Author: fgt

William Royce “Boz” Scaggs grew up in Plano, Texas, after arriving there by way of Canton, Ohio, and McAlester, Oklahoma. Lessons on cello at age nine yielded to a guitar by twelve, thanks to schoolmate Steve Miller, with whom Scaggs fronted the Marksmen while attending Dallas’s St. Mark’s School. The pair carried their partnership to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, gigging in blues combos such as the Ardells before Scaggs dropped out in 1963, busked his way across Europe, and cut an obscure solo LP in Stockholm in 1965. Miller’s postcard from San Francisco lured him back to the States in 1967, where a brief stint on the Steve Miller Band’s Children of the Future and Sailor set Scaggs on a solo path with Atlantic Records.

That 1969 Atlantic debut—recorded at Muscle Shoals with Duane Allman and produced by Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner—earned raves but modest sales. Columbia Records offered a fresh start, yielding Moments (1971), Boz Scaggs & Band (1971), My Time (1972), and Slow Dancer (1974), each edging him closer to a signature amalgam of blue-eyed soul, jazz, and soft rock. Commercial ignition arrived with 1976’s Silk Degrees: No. 2 on the Billboard 200, five-times platinum, Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Producer of the Year, and the Grammy win for Best R&B Song with the million-selling single “Lowdown.” Follow-up LPs Down Two Then Left (1977) and Middle Man (1980) went platinum as well, spinning off radio perennials “Lido Shuffle,” “Breakdown Dead Ahead,” and “Jojo,” while soundtrack cut “Look What You’ve Done to Me” rode the Urban Cowboy wave to the Top 20.

Scaggs stepped back for much of the 1980s, surfacing with 1988’s Other Roads and co-founding San Francisco’s Slim’s nightclub, which he owned until its 2020 closure. The 1990s and 2000s marked a stylistic pivot: Some Change (1994) paired adult-contemporary craft with blues inflections; Come On Home (1997) paid homage to R&B roots; But Beautiful (2003) and Speak Low (2008) topped the jazz chart with standards bathed in cool restraint. Modern studio sets—Dig (2001), Memphis (2013), A Fool to Care (2015), and Out of the Blues (2018)—rounded out a discography that now numbers nineteen solo studio albums, each underscoring his versatility across blues, jazz, and retro-soul. Both A Fool to Care and Out of the Blues debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums list, the latter securing a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Chart success is only part of Scaggs’s industry esteem. His hand-picked Silk Degrees session band—David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, and David Hungate—used the momentum to launch Toto, crediting Scaggs for catalyzing their record deal. Session work with Steely Dan and tours with Fleetwood Mac further attest to his peer respect. Awards beyond his Grammy include RIAA multi-platinum plaques, the 2019 Texas Medal of Arts, and a Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums nod for Silk Degrees.

Outside the studio, Scaggs nurtured live music culture: Slim’s became a Bay Area institution, while his ongoing tours, including the Dukes of September revue with Donald Fagen and Michael McDonald, kept classic repertoire in front of new audiences. Personal ventures include an organic Napa Valley vineyard established with his wife Dominique, producing Rhône-style wines until the 2017 Northern California wildfires destroyed the property—a setback he faced with characteristic resilience, donating guitars to Japanese earthquake relief in 2024 and continuing to tour into his eighties.

Beloved for a voice that glides from husky baritone to falsetto, for songwriting that marries sophisticated chord changes to pop hooks, and for guitar work steeped in Texas blues, Boz Scaggs occupies a rare stratum: equally credible to audiophiles, jazz aficionados, and soft-rock traditionalists. His career illustrates how thoughtful genre fusion, meticulous studio craft, and a willingness to evolve can yield a catalogue that endures well beyond its commercial heyday.

