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
Plays More Blues, Ballads & Favorites (2011)
Released 2011
This album continues Jimmie Vaughan’s tribute to the classic blues, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll of the 1950s and 1960s. Released by Shout! Factory and Proper, this album serves as a sequel to his earlier Blues, Ballads & Favorites. It features Jimmie Vaughan covering songs from artists such as Ray Charles and Jimmy Reed. The production focuses on maintaining the vintage sounds that influenced Vaughan’s playing. Vaughan’s smooth guitar work and vocal delivery are accompanied by a strong rhythm section and backing horns that highlight his deep appreciation for the blues.
Tracklist:
“I Ain’t Never” – 3:05
“No Use Knocking” – 3:28
“Teardrop Blues” – 4:48
“I Hang My Head and Cry” – 3:42
“It’s Been a Long Time” – 3:34
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” – 2:46
“What Makes You So Tough” – 3:39
“Greenbacks” – 2:12
“I’m In The Mood For You” – 2:22
“I Ain’t Gonna Do It No More” – 3:50
“Cried Like a Baby” – 3:55
“Oh Oh Oh” – 4:00
“I’m A Love You” – 2:49
“The Rains Came” – 2:53
“Bad Bad Whiskey” – 2:34
“Shake a Hand”
Live At C-Boy’s (2017) – Jimmie Vaughan Trio
Released 2017
Released under Proper/Last Music Co., this live album captures the essence of Jimmie Vaughan’s trio performance at the iconic Austin club, C-Boy’s. Accompanied by organist Mike Flanigin and drummer Barry “Frosty” Smith, Vaughan delivers raw, intimate, and dynamic interpretations of blues and R&B classics. The recording offers fans a glimpse into the group’s live chemistry, with Vaughan’s guitar front and center.
Tracklist:
“Can’t Say No”
“Dirty Work at the Crossroads”
“Hey Baby”
“Baby, What’s Wrong”
“Just a Little Bit”
“I Ain’t Gonna Be Your Dog No More”
“No Use Knocking”
“Teardrop Blues”
“Come On Rock Little Girl”
“Texas Flood”
Baby, Please Come Home (2019)
Released 2019
Released by Last Music Co., Baby, Please Come Home marks another of Vaughan’s returns to his blues roots. The album was praised for its balance between soul, rhythm, and blues, showcasing Vaughan’s sharp guitar work and seasoned vocals. The album’s production pays homage to the classic sounds of artists like T-Bone Walker and Jimmy Reed, further highlighting Vaughan’s love for traditional blues.
Tracklist:
“Baby, Please Come Home”
“Just a Game”
“No One to Talk to But the Blues”
“Be My Lovey Dovey”
“What’s Your Name?”
“Hold It”
“I’m Still in Love With You”
“It’s Been a Long Time”
“Midnight Hour”
“Baby, What’s Wrong”
The Pleasure’s All Mine (The Complete Blues, Ballads & Favorites Sessions) (2020)
Released 2020
This two-CD compilation, released by Last Music Co., brings together Jimmie Vaughan’s two previous albums, Blues, Ballads & Favorites (2010) and Plays More Blues, Ballads & Favorites (2011), in one package. The collection includes all the tracks from both albums, providing a complete overview of Vaughan’s tribute to the music that shaped his career. It features a range of covers of classic blues, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll songs, originally recorded by legends such as Jimmy Reed, Lloyd Price, and Roscoe Gordon. The compilation showcases Vaughan’s dedication to preserving the sounds of traditional blues and his smooth, masterful guitar playing.
This comprehensive five-CD deluxe set, released by Last Music Co., offers an extensive look at Jimmie Vaughan’s musical journey. Alongside the five CDs, this set includes a 12-inch vinyl LP, two seven-inch vinyl singles, and a 240-page book, providing a complete overview of his career. The tracks span his work with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, his collaborations with various blues legends, and his solo career. The collection highlights Vaughan’s profound influence on blues music and celebrates his contribution to the genre.
