Blue Smoke: The Life and Death of Stevie Ray Vaughan

NINE YEARS AFTER his death, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s influence only continues to grow. It can be heard in barrooms and arenas around the globe, in the playing of everyone from proteges like Kenny Wayne Shepherd to mentors like Buddy Guy to rockers like Mike McCready and Kirk Hammett. It can be in the popularity of vintage gear and straight-forward, ear-ringing tone, both of which were considered passe before Stevie proved there was plenty of life left in Stratocasters and tube amps.