Complete List Of Boz Scaggs Songs From A to Z

1. 1993 – Down Two Then Left – 1977
2. A Clue – Down Two Then Left – 1977
3. After Hours – Come On Home – 1997
4. Alone, Alone – Moments – 1971
5. Angel Lady (Come Just In Time) – Slow Dancer – 1974
6. Angel You – Middle Man – 1980
7. Another Day (Another Letter) – Boz Scaggs – 1969
8. As The Years Go Passing By – My Time: A Boz Scaggs Anthology – 1997
9. Ask Me ‘Bout Nothin’ (But the Blues) – Come On Home – 1997
10. Baby Let Me Follow You Down – Boz 1965 – 1965
11. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered – But Beautiful – 2003
12. Breakdown Dead Ahead – Middle Man – 1980
13. But Beautiful – But Beautiful – 2003
14. C.C. Rider – Boz 1965 – 1965
15. Cadillac Walk – Memphis – 2013
16. Call Me – Some Change – 1994
17. Call That Love – Dig – 2001
18. Can I Change My Mind – Memphis – 2013
19. Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over) – Moments – 1971
20. Claudia – Other Roads – 1988
21. Come On Home – Come On Home – 1997
22. Cool Running – Other Roads – 1988
23. Corrina, Corrina – Memphis – 2013
24. Crimes of Passion – Other Roads – 1988
25. Desire – Dig – 2001
26. Dindi – Speak Low – 2008
27. Dinah Flo – My Time – 1972
28. Do Like You Do in New York – Middle Man – 1980
29. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me – Speak Low – 2008
30. Don’t Cry No More – Come On Home – 1997
31. Down In Virginia – Out Of The Blues – 2018
32. Downright Women – Moments – 1971
33. Drowning in the Sea of Love – My Time: A Boz Scaggs Anthology – 1997
34. Dry Spell – Memphis – 2013
35. Early in the Morning – Come On Home – 1997
36. Easy Living – But Beautiful – 2003
37. Fade Into Light – Fade into Light – 1996
38. Finding Her – Boz Scaggs – 1969
39. Flames of Love – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
40. Fly Like a Bird – Some Change – 1994
41. Follow That Man – Some Change – 1994
42. For All We Know – But Beautiful – 2003
43. Found Love – Come On Home – 1997
44. Freedom for the Stallion – My Time – 1972
45. Full Of Fire – A Fool To Care – 2015
46. Full-Lock Power Slide – My Time – 1972
47. Funny – Other Roads – 1988
48. Gangster of Love – Boz 1965 – 1965
49. Georgia – Silk Degrees – 1976
50. Get on the Natch – Dig – 2001
51. Gimme the Goods – Down Two Then Left – 1977
52. Girl from the North Country – Boz 1965 – 1965
53. Gone Baby Gone – Memphis – 2013
54. Goodnight Louise – Come On Home – 1997
55. Got You on My Mind – Boz 1965 – 1965
56. Hard Times – Down Two Then Left – 1977
57. Harbor Lights – Silk Degrees – 1976
58. He’s a Fool for You – My Time – 1972
59. Heart of Mine – Other Roads – 1988
60. Hello My Lover – My Time – 1972
61. Hell To Pay – A Fool To Care – 2015
62. Hercules – Slow Dancer – 1974
63. Here to Stay – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
64. Hey Baby – Boz 1965 – 1965
65. High Blood Pressure – A Fool To Care – 2015
66. Hollywood – Down Two Then Left – 1977
67. Hollywood Blues – Moments – 1971
68. How Long – Boz 1965 – 1965
69. How Long Has This Been Going On? – But Beautiful – 2003
70. I Ain’t Got You – Out Of The Blues – 2018
71. I Don’t Hear You – Other Roads – 1988
72. I Got Your Number – Slow Dancer – 1974
73. I Just Go – Dig – 2001
74. I Should Care – But Beautiful – 2003
75. I Want To See You – A Fool To Care – 2015
76. I Wish I Knew – Speak Low – 2008
77. I Will Forever Sing (The Blues) – Moments – 1971
78. I’ll Be Long Gone – Boz Scaggs – 1969
79. I’ll Be the One – Some Change – 1994
80. I’ll Remember April – Speak Low – 2008
81. I’m A Fool To Care – A Fool To Care – 2015
82. I’m Easy – Boz Scaggs – 1969
83. I’m So Proud – A Fool To Care – 2015
84. I’ve Got Your Love – Come On Home – 1997
85. I’ve Just Got To Forget You – Out Of The Blues – 2018
86. I’ve Just Got To Know – Out Of The Blues – 2018
87. Illusion – Some Change – 1994
88. Invitation – Speak Low – 2008
89. Isn’t It Time – Middle Man – 1980
90. It All Went Down the Drain – Come On Home – 1997
91. It’s Over – Silk Degrees – 1976
92. Jojo – Middle Man – 1980
93. Jump – Out Of The Blues – 2018
94. Jump Street – Silk Degrees – 1976
95. Just Go – Fade into Light – 1996
96. King of El Paso – Dig – 2001
97. Last Tango On 16th Street – A Fool To Care – 2015
98. Let It Happen – Slow Dancer – 1974
99. Let the Good Times Roll – Boz 1965 – 1965
100. Lido Shuffle – Silk Degrees – 1976
101. Little Miss Night And Day – Out Of The Blues – 2018
102. Loan Me a Dime – Boz Scaggs – 1969
103. Look What I Got – Boz Scaggs – 1969
104. Look What You’ve Done to Me – My Time: A Boz Scaggs Anthology – 1997
105. Lost It – Some Change – 1994
106. Love Anyway – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
107. Love Don’t Love Nobody – A Fool To Care – 2015
108. Love Letters – Come On Home – 1997
109. Love Me Tomorrow – Silk Degrees – 1976
110. Love On A Two Way Street – Memphis – 2013
111. Lowdown – Silk Degrees – 1976
112. Mental Shakedown – Other Roads – 1988
113. Middle Man – Middle Man – 1980
114. Might Have to Cry – My Time – 1972
115. Miss Riddle – Dig – 2001
116. Miss Sun – My Time: A Boz Scaggs Anthology – 1997
117. Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl – Memphis – 2013
118. Moments – Moments – 1971
119. Monkey Time – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
120. My Funny Valentine – But Beautiful – 2003 (Japanese bonus track)
121. My Time – My Time – 1972
122. Near You – Moments – 1971
123. Never Let Me Go – But Beautiful – 2003
124. Nothing Will Take Your Place – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
125. Now You’re Gone – Boz Scaggs – 1969
126. Old Time Lovin’ – My Time – 1972
127. On The Beach – Out Of The Blues – 2018
128. Pain of Love – Slow Dancer – 1974
129. Painted Bells – Moments – 1971
130. Payday – Dig – 2001
131. Pearl Of The Quarter – Memphis – 2013
132. Picture of a Broken Heart – Come On Home – 1997
133. Radiator 110 – Out Of The Blues – 2018
134. Rainy Night In Georgia – Memphis – 2013
135. Rich Woman – A Fool To Care – 2015
136. Right Out of My Head – Other Roads – 1988
137. Rock And Stick – Out Of The Blues – 2018
138. Runnin’ Blue – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
139. Sail on White Moon – Slow Dancer – 1974
140. Sarah – Dig – 2001
141. Save Your Love For Me – Speak Low – 2008
142. Senza Fine – Speak Low – 2008
143. She Was Too Good To Me – Speak Low – 2008
144. Sick and Tired – Come On Home – 1997
145. Sierra – Some Change – 1994
146. Simone – Middle Man – 1980
147. Skylark – Speak Low – 2008
148. Slow Dancer – Slow Dancer – 1974
149. Slowly in the West – My Time – 1972
150. Small Town Talk – A Fool To Care – 2015
151. So Good To Be Here – Memphis – 2013
152. Some Change – Some Change – 1994
153. Some Things Happen – Fade into Light – 1996
154. Sophisticated Lady – But Beautiful – 2003
155. Soul to Soul – Other Roads – 1988
156. Speak Low – Speak Low – 2008
157. Steamboat – Boz 1965 – 1965
158. Still Falling for You – Down Two Then Left – 1977
159. Stormy Monday Blues – Boz 1965 – 1965
160. Sunny Gone – Memphis – 2013
161. Sweet Release – Boz Scaggs – 1969
162. T-Bone Shuffle – Come On Home – 1997
163. Take It for Granted – Slow Dancer – 1974
164. Thanks to You – Dig – 2001
165. That’s All Right – Boz 1965 – 1965
166. The Ballad Of The Sad Young Men – Speak Low – 2008
167. The Feeling Is Gone – Out Of The Blues – 2018
168. The Night of Van Gogh – Other Roads – 1988
169. Then She Walked Away – Down Two Then Left – 1977
170. There Is Someone Else – Slow Dancer – 1974
171. There’s A Storm A’ Comin’ – A Fool To Care – 2015
172. This Time The Dream’s On Me – Speak Low – 2008
173. Those Lies – Out Of The Blues – 2018
174. Time – Some Change – 1994
175. Tomorrow Never Came – Down Two Then Left – 1977
176. Up to You – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
177. Vanishing Point – Dig – 2001
178. Waiting for a Train – Boz Scaggs – 1969
179. We Been Away – Moments – 1971
180. We Were Always Sweethearts – Moments – 1971
181. We’re All Alone – Silk Degrees – 1976
182. We’re Gonna Roll – My Time – 1972
183. We’re Waiting – Down Two Then Left – 1977
184. What Can I Say – Silk Degrees – 1976
185. What Do You Want the Girl to Do – Silk Degrees – 1976
186. What’s New? – But Beautiful – 2003
187. What’s Number One? – Other Roads – 1988
188. Whatcha Gonna Tell Your Man – Down Two Then Left – 1977
189. Whispering Pines – A Fool To Care – 2015
190. Why Why – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
191. You Can Have Me Anytime – Middle Man – 1980
192. You Don’t Know What Love Is – But Beautiful – 2003
193. You Got Me Cryin’ – Memphis – 2013
194. You Got My Letter – Some Change – 1994
195. You Got Some Imagination – Middle Man – 1980
196. You Make It So Hard (To Say No) – Slow Dancer – 1974
197. You’re Not – Dig – 2001
198. You’re So Fine – Boz 1965 – 1965
199. You’re So Good – Boz Scaggs & Band – 1971
200. Your Good Thing (Is About to End) – Come On Home – 1997

