was and always will be my favorite guitarist.
With that being said, going into this book with a decent amount of knowledge on SRV through the years, I was happy to see several things. The closeness of friends and outsiders to Stevie and the people who really helped him turn his life around, and their stories, were very touching. Also, hearing first hand accounts from Shannon, Layton, and Bramhall(s) provided a new view of what life and the road felt like. Overall, the interviews and quotes were done rather nicely, however, in multiple areas of the book, you would have one quote from one person and go right into the same quote from another. Personally, I think that became a little redundant.
Major downside the book, and the reason I only gave it 3 stars...lack of the author's narrative. Other than a few spots in the book (usually at the beginning of a new chapter), the author fails to really provide any story line. Almost all of this is done through the quotes, leaving the book to feel like an extended Guitar Magazine tribute. As much as I enjoyed most of the interviews, more backstory with the author putting his own personal touch to the book would have been nice.
My favorite part of the book, however, does stem from one particular interview...that being with Jimmy Vaughan, Stevie's brother. The loss of his brother, at a pinnacle time in their careers where they were really wanting to do more together, it was beautiful to hear the words of pride and loving from Jimmy...you can truly feel the heartbreak and loss in his quotes.
Overall, the book was informative and decently put together, however, I would have still liked to see a more personal approach from the author. Long live SRV!!!
With that being said, going into this book with a decent amount of knowledge on SRV through the years, I was happy to see several things. The closeness of friends and outsiders to Stevie and the people who really helped him turn his life around, and their stories, were very touching. Also, hearing first hand accounts from Shannon, Layton, and Bramhall(s) provided a new view of what life and the road felt like. Overall, the interviews and quotes were done rather nicely, however, in multiple areas of the book, you would have one quote from one person and go right into the same quote from another. Personally, I think that became a little redundant.
Major downside the book, and the reason I only gave it 3 stars...lack of the author's narrative. Other than a few spots in the book (usually at the beginning of a new chapter), the author fails to really provide any story line. Almost all of this is done through the quotes, leaving the book to feel like an extended Guitar Magazine tribute. As much as I enjoyed most of the interviews, more backstory with the author putting his own personal touch to the book would have been nice.
My favorite part of the book, however, does stem from one particular interview...that being with Jimmy Vaughan, Stevie's brother. The loss of his brother, at a pinnacle time in their careers where they were really wanting to do more together, it was beautiful to hear the words of pride and loving from Jimmy...you can truly feel the heartbreak and loss in his quotes.
Overall, the book was informative and decently put together, however, I would have still liked to see a more personal approach from the author. Long live SRV!!!
May 12, 2019
This book was interesting to me because I was around to watch Stevie Ray's early career. I knew that he came from a hard place, and I watched him play in the Abraxas Club in Waco when we were both youngsters. I moved to Austin in 1975, and lived down the street from the Rome Inn so I could see him play with Double Trouble anytime. It's interesting that he has become such a folk hero. No doubt he was talented. The book is mainly interviews with musicians that played with him, and the portrait painted is of a sweet, kind-hearted and dedicated musician. Yeah, there was lots of drugs and alcohol at the clubs in those days too.
June 29, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
TEXAS FLOOD by Alan Paul and Andy Aledort is a phenomenal biography of Stevie Ray Vaughan that hits on every level, including interviews with those closest to him, and especially his brother Jimmie, Stevie’s biggest inspiration and original guitar hero.
Alan Paul is the author of the well respected biography of the Allman Brothers, “One Way Out”, & Andy Aledort is a fine guitarist with a wealth of historical knowledge of all of the famous blues and rock guitarists of the 60’s and 70’s, and is also valuable source of information on Stevie Ray Vaughan, of course.
Interviews with an extensive list of those with inside knowledge into the life of both Jimmie and Stevie, as well as a wealth of information provided by Double Trouble (Shannon, Layton, & Wynans), and of course brother Jimmie (and others) makes this the best book that I’ve seen to date on the life of the late great guitarist.
Andy Aledort has always been one of my favorite guitar instructors in both video and tablature, and his articles in guitar magazines have always been among my favorites with his knowledge of the instrument, playing styles, and focus on the important players that have shaped blues & rock guitar throughout history. His knowledge makes this book a special treat for guitarists interested in all aspects of Stevie’s techniques, influences, equipment, and everything that went into making him the legend that he is.
Highly recommended for all Stevie Ray Vaughan fans, but especially for guitarists.
5 stars.
TEXAS FLOOD by Alan Paul and Andy Aledort is a phenomenal biography of Stevie Ray Vaughan that hits on every level, including interviews with those closest to him, and especially his brother Jimmie, Stevie’s biggest inspiration and original guitar hero.
Alan Paul is the author of the well respected biography of the Allman Brothers, “One Way Out”, & Andy Aledort is a fine guitarist with a wealth of historical knowledge of all of the famous blues and rock guitarists of the 60’s and 70’s, and is also valuable source of information on Stevie Ray Vaughan, of course.
Interviews with an extensive list of those with inside knowledge into the life of both Jimmie and Stevie, as well as a wealth of information provided by Double Trouble (Shannon, Layton, & Wynans), and of course brother Jimmie (and others) makes this the best book that I’ve seen to date on the life of the late great guitarist.
Andy Aledort has always been one of my favorite guitar instructors in both video and tablature, and his articles in guitar magazines have always been among my favorites with his knowledge of the instrument, playing styles, and focus on the important players that have shaped blues & rock guitar throughout history. His knowledge makes this book a special treat for guitarists interested in all aspects of Stevie’s techniques, influences, equipment, and everything that went into making him the legend that he is.