Track Listings
Disc 1:
“Please Don’t Lie to Me” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“She’s Tuff” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Why Get Up” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Sugar-Coated Love” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Marked Deck” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Runnin’ Shoes” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Wrap It Up” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Can’t Tear It Up Enuff” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“The Crawl” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“You’re Humbuggin’ Me” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Walkin’ to My Baby” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White / That’s Enuff of That Stuff” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Things I Forgot to Do” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Los Fabulosos Thunderbirds” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Tip on in” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“I Believe I’m in Love” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“How Do You Spell Love?” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“You Ain’t Nothin’ But Fine” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Tuff Enuff” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Rich Woman” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Give Me All Your Lovin'” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Powerful Stuff” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Mathilda” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“My Babe” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Look Watcha Done” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Learn to Treat Me Right” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Disc 2:
“Dirty Work Is Going on” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Don’t Lie to Me” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“I Can’t Quit You Baby” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“The Wrecker” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Come On” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“I Feel So Bad” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Mathilda” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Wait on Time” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Harbor Lights” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Look at That, Look at That” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“It Comes to Me Naturally” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Rock This Place” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Hot Number” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Rainin’ in My Heart” – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
“Willie the Wimp” – Bill Carter with Jimmie Vaughan
“Cold Cold Feeling” – Albert Collins with Jimmie Vaughan
“You’re Sweet” – Jimmy Rodgers with Jimmie Vaughan
“Sugar Coated Love” – Lou Ann Barton with Jimmie Vaughan
“Good Texan” – The Vaughan Brothers
“D/FW” – The Vaughan Brothers
Disc 3:
“Led Sled” – Denny Freeman with Jimmie Vaughan
“Boom Bapa Boom” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Don’t Cha Know” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Hey Yeah” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Take Your Time Son” – Doyle Bramhall with Jimmie Vaughan
“He’s Got a Key” – Bo Diddley with Jimmie Vaughan
“Cool Lookin’ Woman” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Dengue Woman Blues” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Six Strings Down” – Jimmie Vaughan with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Dr. John, Art Neville
“SRV Shuffle” – Jimmie Vaughan with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Dr. John, Art Neville
“Texas Flood” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Out There” – Jimmie Vaughan
“The Ironic Twist” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Positively Meant to Be” – Jimmie Vaughan
“I Don’t Live Here Anymore” – Jimmie Vaughan with Delbert McClinton
Disc 4:
“Boom Boom” – John Lee Hooker with Jimmie Vaughan
“I’m Your Bread Maker Baby” – Lazy Lester with Jimmie Vaughan
“Deep End” – Jimmie Vaughan with James Cotton
“Dirty Girl” – Jimmie Vaughan
“When Did You Leave Heaven” – Jimmie Vaughan
“You Upset My Mind” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Let the Good Times Roll” – Jimmie Vaughan with Susan Tedeschi
“Bad Boy” – Charlie Musselwhite with Jimmie Vaughan
“What Am I Living for” – Lou Ann Barton with Jimmie Vaughan
“I Miss You So / Roll, Roll, Roll / Why, Why, Why” – Jimmie Vaughan
“One Mint Julep” – Jimmie Vaughan
“I Ain’t Never” – Jimmie Vaughan
“I Hang My Head and Cry” – Jimmie Vaughan
“What Makes You So Tough” – Jimmie Vaughan
Disc 5:
“I Like It Like That” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Wine, Wine, Wine” – Jimmie Vaughan with Billy F. Gibbons
“That’s What Love Will Make You Do” – Little Milton with Jimmie Vaughan
“Shake a Hand” – Jimmie Vaughan
“The Pleasure’s All Mine” – Jimmie Vaughan with Bonnie Raitt
“Dirty Work at the Crossroads” – Jimmie Vaughan
“The Lucky Ones” – Sue Foley with Jimmie Vaughan
“Hoochie Coochie Man” – Jimmie Vaughan with Soul Man Sam
“All Night Long” – Mike Flanigin with Jimmie Vaughan
“Have You Ever Loved a Woman” – Storm
“Coming Home” – Storm
“Monday Night BB Blues” – Storm
“Texas Flood” – Jimmie Vaughan with the Texas Longhorn Band
“Shackles on Me” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Lightnin’s Boo-Gie” – Jimmie Vaughan
“Six Strings Down” – Jimmie Vaughan
“No One to Talk to (But the Blues)” – Jimmie Vaughan
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.