Albums

Boz 1965 (1965): 12 songs

Boz Scaggs (1969): 9 songs

Moments (1971): 10 songs

Boz Scaggs & Band (1971): 9 songs

My Time (1972): 10 songs

Slow Dancer (1974): 10 songs

Silk Degrees (1976): 10 songs

Down Two Then Left (1977): 10 songs

Middle Man (1980): 9 songs

Other Roads (1988): 11 songs

Some Change (1994): 10 songs

Fade into Light (1996): 3 new songs

Come On Home (1997): 14 songs

Dig (2001): 11 songs

But Beautiful (2003): 11 songs (including Japanese bonus track)

Speak Low (2008): 12 songs

Memphis (2013): 12 songs

A Fool To Care (2015): 12 songs

Out Of The Blues (2018): 11 songs

My Time: A Boz Scaggs Anthology (1997): 4 exclusive songs

Check out our fantastic and entertaining Boz Scaggs articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com

10 Most Rocking Boz Scaggs Songs

Complete List Of Boz Scaggs Albums And Discography

Top 10 Boz Scaggs Songs

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

Complete List Of Boz Scaggs Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025

In the late 80s Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe were struggling to make their second ABWH record. Meanwhile Chris Squire, Trevor Rabin, Tony Kaye and Alan White were struggling to make a follow-up to 1987 Yes album Big Generator.

To the surprise of many, the musicians pooled their resources for 1991 Yes album Union. Ironically it managed to divide fans – but the associated world tour is much more fondly remembered, especially by most of those who took part. Prog asked some of the surviving members about it in 2018.

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Union may well be the most debated album in the entire Yes canon. Rick Wakeman, of course, humorously called it “onion” as it reduced him to tears. However, the 84-date tour that supported the album ran in three legs over 11 months and offered an opportunity to see something they thought impossible: both Yes factions together.