Highly recommended for all Stevie Ray Vaughan fans, but especially for guitarists.
5 stars.
August 12, 2019
First, let me say that I am a fan of his music and I still listen to his music and his brothers who just came out with a new CD. I liked this book in that I felt everyone associated with were honest in their stories about Stevie Ray Vaughn. The people around him management wise and the members of his band. They were honest about the drug and alcohol abuse and how he almost died before he got help. Hearing these stories were just sad. I really enjoyed this book even though I knew that at the end he was going to parish in that helicopter crash. To think that he was finally sober and his last album was probably some of his best work. It is a wonder to think what or where he could have gone. It is hard for me to put into words what I felt reading this book since I am a huge blues fan still listening to the blues. I still hear Reese Wynans since he plays keyboards for Joe Bonamassa and he also came out with his own album a month ago. The parts I really liked were the ones by his brother Jimmy and from the band members. For me, this was an outstanding book from beginning to end and there are a few interviews with Stevie taken from various interviews he did which add to the story. Overall a very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 13, 2019
"Guitar was Stevie's language, and he spoke it beautifully." -BB King
I'm a big fan so I was really looking forward to this one. No big surprises or scandals here if you're already familiar with SRV's story. Like the title says, it's "The Inside Story," meaning that it's mainly a compilation of direct quotes from people who knew and worked with him. This makes for some great insights (like BB's quote above) and lots of sentiment, but it also feels a little clunky at times in sections that are nothing but one short quote after another about a specific topic or incident.
Great pictures are included throughout, and two full sections of color photographs are a highlight of this one.
Taken as a whole it's a success story about an aspiring star who became really good, but then fell into the cliche of drugs and alcohol. Then he made the conscious decision to clean up and stay clean, and he went from really good musician to legend- but sadly still died too young anyway.
I'm a big fan so I was really looking forward to this one. No big surprises or scandals here if you're already familiar with SRV's story. Like the title says, it's "The Inside Story," meaning that it's mainly a compilation of direct quotes from people who knew and worked with him. This makes for some great insights (like BB's quote above) and lots of sentiment, but it also feels a little clunky at times in sections that are nothing but one short quote after another about a specific topic or incident.
Great pictures are included throughout, and two full sections of color photographs are a highlight of this one.
Taken as a whole it's a success story about an aspiring star who became really good, but then fell into the cliche of drugs and alcohol. Then he made the conscious decision to clean up and stay clean, and he went from really good musician to legend- but sadly still died too young anyway.
March 19, 2019
Absolutely wonderful story of a guitar legend, told by the ones that knew him best. Being born and raised in Austin Texas, SRV was a household name - we loved him because he inspired the community through music and brought us all together. I was only 16 when he died and all of Austin (which was so small at the time) grieved their friend and neighbor. He was like NO other and we missed him. Thank you SO much for telling his final story and giving us joy into this passionate artist. ~Robin
September 23, 2019
Less so a narrative story and more a collection of interviews strung together. I listened to the audiobook version and it was particularly choppy. The speaker changes 4-5 times a minute and some quotes are only a few words long.
Still I felt that I was getting a true picture of the man by the people who knew him best.
Still I felt that I was getting a true picture of the man by the people who knew him best.
June 26, 2020
As a long-time fan of SRV, I was really stoked to start this one, especially after reading the overwhelmingly positive reviews here.
While I did end up liking Texas Flood, it was not at all what I expected... The format of this book is very unorthodox; It begins like many other books, with an introduction and a developing narrative. It then abruptly switches gears and takes on a different format. The book is then almost exclusively hundreds of quotes; from all the people close to SRV, and even SRV himself. It is written as if most of the central figures in his life were gathered together, commenting various tidbits in short paragraphs. Thankfully, this unorthodox style moves in a chronological fashion, otherwise, it would have been too much.
Texas Flood tells the story of SRV; his music, his life, his relationship with his brother Jimmie, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, as well as his newfound zest for life and sobriety near the end of his young life. It also mentions the horrible helicopter crash that prematurely ended the life of this musical prodigy.
Reading the other reviews here, the unusual format of this book doesn't appear to be a sticking point for most other people. It was a bit for me, unfortunately. I would have preferred a more conventional telling of the life of SRV.
In any case, as mentioned, I did still enjoy the book, and would recommend it.
3.5 stars.
While I did end up liking Texas Flood, it was not at all what I expected... The format of this book is very unorthodox; It begins like many other books, with an introduction and a developing narrative. It then abruptly switches gears and takes on a different format. The book is then almost exclusively hundreds of quotes; from all the people close to SRV, and even SRV himself. It is written as if most of the central figures in his life were gathered together, commenting various tidbits in short paragraphs. Thankfully, this unorthodox style moves in a chronological fashion, otherwise, it would have been too much.
Texas Flood tells the story of SRV; his music, his life, his relationship with his brother Jimmie, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, as well as his newfound zest for life and sobriety near the end of his young life. It also mentions the horrible helicopter crash that prematurely ended the life of this musical prodigy.
Reading the other reviews here, the unusual format of this book doesn't appear to be a sticking point for most other people. It was a bit for me, unfortunately. I would have preferred a more conventional telling of the life of SRV.
In any case, as mentioned, I did still enjoy the book, and would recommend it.
3.5 stars.
September 12, 2019
I will forever be grateful to the friend who invited me last minute to see a Huey Lewis and the News concert in 1984 as I'd have never otherwise seen the amazing Stevie Ray Vaughan and DoubleTrouble open for them. Sadly I never caught one of his shows again before his untimely death in '90. This book offered several SRV anecdotes I'd never before heard and provided an enjoyable few days of nostalgia.
