A Masterclass in Fandom
Even icons have their own idols. For the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan, no figure loomed larger than Albert King. The bond between the two was rare; while King was notoriously protective of his inner circle, he made an exception for the young, electrifying guitarist from Texas.
The depth of this admiration culminated in a night that has since passed into blues folklore. While playing a 'pass-the-hat' gig at a notorious Austin dive bar, Vaughan discovered that Albert King was playing at a different venue across town. He didn't hesitate.
Choosing the Hero Over the Stage
Vaughan was mid-performance when he made the decision to prioritize his education as a musician over his own set. He famously grabbed the microphone and addressed his audience: 'I’m gonna go see Albert King. If you got any brains, you will, too.' With that, he packed up his gear and left the stage to join his idol.
- Albert King was Stevie Ray Vaughan's primary musical influence.
- The two first met and performed together in 1976, forging a long-standing friendship.
- King was known for his distinct 'singing guitar' style and aggressive string bending on a Flying V.
- Their collaboration was immortalized years later in the 1983 'In Session' recording.
I play the singing guitar. That’s what I’ve always called it.
— Albert King
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
The relationship between King and Vaughan went beyond mere fandom. As noted in 'Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan,' King allowed Vaughan into his inner circle—an honor rarely bestowed upon other musicians at the time. Their connection wasn't just about technical skill; it was a mutual respect that defined the evolution of modern blues guitar.