Howe: It was a long tour. We did months and months and months of it.

Wakeman: We all met, the eight of us, and it was really funny. Tony and I got on great. He said, “You do whatever you want to do and I’ll just fiddle around.”

Kaye: It was certainly great playing with Rick, who happens to be one of the funniest guys in the world. It was very easy for us to sort out our parts. Same with Alan and Bill.

White: Bill and myself were pretty good, actually. We worked out who should play what. I ended up doing a major amount of the drumming and he did the frills on the top for quite a lot of it. He played Heart Of The Sunrise and very iconic things. That suited his style.

Wakeman: There was only one of Chris and Jon. We tried to integrate as much as possible. Certain things worked very well.

Kaye: I thought, “Wow, great, this is going to be cool – there’s going to be two of everything.’ Almost. In most part, everyone got on and did their thing in the band, and it was really successful on a musical level.

The best thing for me from the Union tour was that it led to the Talk album, which is my favourite Yes album

Anderson: The tour was extraordinary on so many levels. That was the saving grace around those years.

Wakeman: People found their little cliques and got on with it. It worked; it was an amazing tour. We had the revolving stage, which was great fun – especially when it broke down and we got members of the audience to push it!

Howe: “The Union tour wasn’t all bad. Places like Britain brought the discipline into Yes.

Wakeman: I had a riotous time. I bought a van and drove around because I didn’t want to wait for Chris at airports, as much as I love him. I just drove the entire time. I had a wonderful time with all of the guys.

Anderson: Awaken being performed by eight musicians was pure magic.

Rabin: The best thing for me from the Union tour was that it led to the Talk album, which is my favourite Yes album, and I really enjoyed playing with Rick.

Howe: I know people love it. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inducted the Union tour line-up – that was their decision. It showed that that line-up rang the right tune.

You wanted the best? Motley Crue guitarist John 5 wants to show it to you.

Kiss fans can check out John’s collection of more than 2,500 items that he’s amassed over the years including the last known pair of boots owned by Gene Simmons from the Destroyer era as well as his first tour outfit from ’74. Tours of his museum begin in May and will be conducted personally by 5, who is looking forward to the experience. “it’s taken an absolute lifetime to do this. It really has,” he tells UCR in an interview you can listen to below. “I started collecting when I was a kid, but when I decided to do a museum, it’s taken a couple of years, just putting it together.”

“You have to document everything. You have to really get into detail and talk about everything and have everything correct [with] the right years and the right months,” he continues. “I’ve got all of these tickets, passes, buttons from all over the world. Records and magazines from all over the world. Promoter shirts, jackets and towels, it’s just endless. So it’s a lot of work and it’s been overwhelming, but I’m really happy.”

John 5 Talks About His New Kiss Museum

John’s Early Kiss Memories

The guitarist had to wait a few years before he finally got a chance to see them live. “I didn’t see them [in the ’70s] because I was too young. I remember [for the] Dynasty [album], they were coming to town, but I was too young and my parents wouldn’t let me go,” he shares. “The first time I saw them was Lick It Up, so they had just taken their makeup off. I was so excited [at that time]. I saw them every tour after Lick It Up, but when I saw them on the reunion tour [in 1996] with their makeup and everything, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it, you know, it was incredible. It really was incredible. I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was like seeing them in ’78 or something like that.”

READ MORE: The Best Kiss Reunion Tours

John 5 Shows Items From his Collection on Instagram

Kiss Fans Have Helped His Collection Grow

“A lot of collectors now are getting older, that collected maybe when they were teenagers in the ’70s. They’re getting older [now], and they’re like, ‘Well, I’ve had it for this many years now. I’m going to let it go,'” he says. “A lot of people, luckily, contact me on my Instagram.  I’ll read the messages and I’ll get a hold of people if I don’t have certain things. These armbands that they would wear [as an example], I got them from this guy in Japan. He got a hold of me and said, ‘I got these from the management company when Kiss came to Japan. They gifted me these after the tour.’ It’s kind of a hard story to believe, because people can make up anything. But I got the cuffs and my friend said, ‘John, I have the paperwork that the band’s management sent [those] to this guy in Japan. I have the actual telegrams from back in the day.’ You can see [things like that] in the museum. It’s really cool.”

There’s New John 5 Music Coming

In addition to his upcoming commitments with Motley Crue later this year, he’s also planning the release for his latest album with John 5 and the Creatures. “I haven’t talked about it yet, but it’s going to come out around October. It’s called Deviant,” he reveals. “I’m super proud of this record and I’ve worked on it for a long time. I think I’m going to Mexico and South America with the Creatures in June. I’ll have some of July off and then do some rehearsing with Motley in August,. [We play the] residency in September and then I have a big tour that I know I can’t talk [with the Creatures] about coming up in October. It’s going to be wonderful. I’m super-excited. There’s a lot going on, so I’m so happy.”

Listen to John 5 on the ‘UCR Podcast’

The ’80s were somehow the best and worst of times for the Rolling Stones.

At the beginning of the decade, the band was still riding the commercial high of 1978’s Some Girls. There were massive, extremely lucrative tours of the U.S., a memorable and historic concert with one of the band’s heroes, Muddy Waters, and they celebrated their 20th anniversary in 1982.