October 22, 2019
I should say that I approached this more as a guitar student looking for info, rather than as an SRV fan. Interesting enough, reads like an extended Guitar Player article/tribute (not surprising, given the author), but it's probably 95% biography focused--fueled pretty exclusively by people who loved him--rather than digging into the music. Which is fine if that's what you're looking for.
SRV was basically a monomaniac: from an early age, he was 100% focused on guitar and music, and became great in that sphere...while not being all that great at managing anything in his life outside of that. Then drugs and alcohol took over, then recovery. Tragic, relatively early death, especially sad since he seemed like a kind, sweet man who had finally put his life on track.
SRV was basically a monomaniac: from an early age, he was 100% focused on guitar and music, and became great in that sphere...while not being all that great at managing anything in his life outside of that. Then drugs and alcohol took over, then recovery. Tragic, relatively early death, especially sad since he seemed like a kind, sweet man who had finally put his life on track.
June 3, 2019
Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan by Alan Paul is a comprehensive and enjoyable biography of SRV. Disclosure: I am a big fan, saw him about 17-20 times, and still feel very sad when I think too much about his death rather than his life.
This is a unique way to write a biography and took a few pages to get used to, but it ended up being a very compelling way to have his story told. Most biographies have the narrative provided almost entirely by the writer, with periodic quotes or allusions to comments others made. It is what we are used to and I think some readers may be put off by not having the story of his life laid out in a simple format. Here, the story is still there, Paul tells a little of the story, mostly contextualizing a period or moment in SRV's life, then lets those who knew him best actually tell the details of the story. Paul writes a lot more than some readers seem to have noticed, but they likely skimmed and missed the actual structure. The wonderful part of this style is that it felt less like someone did a bunch of research then tried to make it all into a story. Rather, it is like sitting around with all these friends, family, and other musicians and every time Paul moves the story forward they all share their memories from that time. I found it to be every bit as organized as the usual method and far more personal.
This is a nice mix of being about both his life and his music. Many biographies focus more heavily on one or the other when writing about an entertainer. I think Paul leans slightly toward the music side but not to the detriment of SRV's life as a whole. He includes details about guitars and amps but if you're not into those details they are not obtrusive, usually a sentence or less whenever a new piece of equipment is introduced. And lets be honest, in SRV's life the guitars were full fledged characters.
If there is a drawback to this style it leaves less room for speculation on the part of the biographer. That suits me just fine here since I don't want a lot of conjecture about hows and whys, I just wanted to gain some more insight into the life and music of SRV. But if you like biographies to include some speculation about aspects of the person's life, often psychologically based opinions, you might consider this a bit of a negative.
I would highly recommend this to fans of SRV as well as those who might like to read a lesser used form of telling a celebrity's life.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a unique way to write a biography and took a few pages to get used to, but it ended up being a very compelling way to have his story told. Most biographies have the narrative provided almost entirely by the writer, with periodic quotes or allusions to comments others made. It is what we are used to and I think some readers may be put off by not having the story of his life laid out in a simple format. Here, the story is still there, Paul tells a little of the story, mostly contextualizing a period or moment in SRV's life, then lets those who knew him best actually tell the details of the story. Paul writes a lot more than some readers seem to have noticed, but they likely skimmed and missed the actual structure. The wonderful part of this style is that it felt less like someone did a bunch of research then tried to make it all into a story. Rather, it is like sitting around with all these friends, family, and other musicians and every time Paul moves the story forward they all share their memories from that time. I found it to be every bit as organized as the usual method and far more personal.
This is a nice mix of being about both his life and his music. Many biographies focus more heavily on one or the other when writing about an entertainer. I think Paul leans slightly toward the music side but not to the detriment of SRV's life as a whole. He includes details about guitars and amps but if you're not into those details they are not obtrusive, usually a sentence or less whenever a new piece of equipment is introduced. And lets be honest, in SRV's life the guitars were full fledged characters.
If there is a drawback to this style it leaves less room for speculation on the part of the biographer. That suits me just fine here since I don't want a lot of conjecture about hows and whys, I just wanted to gain some more insight into the life and music of SRV. But if you like biographies to include some speculation about aspects of the person's life, often psychologically based opinions, you might consider this a bit of a negative.
I would highly recommend this to fans of SRV as well as those who might like to read a lesser used form of telling a celebrity's life.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
July 24, 2019
My husband has been a big fan of Stevie Ray Vaughn since back in the early days of his career, so when I noticed this book was due out the same week as his birthday, I decided to ask for the advance read and see if it would make a great birthday gift.
I will definitely be buying it when it hits the stores. One advantage of having the book instead of the ebook is the pictures. I always think the pictures look better in a print book and there are quite a few pictures throughout the book.
I really didn’t know too much about Stevie, other than some of his top hits, so I found the story of his early life so interesting. He had such a wonderful relationship with his older brother Jimmie and it was nice that they both shared the same talent for music.
There were many names mentioned throughout the book and it was a bit difficult to keep track of who everyone was, even with the index. The story is mostly told through interviews of people involved in Stevie’s life in some way—from band members to family and friends.
Midway through the book, as Stevie became more famous, he slipped into heavy drug and alcohol abuse. I found this portion of the book really sad, especially because his band members were living the same dangerous lifestyle.
Evidently Stevie had a purpose in life other than just being a famous guitar player. Stevie got clean by doing the 12 step program and became very dedicated to staying sober. He poured everything into his life of sobriety in the same way he poured everything into his guitar playing.
