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When Stevie Ray Vaughan met Mick Jagger
Possibly the most-talked about guitarist of the ‘80’s, so far. Legend has it that Stevie Ray Vaughan and his band Double Trouble were discovered in a Dallas, Texas, club by some at the time bar-hopping team featuring Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It seems it all happened with a view to signing them for Rolling Stones Records, the Stones’ recording label at the time, but later on Mick turned them down, thinking that they would not sell enough records for it to be worthwhile.
Stevie Ray Vaughan: The Texan Torchbearer of Electric Blues
Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954-1990) was more than just a blues guitarist—he was a force of nature, a Texan whirlwind of electric blues who revived the genre in the 1980s. Armed with his beloved ’59 Fender Stratocaster, Vaughan channeled the deep soul of black blues legends while delivering the fiery intensity of his idol, Jimi Hendrix. But his musical prowess didn’t stop there—his talent for jazz instrumentals, particularly in his own compositions, proved his versatility. Despite releasing only four studio albums before his tragic death at 35, Vaughan cemented his place as one of the greatest blues and Tejano musicians of all time.
When Stevie Ray Vaughan Caught the Eyes of the Rolling Stones
One fateful night in a Dallas club, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble were setting the stage on fire with their electrifying blues. Among the crowd, enjoying a night out, were none other than Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who couldn’t help but take notice of Vaughan’s raw talent. The Rolling Stones, always on the lookout for fresh acts, were considering signing new artists for their label, Rolling Stones Records. For a moment, it seemed like Vaughan and his band might just land the deal of a lifetime.
Rumors swirled that Jagger was impressed enough to consider bringing them on board, envisioning a blues-driven act under the Stones’ wing. However, after some thought, he decided to pass, believing that Vaughan wouldn’t sell enough records to justify the investment. Looking back, that decision seems like a missed opportunity—because in just a few years, Stevie Ray Vaughan would become one of the most celebrated blues guitarists of all time.
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