But before long, it became clear that tensions within the band were bubbling up to the surface. It’s in the ’80s that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards grew the furthest apart they had probably ever been in their career as bandmates and, on a more personal level, as friends. Though the Stones continued recording and releasing albums through the decade, the work was not without a great deal of effort.

By the end of the ’80s, Jagger and Richards appeared to have reconciled as best they could and things began looking up. The Stones were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and their concerts got even bigger.

Most Rolling Stones fans don’t point to the ’80s as being the band’s most prolific or productive era, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t drop some gems along the way. Below, we’re taking a look at 10 of the best in chronological order.

1. “Emotional Rescue”
From: Emotional Rescue (1980)

Emotional Rescue is sometimes described as a dance record, and a lot of that can be boiled down to the sort of rhythm section you hear on its title track. A thick bass line — played by Ronnie Wood in this case — and a rock steady four-on-the-floor drum beat. “My thing whenever I play is to make it a dance sound,” Charlie Watts once said, “it should swing and bounce.” This song most definitely does that.

2. “Down in the Hole”
From: Emotional Rescue (1980)

If there’s one thing the Rolling Stones love, it’s the blues. “Down in the Hole” might be one of the very best examples across the band’s entire catalog of their ability to write a downright agonizing blues song, which undoubtedly came from being students of the genre for years and years. “If you don’t know the blues,” Richards once said, “there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.” It helped, of course, to have someone like Sugar Blue, a legendary blues harmonica player, contribute to “Down in the Hole.”

3. “Waiting on a Friend”
From: Tattoo You (1981)

Tattoo You counts for this list in the sense that the album was released in the ’80s, but much of the material on it was pulled from the previous decade. The Stones started working on “Waiting on a Friend,” for example, way back in 1972. The song had no lyrics then, and it wasn’t until the band began putting together Tattoo You that Jagger added the words. And once again, the only thing better than a Stones song is a Stones song with a contribution from a titan of industry, this time in the form of a saxophone solo by Sonny Rollins.

4. “Start Me Up”
From: Tattoo You (1981)

Songwriters who have been around long enough will likely tell you never to throw anything away — you never know when a new kind of inspiration will strike you and the idea will complete itself. This is what happened with the Stones’ “Start Me Up,” one of their most iconic tracks but one that got left on the back burner for years. “Start Me Up” began its life as a reggae-esque track in 1976. “I was convinced that was a reggae song. Everybody else was convinced of that: ‘It’s reggae, man,'” Richards told Guitar World in 2020. “We did 45 takes like that.” But something just wasn’t working out. It was set aside until 1981 when the band finally finished it as a more traditional rock ‘n’ roll number.

5. “Undercover of the Night”
From: Undercover (1983)

Undercover is not exactly the most cohesive of Rolling Stones albums, which is probably because of the aforementioned rising tensions between band members. That being said, it shouldn’t be entirely overlooked. The album’s leadoff track, “Undercover of the Night,” is a rare instance of Jagger overtly addressing some political ideas — “Make sure the pass laws are not broken,” he doesn’t sing so much as declare, “the race militia has got itchy fingers.” The percussive work here is particularly memorable, a definite high point on an album that certainly wasn’t the Stones’ best offering.

6. “Too Tough”
From: Undercover (1983)

On an album that seems to touch on a little bit of everything, “Too Tough” is the song that probably best embodies the classic Rolling Stones sound and attitude. And by that we mean: a strong drum beat from Watts with just enough hi-hat, a rhythm guitar part that can only be described as Keef chords and some questionable lyrics from Jagger that involve a teenage bride.

7. “I Think I’m Going Mad”
From: 1984 B-side Single

Here’s a bit of a deeper cut. “I Think I’m Going Mad” was an outtake from the Emotional Rescue sessions, which ultimately found a place as the B-side to the 1984 single “She Was Hot.” It’s an awfully compelling bluesy shuffle about growing older, the highs and lows of life and getting through it the best you can.

8. “Harlem Shuffle”
From: Dirty Work (1986)

If you thought Undercover was unorganized, try Dirty Work. At this point, getting all the members of the Rolling Stones in one studio to record didn’t happen all that often, which, for a band that prided itself on sticking together, did not work well for them. However, their cover of “Harlem Shuffle” deserves a spot on this list for being a surprisingly catchy song that sounds the most like the Stones agreeing on something. Of course, it helps that they recruited some cool people to contribute to the track: Ivan Neville with some additional bass, guitar and organ, plus people like Jimmy Cliff, Patti Scialfa and Tom Waits in the backing vocals. Say what you will about Dirty Work, “Harlem Shuffle” is a great example of the Stones bringing a new sound to an old song.

9. “Mixed Emotions”
From: Steel Wheels (1989)

Steel Wheels is where the Stones starting getting their groove back, particularly as it related to Jagger and Richards’ working relationship. It made for some catchy singles, including “Mixed Emotions,” which featured backing singers Sarah Dash, Lisa Fischer and Bernard Fowler. (The latter two would become longtime members of the Stones’ touring lineup.) And the horns were by a group called the Kick Horns, who have worked with everyone from Eric Clapton to Beyonce.

10. “Rock and a Hard Place”
From: Steel Wheels (1989)

The best Rolling Stones songs are the ones that immediately make you want to get on your feet. “Rock and a Hard Place,” even with its very ’80s-sounding production, is one of them. “This is one of those songs like ‘Start Me Up’ where the minute you hear the opening notes, you head for the dance floor,” Jagger once said of it. “It’s real ’70s, in the best possible way.” It was a No. 23 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Stevie Ray Vaughan grew up in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Texas, where the sounds of blues and rock and roll echoed through the neighborhoods and into his soul. Inspired by his older brother Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie picked up the guitar at a young age and immersed himself in the music of legends like Albert King, Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix. By his teenage years, he was playing in local bands and dropping out of high school to focus entirely on music. He eventually made his way to Austin, where his band Double Trouble began attracting serious attention, laying the groundwork for a career that would change the trajectory of modern blues.

The turning point came in 1982 when Vaughan’s band performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, an appearance that caught the attention of David Bowie and Jackson Browne. Browne offered studio time, which led to the recording of Texas Flood, released in 1983 on Epic Records. Backed by bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton, Vaughan exploded onto the national scene with tracks like “Pride and Joy,” “Love Struck Baby,” and his jaw-dropping instrumental “Rude Mood.” His tone, touch, and phrasing reintroduced the blues to mainstream rock audiences and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Recording.

Vaughan released four studio albums during his lifetime: Texas Flood (1983), Couldn’t Stand the Weather (1984), Soul to Soul (1985), and In Step (1989). Each album built on his ferocious style and deepened his artistic scope. Songs like “Cold Shot,” “Look at Little Sister,” and “Crossfire” became signature tracks, combining Texas blues with funk, jazz, and rock influences. In Step, his final studio release before his death, was particularly personal, marking his first album after achieving sobriety. That record earned him a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album and is often regarded as a creative peak.

Despite his rising fame, Vaughan remained grounded in his roots. His live performances were electric, often featuring extended improvisations and emotionally raw solos. He recorded the acclaimed Live Alive (1986) and collaborated with his brother Jimmie Vaughan on Family Style, which was released posthumously in 1990. Tragically, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s career was cut short on August 27, 1990, when he died in a helicopter crash after a concert in East Troy, Wisconsin. He was only 35 years old. The shock of his sudden death reverberated across the music world, and tributes poured in from artists across genres.

Even after his passing, Vaughan’s legacy continued to grow. Posthumous releases such as The Sky Is Crying (1991) and Live at Carnegie Hall (1997) expanded his discography, introducing new generations to his powerful blend of technique and emotion. He has received six Grammy Awards (including posthumous wins) and ten Austin Music Awards, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 alongside Double Trouble. His influence can be heard in countless guitarists who came after him, and his Stratocaster tone remains one of the most admired in rock history.

Beyond the guitar, Vaughan’s personal story of battling addiction and reclaiming his life gave hope to fans dealing with similar struggles. His candidness about recovery, especially in his later interviews and the lyrics of In Step, made him a beacon for those seeking strength through change. While his life was brief, his message was lasting: the blues, when played with honesty and heart, can lift and heal.

Vaughan also made time to support fellow musicians, mentor younger artists, and promote the blues as a living, breathing art form. He helped bridge the gap between generations of blues artists, working with greats like Albert King and Buddy Guy, while also opening doors for modern players to embrace traditional roots. His performance with Jeff Beck on their co-headlining tour remains one of the most revered guitar partnerships ever captured onstage.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s name remains etched in the granite of blues-rock history, not only for what he played but for how he played it—with intensity, grace, and soul. His recordings continue to resonate with those who believe that great music is more than sound—it’s truth, unfiltered and unforgettable.

1. Ain’t Gone ‘n’ Give Up on Love – Soul to Soul – 1985
2. Ain’t Gone ‘n’ Give Up on Love – Live Alive – 1986
3. Ain’t Gone ‘n’ Give Up on Love – Live at Montreux – 2001
4. Ain’t Gone ‘n’ Give Up on Love – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
5. All Your Love I Miss Loving (Live in Austin, 1980) – SRV Box Set – 2000
6. All Your Love I Miss Loving – In the Beginning – 1992
7. Ask Me No Questions – In Session – 1989
8. Ask Me No Questions – SRV Box Set – 2000
9. Baboom/Mama Said – Family Style – 1990
10. Blues at Sunrise – In Session – 1989
11. Blues at Sunrise – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
12. Boilermaker – SRV Box Set – 2000
13. Boot Hill – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
14. Boot Hill – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
15. Brothers – Family Style – 1990
16. C.O.D. – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
17. Call It Stormy Monday – In Session – 1989
18. Change It – Soul to Soul – 1985
19. Change It – Live Alive – 1986
20. Change It – SRV Box Set – 2000
21. Chitlins con Carne – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
22. Chitlins con Carne – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
23. Close to You – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
24. Close to You – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
25. Cold Shot – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
26. Cold Shot – Live Alive – 1986
27. Cold Shot – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
28. Cold Shot – Live in Tokyo – 2006
29. Cold Shot – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
30. Cold Shot (Live in Houston, 1990) – SRV Box Set – 2000
31. Collins Shuffle – Live at Montreux – 2001
32. Collins’ Shuffle (Live at Montreux Jazz 1982) – SRV Box Set – 2000
33. Come On (Part III) – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
34. Come On (Part III) – Soul to Soul – 1985
35. Come On (Pt. III) – SRV Box Set – 2000
36. Couldn’t Stand the Weather – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
37. Couldn’t Stand the Weather – Live at Montreux – 2001
38. Couldn’t Stand the Weather – Live in Tokyo – 2006
39. Couldn’t Stand the Weather – SRV Box Set – 2000
40. Crosscut Saw (Live in Houston, 1981) – SRV Box Set – 2000
41. Crossfire – In Step – 1989
42. Crossfire – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
43. Crossfire (Live in Albuquerque, 1989) – SRV Box Set – 2000
44. D/FW – Family Style – 1990
45. Dirty Pool – Texas Flood – 1983
46. Dirty Pool – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
47. Dirty Pool – Live at Montreux – 2001
48. Dirty Pool – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
49. Dirty Pool – SRV Box Set – 2000
50. Don’t Lose Your Cool (Live in Houston, 1981) – SRV Box Set – 2000
51. Don’t Lie to Me – In Session – 1989
52. Don’t Stop By The Creek, Son – SRV Box Set – 2000
53. Empty Arms – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
54. Empty Arms – Soul to Soul – 1985
55. Empty Arms – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
56. Empty Arms – SRV Box Set – 2000
57. Give Me Back My Wig – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
58. Give Me Back My Wig – Live at Montreux – 2001
59. Goin’ Down (Live in Albuquerque, 1989) – SRV Box Set – 2000
60. Gone Home – Soul to Soul – 1985
61. Gone Home – Live at Montreux – 2001
62. Good Texan – Family Style – 1990
63. Hard to Be – Family Style – 1990
64. Hide Away – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
65. Hide Away – Live at Montreux – 2001
66. Hillbillies from Outerspace – Family Style – 1990
67. Honey Bee – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
68. Honey Bee – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
69. Hug You, Squeeze You (Live in Toronto, 1983) – SRV Box Set – 2000
70. I’m Cryin’ – Texas Flood – 1983
71. I’m Cryin’ – SRV Box Set – 2000
72. I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town – In Session – 1989 (DVD only)
73. I’m Leavin’ You (Commit a Crime) (Live at MTV Mardi Gras 1987) – SRV Box Set – 2000
74. I’m Leaving You (Commit a Crime) – Live Alive – 1986
75. Iced Over (aka Collins’ Shuffle) – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
76. If You Have To Know – SRV Box Set – 2000
77. In the Open – In the Beginning – 1992
78. Leave My Girl Alone – In Step – 1989
79. Leave My Girl Alone – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
80. Leave My Girl Alone – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
81. Leave My Girl Alone (Live at Alpine Valley, 1990) – SRV Box Set – 2000
82. Lenny – Texas Flood – 1983
83. Lenny – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
84. Lenny – Live in Tokyo – 2006
85. Lenny – SRV Box Set – 2000
86. Let Me Love You Baby – In Step – 1989
87. Let Me Love You Baby (Live at Alpine Valley, 1990) – SRV Box Set – 2000
88. Letter to My Girlfriend – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
89. Letter to My Girlfriend – SRV Box Set – 2000
90. Life by the Drop – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
91. Life Without You – Soul to Soul – 1985
92. Life Without You – Live Alive – 1986
93. Life Without You – Live at Montreux – 2001
94. Life Without You – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
95. Little Wing – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
96. Little Wing (instrumental) – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
97. Little Wing / Third Stone From The Sun (Live in Honolulu, 1984) – SRV Box Set – 2000
98. Little Wing/Third Stone from the Sun (instrumental) – Soul to Soul – 1985
99. Live Another Day – In the Beginning – 1992
100. Long Way from Home – Family Style – 1990
101. Long Way From Home – SRV Box Set – 2000
102. Look at Little Sister – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
103. Look at Little Sister – Soul to Soul – 1985
104. Look at Little Sister – Live Alive – 1986
105. Look at Little Sister – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
106. Look at Little Sister (Live in Philadelphia, 1987) – SRV Box Set – 2000
107. Look at Little Sister (Live) – SRV Box Set – 2000 (DVD)
108. Lookin’ Out the Window – Soul to Soul – 1985
109. Lookin’ Out The Window (Live in Philadelphia, 1987) – SRV Box Set – 2000
110. Love Me Darlin’ – In Step – 1989
111. Love Struck Baby – Texas Flood – 1983
112. Love Struck Baby – In the Beginning – 1992
113. Love Struck Baby – Live Alive – 1986
114. Love Struck Baby – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
115. Love Struck Baby – Live at Montreux – 2001
116. Love Struck Baby – Live in Tokyo – 2006