Because of his dedication, he was a role model to others in the music business. He encouraged many friends on the path to getting sober and during the time he had left on earth, he lived his life to the fullest.
It’s so fitting that his last album was the one he recorded with his brother Jimmie. That album was very special to both of them and they had plans to do more work together in the future, which unfortunately was not to be.
I read the last few chapters of the book while listening to Stevie’s music, which reinforced all the comments from musicians as to how talented a guitar player Stevie Ray Vaughn had become. Be sure to have some tissues handy near the end of the book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to review an advance copy and give an honest review.
I will definitely be buying it when it hits the stores. One advantage of having the book instead of the ebook is the pictures. I always think the pictures look better in a print book and there are quite a few pictures throughout the book.
I really didn’t know too much about Stevie, other than some of his top hits, so I found the story of his early life so interesting. He had such a wonderful relationship with his older brother Jimmie and it was nice that they both shared the same talent for music.
There were many names mentioned throughout the book and it was a bit difficult to keep track of who everyone was, even with the index. The story is mostly told through interviews of people involved in Stevie’s life in some way—from band members to family and friends.
Midway through the book, as Stevie became more famous, he slipped into heavy drug and alcohol abuse. I found this portion of the book really sad, especially because his band members were living the same dangerous lifestyle.
Evidently Stevie had a purpose in life other than just being a famous guitar player. Stevie got clean by doing the 12 step program and became very dedicated to staying sober. He poured everything into his life of sobriety in the same way he poured everything into his guitar playing.
Because of his dedication, he was a role model to others in the music business. He encouraged many friends on the path to getting sober and during the time he had left on earth, he lived his life to the fullest.
It’s so fitting that his last album was the one he recorded with his brother Jimmie. That album was very special to both of them and they had plans to do more work together in the future, which unfortunately was not to be.
I read the last few chapters of the book while listening to Stevie’s music, which reinforced all the comments from musicians as to how talented a guitar player Stevie Ray Vaughn had become. Be sure to have some tissues handy near the end of the book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to review an advance copy and give an honest review.
August 11, 2019
I originally received a copy of this title for review from NetGalley, and have nominated it as a 2020
selection for the Texas Library Association's Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List (https://txla.org/tools-resources/read...).
With "Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan," author Andy Aledort stated that his goal was to write "the kind of book Stevie deserved, one that would honor his memory appropriately and also tell the story of a life filled with triumph and with no lack of adversity and personal difficulties to overcome." He and co-author Alan Paul have succeeded in their endeavor; music lovers and fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan will appreciate this book, which offers first-hand insight into Stevie's life and what shaped his music, and often reads like a conversation between family and friends about a beloved member who was taken too soon.
Of note is the fact that the book's foreword and afterword were written by Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble bandmates Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, respectively, with the epilogue written by Vaughan's brother, famed musician Jimmie Vaughan. That the people who knew and loved Stevie Ray Vaughan best entrusted authors Aledort and Paul to tell his story is also noteworthy: the authors themselves are musicians and fans of Vaughan, with author Aledort having interviewed Vaughan multiple times for Guitar World magazine, and author Paul having interviewed and worked closely with Jimmie Vaughan. These interviews, interwoven with those from Stevie Ray Vaughan's family, friends, and fellow musicians, help to tell Vaughan's story in his absence.
Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan
selection for the Texas Library Association's Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List (https://txla.org/tools-resources/read...).
With "Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan," author Andy Aledort stated that his goal was to write "the kind of book Stevie deserved, one that would honor his memory appropriately and also tell the story of a life filled with triumph and with no lack of adversity and personal difficulties to overcome." He and co-author Alan Paul have succeeded in their endeavor; music lovers and fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan will appreciate this book, which offers first-hand insight into Stevie's life and what shaped his music, and often reads like a conversation between family and friends about a beloved member who was taken too soon.
Of note is the fact that the book's foreword and afterword were written by Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble bandmates Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, respectively, with the epilogue written by Vaughan's brother, famed musician Jimmie Vaughan. That the people who knew and loved Stevie Ray Vaughan best entrusted authors Aledort and Paul to tell his story is also noteworthy: the authors themselves are musicians and fans of Vaughan, with author Aledort having interviewed Vaughan multiple times for Guitar World magazine, and author Paul having interviewed and worked closely with Jimmie Vaughan. These interviews, interwoven with those from Stevie Ray Vaughan's family, friends, and fellow musicians, help to tell Vaughan's story in his absence.
Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan
August 15, 2019
I received a free electronic copy of this excellent biography from Netgalley, Alan Paul and Andy Aledort, and St. Martin's Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
August 27, 1990, was a sad day for the world of the blues and rock, and for Texans in particular. Stevie Ray Vaughan was ours, homegrown, and is still mourned today in the Hill Country and beyond. It was doubly heartfelt because in the early '80s we almost lost him to drugs and alcohol, but Stevie pulled himself out of that pit with heart and pure guts and was still the shy, sweet guy we knew before. His music grew to fill a whole genre of his own before his untimely death and is still popular with people of all ages, all genres.
Alan Paul, with help from Andy Aledort, members of Double Trouble and Jimmy Vaughan and his band The Fabulous Thunderbirds brings us a well researched, broad overview of the life and times of Stevie Ray. This book is essential reading for those who were raised up in the Country/Rock and Blues/Rock growth in the 1970s and 1980s, and those younger listeners who have 'found' those Blues titans of that time - most lost much too soon, one way or another. All will be missed. SRV is still mourned.
Pub date Aug 13, 2019
St. Martin's Press
Reviewed August 14, 2019, at Goodreads, Netgalley, SmileAmazon, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and PlayGoogle.
