Stevie Ray Vaughan dies in helicopter crash

Blues and rock guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan died on August 27, 1990, following a helicopter crash. The accident occurred while traveling to Chicago after a performance at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre alongside his brother Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Phil Palmer.

The crash also claimed the lives of pilot Jeffrey Browne, tour manager Colin Smith, Eric Clapton’s agent Bobby Brooks, and bodyguard Nigel Browne.

Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1954, Vaughan rose to prominence in the 1980s with his band Double Trouble. His career was marked by influential albums such as ‘Texas Flood’, ‘Couldn’t Stand the Weather’, and ‘Soul to Soul’. He was widely recognized for his technical skill and for spearheading a blues revival during an era dominated by pop music. His funeral was held on August 31 at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, featuring performances by artists including Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne.