Larry McCray’s remarkable list of mentors is chock-full of blues heavyweights, Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Albert Collins, to name a mere few.
In his new album, Heartbreak City, the elder statesman of the blues’ talents are on full display – boosted by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith in the production chair, and guest features by the likes of Kirk Fletcher and Double Trouble keyboardist Reese Wynans.
“I loved talking to Reese about his time with Stevie [Ray Vaughan], who I never got to hang with,” McCray tells Guitarist.
Indeed, the blues veteran was in Chicago, eagerly awaiting the famous Strat wielder’s rumored surprise appearance on the night the guitar and blues worlds were left reeling by Vaughan’s death.
“The night he died, I was at Buddy Guy’s Legends club [in Chicago] waiting for Buddy, Stevie, and Clapton because there was a rumor they were about to come and jam,” he recalls.
“All these musicians were waiting to see them. Then we were told they’d all gone down. You’ll never see a house full of people get so quiet, it was pin-drop silence, and eventually we found out Buddy and Eric were okay.
“It was a terrible thing,” he says solemnly. “I’ll never forget that day.”
“we Were Told they’d All Gone Down”-Larry McCray Recalls the Night Stevie Ray Vaughan Died
The Silence That Fell on the Blues World
Larry McCray, the veteran blues guitarist and singer, vividly recalls one of the most somber nights in the history of blues music-the tragic death of legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. The shock that rippled through the music industry and the wider community was palpable, with the house full of people present becoming utterly silent. McCray described it as “pin-drop silence,” an eerie quiet that settled as the devastating news unfolded.
As McCray recounts, the initial reports were grim: “We were told they’d all gone down.” The crash that claimed Stevie ray Vaughan’s life also involved other musicians, including roadies and close friends. Though, amidst the tragic chaos, there was a shred of relief when it was confirmed that fellow blues musicians buddy Guy and Eric johnson had survived the horrific crash.
stevie Ray Vaughan: A legend Taken Too Soon
Stevie Ray Vaughan remains one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time. His fiery playing style and soulful expression set him apart in the genre. The fatal helicopter crash on August 27,1990,just after a performance at the alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy,Wisconsin,shocked fans and musicians worldwide.
- Date: August 27, 1990
- Location: Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, Wisconsin
- Cause of crash: Fog and poor visibility leading to a helicopter crash
- Victims: Stevie Ray Vaughan and five others
- survivors: Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson (among others)
Impact on the Blues Community
The sudden loss of Stevie Ray Vaughan sent shockwaves through the music community. Larry McCray’s firsthand testimony highlights the weight of the tragedy for those who knew Vaughan personally and those who admired him from afar. the silence that McCray mentions symbolizes the collective grief and disbelief experienced by the entire blues fraternity.
Larry McCray’s Personal Experience That Night
As a fellow blues musician and a contemporary of Stevie Ray Vaughan, McCray’s recollections offer a deeply personal perspective. He vividly remembers the atmosphere,the initial confusion,and the subsequent confirmation that not all had been lost. This story paints a picture of a community united in grief, bound by their shared passion for blues music and their respect for Vaughan’s artistry.
McCray’s memories serve as a tribute to Vaughan’s enduring legacy and the resilience of the blues community in the face of such tragedy.
Key Memories shared by Larry McCray:
- The room “went so quiet”-a rare, heavy silence filled with concern and disbelief.
- Initial reports incorrectly conveyed that “they’d all gone down,” creating panic and uncertainty.
- Relief and hope emerged when it became clear that Buddy Guy and Eric Johnson were unharmed.
- Recognition of Vaughan’s irreplaceable contribution to blues music and mourning his loss professionally and personally.
Table: Blues legends and the 1990 Helicopter Crash
| name | Status during Crash | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Stevie Ray Vaughan | Deceased | Blues Guitarist & Vocalist |
| Buddy Guy | Survived | Blues Guitarist |
| Eric Johnson | Survived | Blues-Rock Guitarist |
| Others (Road Crew) | Mixed | Support Staff |
Benefits of Remembering the night Stevie Ray Vaughan Died
While the night marks a tragic event, reflecting on it provides various benefits to musicians, educators, and blues enthusiasts:
- Preserving blues heritage: Sharing personal accounts like mccray’s safeguards the memory of influential artists.
- Highlighting safety awareness: The crash tragedy underscores the importance of safety measures in touring and travel for musicians.
- Inspiration for aspiring artists: Vaughan’s legacy continues to inspire new generations to embrace the blues.
- Strengthening the blues community: Collective remembrance fosters unity and support among blues artists and fans worldwide.
Practical Tips for Blues Musicians Inspired by This Tragedy
learning from the loss of Stevie Ray Vaughan, here are some practical tips every touring musician and blues artist can adopt:
- Prioritize travel safety: Always double-check weather conditions before embarking on flights or helicopter rides.
- Stay connected: Keep communication open with tour staff and bandmates regarding travel plans.
- Health and mental wellbeing: The blues lifestyle can be challenging; make time for rest and emotional support.
- Honour your influences: Regularly reflect on the works and lives of blues legends to keep the art form alive.
Firsthand Experience and reflections from the Blues Scene
Larry McCray’s narrative is just one among many heartfelt remembrances from those within the blues circle that night. His words capture an atmosphere filled with dread, hope, and ultimate sorrow, bringing the story’s human element to the forefront.
This event remains a pivotal moment in blues history, marking an end to an era while motivating artists to carry forward the genre’s rich traditions.