August 27, 1990, was a sad day for the world of the blues and rock, and for Texans in particular. Stevie Ray Vaughan was ours, homegrown, and is still mourned today in the Hill Country and beyond. It was doubly heartfelt because in the early '80s we almost lost him to drugs and alcohol, but Stevie pulled himself out of that pit with heart and pure guts and was still the shy, sweet guy we knew before. His music grew to fill a whole genre of his own before his untimely death and is still popular with people of all ages, all genres.
Alan Paul, with help from Andy Aledort, members of Double Trouble and Jimmy Vaughan and his band The Fabulous Thunderbirds brings us a well researched, broad overview of the life and times of Stevie Ray. This book is essential reading for those who were raised up in the Country/Rock and Blues/Rock growth in the 1970s and 1980s, and those younger listeners who have 'found' those Blues titans of that time - most lost much too soon, one way or another. All will be missed. SRV is still mourned.
Pub date Aug 13, 2019
St. Martin's Press
Reviewed August 14, 2019, at Goodreads, Netgalley, SmileAmazon, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and PlayGoogle.
April 13, 2019
I got an ADC from Netgalley for review.
I was working as a part-time receptionist at the local heritage rock station in town the day the news broke about the helicopter crash. I had seen SRV with Jeff Beck in the fall on that Fire & Fury tour, friends got me a ticket for my 19th birthday. Stevie was the first rock star *I* loved that died. It was really hard reading this book and getting near the end, knowing what that end was. I had to put it down for awhile at times to compose myself before going on...
The authors did him right. Interviews with all the major players and loved ones in SRV's life. I knew Stevie was in recovery before the end, but I had NO idea how truly ugly his rock bottom was. I also did not know how many people he inspired to go into recovery after he got sober. Inspired not by preaching, but by just being himself: the loving genius that he always was underneath the pickling of his body.
Nearly 30 yrs later, its still a loss I'm not over. Like Layne Stayle, or Bowie, or Prince, or Carrie Fisher, or Freddie Mercury, or Michael Hutchence, or Teena Marie, or Koko Taylor, or Gerald Levert, or Heavy D, or Davy Jones, or Tupac, or...
Recommended for music fans, especially those who know who the 3 Kings are and can identify them simply from hearing a riff.
I was working as a part-time receptionist at the local heritage rock station in town the day the news broke about the helicopter crash. I had seen SRV with Jeff Beck in the fall on that Fire & Fury tour, friends got me a ticket for my 19th birthday. Stevie was the first rock star *I* loved that died. It was really hard reading this book and getting near the end, knowing what that end was. I had to put it down for awhile at times to compose myself before going on...
The authors did him right. Interviews with all the major players and loved ones in SRV's life. I knew Stevie was in recovery before the end, but I had NO idea how truly ugly his rock bottom was. I also did not know how many people he inspired to go into recovery after he got sober. Inspired not by preaching, but by just being himself: the loving genius that he always was underneath the pickling of his body.
Nearly 30 yrs later, its still a loss I'm not over. Like Layne Stayle, or Bowie, or Prince, or Carrie Fisher, or Freddie Mercury, or Michael Hutchence, or Teena Marie, or Koko Taylor, or Gerald Levert, or Heavy D, or Davy Jones, or Tupac, or...
Recommended for music fans, especially those who know who the 3 Kings are and can identify them simply from hearing a riff.
August 6, 2019
I will start off by saying I’m a huge SRV fan so I really liked this book. I have lived in Austin since 1981 so this book was full of nostalgia for me. It brought back a lot of memories of forgotten clubs and good times with friends when we would go to see either of the Vaughn brothers play, and that was a lot. Back when Austin was still Austin. This book is a great tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn but also to Jimmy, too. I liked hearing all the people talking about the brothers and their relationships. Back in the day Austin was a close knit community especially with musicians and the club going crowd so like I said this book made me very nostalgic and reminded me of the good old days in Austin. The only thing that was lacking was more narrative from the authors. I liked reading all the interviews but it was a little bit impersonal and anecdotal. I would have liked a little more detail and in true biographical style, a little more personalization to get a feel for SRV the person. I think this book illustrates SRV the musician but doesn’t let us get to know the person and that was a little disappointing. I still love this book but wish it had a little more warmth. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
https://youtu.be/IZG8GyyXrKo
https://youtu.be/IZG8GyyXrKo
May 23, 2019
Stevie Ray Vaughan is arguably one of the greatest guitar players in recent history, and this is his story. Told in narration and dialogue (interviews) with some of his family, friends, fellow musicians, and admirers, this is a typical biography of a celebrated musician, We get glimpses into his early life, his first gigs, his relationships with family & others, and his life on the road.
I generally enjoy celebrity biographies, even when they are not of high literary quality. This one has some merit, but it is definitely for the true SRV fan, not someone like me who is familiar with his work, but not fanatic about it. There are notes on his equipment and playing style that will definitely interest those who want to emulate his style, and there are tidbits about LOTS of other celebrities that piqued my interest, but I didn't find it compelling reading on the whole. Certainly others will enjoy this tribute, but it was just "so-so" for me.
I generally enjoy celebrity biographies, even when they are not of high literary quality. This one has some merit, but it is definitely for the true SRV fan, not someone like me who is familiar with his work, but not fanatic about it. There are notes on his equipment and playing style that will definitely interest those who want to emulate his style, and there are tidbits about LOTS of other celebrities that piqued my interest, but I didn't find it compelling reading on the whole. Certainly others will enjoy this tribute, but it was just "so-so" for me.