117. Love Struck Baby (Live on Austin City Limits) – SRV Box Set – 2000
118. Manic Depression (Live in Houston, 1981) – SRV Box Set – 2000
119. Mary Had a Little Lamb – Texas Flood – 1983
120. Mary Had a Little Lamb – Live Alive – 1986
121. Mary Had a Little Lamb – Live at Montreux – 2001
122. Mary Had a Little Lamb – Live in Tokyo – 2006
123. Mary Had a Little Lamb (Live) – SRV Box Set – 2000
124. Mary Had a Little Lamb (Live) – SRV Box Set – 2000 (DVD)
125. Match Box Blues – In Session – 1989
126. May I Have a Talk with You – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
127. May I Have a Talk with You – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
128. May I Have a Talk with You (Live) – SRV Box Set – 2000 (DVD)
129. Overall Junction – In Session – 1989
130. Pride and Joy – Texas Flood – 1983
131. Pride and Joy – Live Alive – 1986
132. Pride and Joy – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
133. Pride and Joy – In Session – 1989
134. Pride and Joy – Live at Montreux – 2001 (1982)
135. Pride and Joy – Live at Montreux – 2001 (1985)
136. Pride and Joy – SRV Box Set – 2000
137. Pride and Joy (From MTV Unplugged) – SRV Box Set – 2000
138. Riviera Paradise – In Step – 1989
139. Rude Mood – Texas Flood – 1983
140. Rude Mood – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
141. Rude Mood – Live at Montreux – 2001
142. Rude Mood (From MTV Unplugged) – SRV Box Set – 2000
143. Rude Mood / Pipeline (Live at MTV Mardi Gras 1987) – SRV Box Set – 2000
144. Say What! – Soul to Soul – 1985
145. Say What! – Live Alive – 1986
146. Say What! – Live at Montreux – 2001
147. Say What! – Live in Tokyo – 2006
148. Scratch-N-Sniff – In Step – 1989
149. Scuttle Buttin’ – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
150. Scuttle Buttin’ – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
151. Scuttle Buttin’ – Live at Montreux – 2001
152. Scuttle Buttin’ – Live in Tokyo – 2006
153. Scuttle Buttin’ – SRV Box Set – 2000
154. Shake ‘N Bake – SRV Box Set – 2000
155. Shake for Me – In the Beginning – 1992
156. Slide Thing – In the Beginning – 1992
157. Slip Slidin’ Slim (instrumental) – Soul to Soul – 1985
158. So Excited – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
159. Stang’s Swang – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
160. Superstition – Live Alive – 1986
161. Superstition – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
162. Taxman – Greatest Hits – 1995
163. Tell Me – Texas Flood – 1983
164. Tell Me – In the Beginning – 1992
165. Telephone Song – Family Style – 1990
166. Testify – Texas Flood – 1983
167. Testify – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
168. Testify (From MTV Unplugged) – SRV Box Set – 2000
169. Texas Flood – Texas Flood – 1983
170. Texas Flood – Live Alive – 1986
171. Texas Flood – In Session – 1989 (DVD only)
172. Texas Flood – Live at Montreux – 2001 (1982)
173. Texas Flood – Live at Montreux – 2001 (1985)
174. Texas Flood – Live in Tokyo – 2006
175. Texas Flood – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
176. Texas Flood – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
177. Texas Flood (Live at Montreux Jazz 1982) – SRV Box Set – 2000
178. The House Is Rockin’ – In Step – 1989
179. The House Is Rockin’ – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
180. The House Is Rockin’ – SRV Box Set – 2000
181. The Sky Is Crying – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
182. The Sky Is Crying – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
183. The Sky Is Crying – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
184. The Sky Is Crying (Live at Carnegie Hall) – SRV Box Set – 2000
185. The Things (That) I Used to Do – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
186. The Things (That) I Used to Do – Live at Carnegie Hall – 1997
187. The Things (That) I Used to Do – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
188. The Things (That) I Used to Do (Live at Alpine Valley, 1990) – SRV Box Set – 2000
189. These Blues Is Killing Me – SRV Box Set – 2000
190. They Call Me Guitar Hurricane – In the Beginning – 1992
191. They Call Me Guitar Hurricane (Live) – SRV Box Set – 2000
192. Thunderbird – SRV Box Set – 2000
193. Tick Tock – Family Style – 1990
194. Tightrope – In Step – 1989
195. Tightrope – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
196. Tightrope (Live in Houston, 1990) – SRV Box Set – 2000
197. Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place in Town) – Texas Flood – 1983
198. Tin Pan Alley – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
199. Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place in Town) – In the Beginning – 1992
200. Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place in Town) – Live at Montreux – 2001
201. Tin Pan Alley – Live in Tokyo – 2006
202. Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place in Town) – Blues at Sunrise – 2000
203. Travis Walk – In Step – 1989
204. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
205. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – Live Alive – 1986
206. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – Live at Montreux – 2001
207. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – Live in Tokyo – 2006
208. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (Live at Carnegie Hall) – SRV Box Set – 2000
209. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (Live) – SRV Box Set – 2000 (DVD)
210. Voodoo Chile – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
211. Wall of Denial – In Step – 1989
212. Wall of Denial – The Fire Meets The Fury – 2012
213. Wall of Denial – SRV Box Set – 2000
214. Wham! – Couldn’t Stand the Weather – 1984
215. Wham – The Sky Is Crying – 1991
216. White Boots – Family Style – 1990
217. Willie the Wimp – Live Alive – 1986
218. Willie the Wimp (Live in Philadelphia, 1987) – SRV Box Set – 2000
219. You’ll Be Mine – Soul to Soul – 1985
220. You’re Gonna Miss Me Baby – SRV Box Set – 2000

Albums

Texas Flood (1983): 11 songs

Couldn’t Stand the Weather (1984): 18 songs

Soul to Soul (1985): 12 songs

Live Alive (1986): 13 songs

In Step (1989): 10 songs

In Session (1989): 10 songs

Family Style (1990): 10 songs

The Sky Is Crying (1991): 10 songs

In the Beginning (1992): 9 songs

Greatest Hits (1995): 1 new song

Live at Carnegie Hall (1997): 14 songs

Blues at Sunrise (2000): 10 songs

SRV Box Set (2000): 52 songs (including 5 DVD-only tracks)

Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985 (2001): 19 songs

Live in Tokyo (2006): 10 songs

The Fire Meets The Fury (2012): 11 songs

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