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Jimmie Vaughan, born in 1951 in Dallas, Texas, is a distinguished blues guitarist and singer who started his professional music career in the late 1960s. He initially performed with various Texas-based bands before forming Storm in the early 1970s. Vaughan gained widespread recognition as a member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds before departing the band in 1990 to focus on his solo career. Since then, he has released six studio albums, including Strange Pleasure (1994), Out There (1998), and Baby, Please Come Home (2019). His solo work blends traditional blues with rock and R&B influences, showcasing his distinct and subtle guitar style, deeply rooted in the classic blues tradition.
In addition to his studio albums, Vaughan has released live recordings, such as Live at C-Boy’s (2017) with the Jimmie Vaughan Trio, and several compilations, including The Pleasure’s All Mine (The Complete Blues, Ballads & Favorites Sessions) (2020) and The Jimmie Vaughan Story (2021). His 2019 album Baby, Please Come Home earned him the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2020, underscoring his enduring influence on the blues genre. Vaughan’s ability to maintain a solid presence in the blues community has allowed him to remain an important figure on both national and international stages.
Jimmie Vaughan is also the older brother of the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan, and their relationship is a significant aspect of his career. Both brothers emerged from Dallas, Texas, to become key figures in the blues world. Jimmie had a formative influence on Stevie Ray’s early musical development, though they pursued separate paths in the music industry. In 1990, the brothers collaborated on the album Family Style, which was released shortly after Stevie Ray’s tragic death in a helicopter crash. This collaboration stands as a testament to their deep musical bond.
Over the years, Vaughan’s bands have included notable musicians such as organist Mike Flanigin and drummer Barry “Frosty” Smith. While his solo work may not have reached the commercial heights of his earlier career, it remains highly respected within the blues community, and Vaughan continues to be admired for his dedication to the genre.
JIMMY VAUGHAN STUDIO ALBUMS
Strange Pleasure
Released 1994
Strange Pleasure marks Jimmie Vaughan’s first solo album after leaving the Fabulous Thunderbirds. This engaging debut showcases a blend of blues, rock, and jazz, enriched by Vaughan’s crisp guitar work and compelling vocals. The album includes a poignant tribute to his late brother, Stevie Ray Vaughan, in the song “Six Strings Down.”
This album featured notable musicians such as bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer George Rains, with production by Nile Rodgers. It was recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin, Texas, during the early months of 1994.
CD Track Listings:
- “Boom-Bapa-Boom” – 3:34
- “Don’t Cha Know” – 3:12
- “Hey-Yeah” – 3:15
- “Flamenco Dancer” – 3:57
- “(Everybody’s Got) Sweet Soul Vibe” – 3:46
- “Tilt A Whirl” – 3:29
- “Six Strings Down” – 4:20
- “Just Like Putty” – 3:11
- “Two Wings” – 3:00
- “Love the World” – 4:07
- “Strange Pleasure” – 3:47
Out There
Released 1998
Out There continues Jimmie Vaughan’s exploration of blues-infused rock music, offering a more experimental approach than his previous works. The album features a rich array of guest musicians and showcases Vaughan’s matured guitar skills and musical versatility.
Recorded at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles, California, with production handled by Jimmie Vaughan himself, this album encapsulates a refined sound. It was recorded over several sessions between late 1997 and early 1998.
CD Track Listings:
- “Like a King” – 4:02
- “Lost in You” – 4:08
- “Out There” – 3:44
- “Can’t Say No” – 3:48
- “The Ironic Twist” – 4:16
- “Positively Meant to Be” – 3:51
- “Motor Head Baby” – 3:40
- “Kinky Woman” – 3:32
- “Astral Projection Blues” – 3:48
- “Little Son, Big Sun” – 6:14
Do You Get The Blues?
Released 2001
Do You Get The Blues? dives deeper into the emotional and soulful aspects of the blues. The album is celebrated for its introspective lyrics and profound musical arrangements, highlighting Vaughan’s growth as a songwriter and musician.
The recording took place at Pedernales Studio in Spicewood, Texas, produced by Jimmie Vaughan himself, during the mid-2000. This album particularly shines with its moody atmospheres and intricate guitar work.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dirty Girl” – 4:22
- “Out of the Shadows” – 4:46
- “The Deep End” – 4:19
- “Power of Love” – 3:49
- “Without You” – 3:53
- “Let Me In” – 3:45
- “Don’t Let the Sun Set” – 5:27
- “Robbin’ Me Blind” – 3:38
- “Slow Dance Blues” – 4:40
- “Planet Bongo” – 3:24
- “Do You Get the Blues?” – 5:13
On The Jimmy Reed Highway
Released 2007
On The Jimmy Reed Highway is a collaborative effort between Jimmie Vaughan and Omar Kent Dykes, dedicated to celebrating the music of blues legend Jimmy Reed. The album revisits classic blues with a fresh and energetic approach, emphasizing the foundational rhythms and lyrical simplicity that characterized Reed’s style.
The recording includes contributions from other musicians such as Lou Ann Barton on backing vocals, and Ronnie James on bass, with production by Vaughan and Dykes. It was recorded at Wire Recording Studio in Austin, Texas, over several sessions in 2006.
CD Track Listings:
- “Jimmy Reed Highway” – 4:04
- “Baby What You Want Me to Do / Bright Lights Big City” – 5:09
- “Big Boss Man” – 3:09
- “Good Lover” – 3:07
- “Caress Me Baby” – 5:08
- “Aw Shucks, Hush Your Mouth” – 4:00
- “You Upset My Mind” – 3:16
- “I’ll Change My Style” – 3:45
- “Bad Boy” – 4:01
- “Baby, What’s Wrong” – 3:15
- “Hush Hush” – 3:01
- “You Made Me Laugh” – 3:50
Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
Released 2010
Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites showcases Jimmie Vaughan’s deep appreciation for the blues genre, offering a mix of covers and traditional standards. This album is characterized by its authentic sound and straightforward blues arrangements, allowing Vaughan’s guitar skills and vocal delivery to take center stage.
Recording took place at Top Hat Recording Studio in Austin, Texas, with Vaughan co-producing alongside Greg Reddick. The album sessions were conducted in late 2009.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Pleasure’s All Mine” – 3:42
- “Come Love” – 3:15
- “I’m Leavin’ It Up to You” – 3:06
- “Comin’ & Goin’” – 2:53
- “Wheel of Fortune” – 4:02
- “How Can You Be So Mean” – 2:53
- “Just a Little Bit” – 3:03
- “Lonely Weekends” – 2:36
- “I Miss You So” – 2:48
- “RM Blues” – 3:53
- “Roll, Roll, Roll” – 2:51
- “Send Me Some Lovin’” – 2:54
- “Why, Why, Why” – 4:30
- “(She’s Got The) Blues For Sale” – 2:37
- “Funny How Time Slips Away” – 5:34
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Complete List Of Jimmy Vaughan Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