August 21, 2019
I received a free electronic copy of Texas Flood from Netgalley, Alan Paul and Andy Aledort, and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for the opportunity!
First of all I LOVE Stevie Ray Vaughn. So you can imagine my excitement at getting to read this prior to release. This book was written so well that most times it felt I was right beside Stevie himself. It is truly amazing how easy it is to forget these icons we love so much having families and lives outside of fame. By reading this book I was able to get a look on the inside. I commend all the people that had involvement in making this biography come alive. Thank you for the excellent read and personal look into music legend!
First of all I LOVE Stevie Ray Vaughn. So you can imagine my excitement at getting to read this prior to release. This book was written so well that most times it felt I was right beside Stevie himself. It is truly amazing how easy it is to forget these icons we love so much having families and lives outside of fame. By reading this book I was able to get a look on the inside. I commend all the people that had involvement in making this biography come alive. Thank you for the excellent read and personal look into music legend!
October 4, 2019
I wasn't too interested in this for a good 2/3ds of the book. The interview snippet style of telling the story has worked for other rock and roll biographies, such as the biography of Warren zevon by his wife Crystal, but it didn't work so well here. I'm happy to have some more background on how the albums came to be, but I wouldn't recommend this to a friend who wanted the same information.
He casts a long shadow on guitar playing still. I remember the morning after the helicopter accident and, living in Chicago, I had a friend who had seen him two nights before. Such a tragedy. RIP, SRV
He casts a long shadow on guitar playing still. I remember the morning after the helicopter accident and, living in Chicago, I had a friend who had seen him two nights before. Such a tragedy. RIP, SRV
February 22, 2020
It drills deep, to the point of being a “reference” book. The problem is just that; no storyline with a narrative that is near absent. Rather, it’s a hardback collection of quotes that moderately relate to each other with little to no story line. I didn’t finish it and won’t. Very let down. But, if you’re doing research on SRV it would have high reference value.
December 2, 2019
I've been a fan of Stevie's since his first album "Texas Flood" came out back in 1983 (the year I started playing guitar). So very little in this book was new to me. Except how unhappy and stupid they were for a majority of their run.
The best part of this book was all the information about Jimmie Vaughan (Stevie's brother who played in the Fabulous Thunderbirds. I'm a Huge fan of his. More-so than Stevie's). And hearing about Jimmie and Stevie recording the "Family Style" (1990) album was very cool. Simply amazing and heart-warming that they got that done before Stevie died in his helicopter crash at Alpine Valley Wisconsin on August 27, 1990.
It was also great hearing about Stevie's guitars and amps and concert experiences. I'm still not a fan of him blending 10 amplifiers together to try and get the perfect sound (all I hear is poorly phased guitar issues - at times).
And it's not fair that Stevie basically played at the volume of a Military Jet taking off on a nightly basis --- while the rest of us have to play quieter than Grandma's old washing machine. I have no idea how he sang over that?
I missed the opportunity to see him in Toronto back in 1989. Oh well!
That bad part of this book is all the drugs and stupidity. About 15 years worth. It's not fair that people can poison themselves almost to death daily - and survive and thrive till they are moments from fully decaying... while the rest of us get cancer and numerous other illnesses from living and working and being responsible. I have zero sympathy for Rockstar Celebrity behavior.
The good news is that Stevie and his band woke up before it was too late. And had a few good years to get their crap and family affairs in order.
The part I was most curious about in this book was their Keyboardist Reese Wynans (and guest appearances from David Grissom and Warren Haynes and Doyle Bramhall II). Reese walked into an insane situation of drugs and abuse and bad business situations - and horrendous Volume. And nobody liked it when he questioned all the retarded behavior he saw (especially business behavior).
And as always: Stevie and his crew were stupid with money - and then blamed everyone else after blowing endless thousands of dollars on serious drugs and alcohol and instruments. They couldn't figure out why they were indebt: WHAT?! Cocaine and cars and fancy hotels and limo's aren't Free? Rockstars should have to pass some sort of intelligence test.
The book also tries to make Stevie out to be some wise religious guru. NO, just no. What little you learn from AA is enough to get you a spiritual cup of coffee.
strangely: the book never mentions any money the band makes from album sales. I was curious. Although i'm pretty sure they blew it all on the next studio recording while Stevie experimented endlessly with amps and quirky recordings. (Big Budget studio's aren't free or even reasonably cheap -- most rockstars are clueless about this. And how Record Deals are really just bank loans that you can never pay back).
But, Great Book. A joy to read.
The best part of this book was all the information about Jimmie Vaughan (Stevie's brother who played in the Fabulous Thunderbirds. I'm a Huge fan of his. More-so than Stevie's). And hearing about Jimmie and Stevie recording the "Family Style" (1990) album was very cool. Simply amazing and heart-warming that they got that done before Stevie died in his helicopter crash at Alpine Valley Wisconsin on August 27, 1990.
It was also great hearing about Stevie's guitars and amps and concert experiences. I'm still not a fan of him blending 10 amplifiers together to try and get the perfect sound (all I hear is poorly phased guitar issues - at times).
And it's not fair that Stevie basically played at the volume of a Military Jet taking off on a nightly basis --- while the rest of us have to play quieter than Grandma's old washing machine. I have no idea how he sang over that?
I missed the opportunity to see him in Toronto back in 1989. Oh well!
That bad part of this book is all the drugs and stupidity. About 15 years worth. It's not fair that people can poison themselves almost to death daily - and survive and thrive till they are moments from fully decaying... while the rest of us get cancer and numerous other illnesses from living and working and being responsible. I have zero sympathy for Rockstar Celebrity behavior.
The good news is that Stevie and his band woke up before it was too late. And had a few good years to get their crap and family affairs in order.
The part I was most curious about in this book was their Keyboardist Reese Wynans (and guest appearances from David Grissom and Warren Haynes and Doyle Bramhall II). Reese walked into an insane situation of drugs and abuse and bad business situations - and horrendous Volume. And nobody liked it when he questioned all the retarded behavior he saw (especially business behavior).
And as always: Stevie and his crew were stupid with money - and then blamed everyone else after blowing endless thousands of dollars on serious drugs and alcohol and instruments. They couldn't figure out why they were indebt: WHAT?! Cocaine and cars and fancy hotels and limo's aren't Free? Rockstars should have to pass some sort of intelligence test.
The book also tries to make Stevie out to be some wise religious guru. NO, just no. What little you learn from AA is enough to get you a spiritual cup of coffee.
strangely: the book never mentions any money the band makes from album sales. I was curious. Although i'm pretty sure they blew it all on the next studio recording while Stevie experimented endlessly with amps and quirky recordings. (Big Budget studio's aren't free or even reasonably cheap -- most rockstars are clueless about this. And how Record Deals are really just bank loans that you can never pay back).
But, Great Book. A joy to read.
October 4, 2019
Towards the end of the book, former Double Trouble drummer, Chris Layton and Denny Freeman, a member of one of Stevie Ray's earlier bands, talk about how since Stevie Ray Vaughan's death, the guitarist had been elevated to sainthood, seen as a "pristine, Christ-like figure". They then proceed to say he wasn't; that he had faults like anyone else. That might be true, but you hardly get that impression from this biography.
The book is told primarily through quotes from interviews of various SRV insiders - people who were his friends and allies. No one who had a problem with Stevie, if such a person exists, were spoken to, or were interviewed, were not quoted. Any time anything negative us mentioned, the interviewee is quick to walk it back by noting that Stevie had a sweetness, boyishness about him, that it was quickly forgiven. The portrait is that of someone who never harmed anyone, never hurt anyone's feelings, never truly got angry at anybody. Stevie Ray Vaughan is portrayed as a "pristine, Christ-like" figure, a saint. Even during the period of his heaviest drug use, he did no wrong. Or nothing seriously wrong, anyway.
This isn't to say "Texas Flood" is a terrible book. It is well-written and full of great inside information for we the fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan. I especially appreciate the details surrounding SRV's nearly touring with David Bowie. I'm not sure the previous two SRV bios went into such details clarifying the situation. (It's been too many years since I've read them.)
There are many excellent photos in the book, most not printed in the other two SRV bios. Unfortunately, many that are printed on the written pages, rather than the two photo sections, tend to be grainy and look a bit faded.
Still, despite any problems I have with it, "Texas Flood" is a book all Stevie Ray Vaughan fans should read.
The book is told primarily through quotes from interviews of various SRV insiders - people who were his friends and allies. No one who had a problem with Stevie, if such a person exists, were spoken to, or were interviewed, were not quoted. Any time anything negative us mentioned, the interviewee is quick to walk it back by noting that Stevie had a sweetness, boyishness about him, that it was quickly forgiven. The portrait is that of someone who never harmed anyone, never hurt anyone's feelings, never truly got angry at anybody. Stevie Ray Vaughan is portrayed as a "pristine, Christ-like" figure, a saint. Even during the period of his heaviest drug use, he did no wrong. Or nothing seriously wrong, anyway.
This isn't to say "Texas Flood" is a terrible book. It is well-written and full of great inside information for we the fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan. I especially appreciate the details surrounding SRV's nearly touring with David Bowie. I'm not sure the previous two SRV bios went into such details clarifying the situation. (It's been too many years since I've read them.)
There are many excellent photos in the book, most not printed in the other two SRV bios. Unfortunately, many that are printed on the written pages, rather than the two photo sections, tend to be grainy and look a bit faded.
Still, despite any problems I have with it, "Texas Flood" is a book all Stevie Ray Vaughan fans should read.
September 29, 2019
Would've rather read an autobiography but this is good enough. I liked the first half of the book when they tell about how he became famous... the last part of the book was rather made up of a lot of comments about how great he was... which is obviously true but a bit boring.
November 1, 2023
BEST book written about the great SRV
October 8, 2019
This was hard to read in my opinion since it was in a conversation format. There are a lot of people included in the dialogue and it made it difficult to follow conversations and locations.
August 28, 2019
This is a great book for anybody who was/is a fan of SRV, kick-ass guitar playing or popular music in general. Guitar players will appreciate the detailed lists of his equipment in the appendix.
More than just a narrative retelling of the facts, the authors use snippets from interviews over the course of many years with friends, bandmates, family, fellow musicians, even Vaughan himself, to recount the important events in his life.
This strategy effectively illustrates multiple sides of the story and keeps the narrative humming along, never losing its pace or the reader's interest. I'm a slow reader but finished this book in eight days!
Reading the interviews of different participants recounting their stories gives the reader a wider perspective on the events in question. It also demonstrates how differently direct participants in an event recount the details after the fact.
Fans like me know the general story of his slow but steady rise to fame and the sad dramatic end to his life. Nobody who lived in Austin, TX in the late 1980s and early 90s could have missed it. Hearing him on vinyl or CDs was one thing; seeing him live took appreciation of his music to a higher plane. I count the two times I saw him perform live as among the greatest concerts I have attended in 45+ years of watching live music.
The strength of this book is the back story about the non-musical parts of his life, e.g., his childhood and early years before national and international fame, his complicated personal life, and the near-universal recognition of his kindness, generosity and love for those around him.
During his lifetime, the guitar gods recognized his unique talent and sought him out to play with them. What we learn from this book is that he was as good a person, even when not sober, as he was a guitar player.
Clearly it's a tragedy when anybody dies in a helicopter crash. However, Vaughan's early death took away one of the all-time great guitar players, just reaching his zenith after freeing himself from the clutches of years of drug and alcohol addiction.
That so few have anything negative to say about him, even those with whom he had disagreements, bad business experiences, or people fired from his retinue, is a strong testament to how unaffected SRV was by fame and glory. All he wanted to do was play the guitar. Luckily for us, him memory lives on in CDs, videos and books like this.
More than just a narrative retelling of the facts, the authors use snippets from interviews over the course of many years with friends, bandmates, family, fellow musicians, even Vaughan himself, to recount the important events in his life.
This strategy effectively illustrates multiple sides of the story and keeps the narrative humming along, never losing its pace or the reader's interest. I'm a slow reader but finished this book in eight days!
Reading the interviews of different participants recounting their stories gives the reader a wider perspective on the events in question. It also demonstrates how differently direct participants in an event recount the details after the fact.
Fans like me know the general story of his slow but steady rise to fame and the sad dramatic end to his life. Nobody who lived in Austin, TX in the late 1980s and early 90s could have missed it. Hearing him on vinyl or CDs was one thing; seeing him live took appreciation of his music to a higher plane. I count the two times I saw him perform live as among the greatest concerts I have attended in 45+ years of watching live music.
The strength of this book is the back story about the non-musical parts of his life, e.g., his childhood and early years before national and international fame, his complicated personal life, and the near-universal recognition of his kindness, generosity and love for those around him.
During his lifetime, the guitar gods recognized his unique talent and sought him out to play with them. What we learn from this book is that he was as good a person, even when not sober, as he was a guitar player.
Clearly it's a tragedy when anybody dies in a helicopter crash. However, Vaughan's early death took away one of the all-time great guitar players, just reaching his zenith after freeing himself from the clutches of years of drug and alcohol addiction.
That so few have anything negative to say about him, even those with whom he had disagreements, bad business experiences, or people fired from his retinue, is a strong testament to how unaffected SRV was by fame and glory. All he wanted to do was play the guitar. Luckily for us, him memory lives on in CDs, videos and books like this.
August 7, 2020
Stevie Ray Vaughan is apart of my childhood. I grew up with his music pulsing through our living room stereo, and I remember members of my parents rock band trying to emulate the incredibly talented blues guitarists during sunny Sunday afternoon jam sessions.
I still see August 27, 1990 vividly through nine year old eyes. I remember both my mom and dad beside themselves with grief, like a member of our family had passed away, and in a way they did. Stevie's music and talent had a way of touching lives far and wide and since he was a fellow Texan, I believe there was an unspoken kinship to the man, among other similarities. Us Texan's are proud of our own.
At the time, I didn't understand the tears, or why my parents left a photo of SRV on my moms keyboards in our living room for months after his death but, years later, I believe I have a better understanding, especially after reading Texas Flood.
Hearing about a life by those that lived that life with that person is unique, and that's exactly what Texas Flood is all about. Raw and real, you get a glimpse of who Stevie was at his core, his rise to stardom by those who were by his side, his long-time battle with drugs and alcohol, and the amazing story of him overcoming his demons, and finally going clean, only to be killed at the peak of his life on a plane that he wasn't supposed to be on. Oh those damn airplanes! So many of the greats lost by the same fate.
Stevie is buried in Dallas at the same graveyard as my cousin, who died before I was born. Visiting his grave reminds me just how close I feel to the rocker that I never got to meet, yet is apart of me. Reading Texas Flood brought me even closer to the legend, and for that I am grateful. He was an amazing talent that deserves to be remembered not only for his music but for the man that he was.
I cannot recommend this biography enough! I can honestly say that I've never read such a wonderfully unique tribute, and I am so happy to be reviewing this incredible work on my dad's 60th birthday! Happy Birthday Dad!!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
I still see August 27, 1990 vividly through nine year old eyes. I remember both my mom and dad beside themselves with grief, like a member of our family had passed away, and in a way they did. Stevie's music and talent had a way of touching lives far and wide and since he was a fellow Texan, I believe there was an unspoken kinship to the man, among other similarities. Us Texan's are proud of our own.
At the time, I didn't understand the tears, or why my parents left a photo of SRV on my moms keyboards in our living room for months after his death but, years later, I believe I have a better understanding, especially after reading Texas Flood.
Hearing about a life by those that lived that life with that person is unique, and that's exactly what Texas Flood is all about. Raw and real, you get a glimpse of who Stevie was at his core, his rise to stardom by those who were by his side, his long-time battle with drugs and alcohol, and the amazing story of him overcoming his demons, and finally going clean, only to be killed at the peak of his life on a plane that he wasn't supposed to be on. Oh those damn airplanes! So many of the greats lost by the same fate.
Stevie is buried in Dallas at the same graveyard as my cousin, who died before I was born. Visiting his grave reminds me just how close I feel to the rocker that I never got to meet, yet is apart of me. Reading Texas Flood brought me even closer to the legend, and for that I am grateful. He was an amazing talent that deserves to be remembered not only for his music but for the man that he was.
I cannot recommend this biography enough! I can honestly say that I've never read such a wonderfully unique tribute, and I am so happy to be reviewing this incredible work on my dad's 60th birthday! Happy Birthday Dad!!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
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