Stevie Ray Vaughan's Anniversary Pushes Some in Texas to Seek Memorial

Topics: Music

Stevie Ray Vaughan (AP, file)

NEW YORK (CBS) Twenty years after his death, a Texas community is still seeking to honor native son Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The Grammy-winning singer and guitarist died in a helicopter crash Aug.27, 1990, and is buried in his hometown of Oak Cliff, Texas, on the outskirts of Dallas.

Jeff Castro, an Oak Cliff resident who co-founded an annual tribute motorcycle ride and concert that commemorates Vaughan's birthday in October, has long been lobbying for a memorial..

According to the Dallas Morning News, Castro approached the city about a statue and fountain in Kiest Park, where the musician hung out as a kid, but was rebuffed Others have put forward plans for permanent housing of Stevie Ray Vaughan artifacts.

Recently, when Industrial Boulevard was being renamed, some in Dallas sought that as an opportunity to honor Vaughan. But the city chose the name Riverfront.

"He was proud of telling people he was from Oak Cliff," said local Vaughan biographer Craig Hopkins. "Even after he went to Austin, he made no bones about it."

5 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment


by 1srvfan November 11, 2010 8:05 AM EST: I totally agree that we need to honor Stevie was a statue. For some reason, my home state of Texas has a problem honoring musical stars that were ambassadors of good will for Texas while alive. Stevie was honored with MANY different awards and honorary titles while alive from at least two or three sitting Govenors of Texas. I was lucky enough to meet him twice, once before his first album was released, and just after and he was one of the most kindest, and giving people I have ever met to this day. Some tend to think that he was just a "typical rock star that partied all the time" and I have even had some people think that he perished NOT from a helicopter crash, but from an overdose! From about November 1986 until August 26, 1990, Stevie went out of his way to let his fans and anyone that would listen to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Just listen to any live version of "Life Without You" and you will hear his message. Everyday on his tours he would attend or host AA meetings. His influence has spread worldwide and there are many people that travel to Dallas or Austin just because of Stevie. People that were not even alive at the time of his passing list him as one of their top influences. The time has come to honor Stevie. That also leads me to the issue of The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, but that is another issue altogether!; Reply to this comment


by mrwainscott August 30, 2010 12:14 AM EDT: "Stevie Ray Vaughan was the greatest guitar player of all time."

That's what Eric Clapton said on the current internet radio broadcast honoring SRV, by Redbeard, referenced by fisctank in these comments, playing on inthestudio.net. I already knew that SRV was the greatest guitar player of all time in my books, but I'm a Texan.

I am embarrassed that nothing has been done in my home state of Texas to honor this major musical legend who had a message of recovery that is still, to this day, helping others to help themselves. The spirit of this man lives on in us as we continue to listen and soar to that euphoric place only the most excellent music can take us to.

The city of Oak Cliff, TX, absolutely should honor Stevie Ray Vaughan in every way possible. I hope they'll take the time to do it right. Lots of people from all over the world would contribute to honor this this man. SRV, R.I.P.; Reply to this comment


by stevieraydotcom August 27, 2010 7:32 PM EDT: In response to several inquiries, the biography mentioned in this story is a Blues Foundation award-winning treatise called "Stevie Ray Vaughan: Day by Day, Night After Night," and the collector's limited edition is available at www.stevieray.com.; Reply to this comment


by fisctank August 27, 2010 5:20 PM EDT: Nationally syndicated radio show INTHESTUDIO is doing a two hour tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Producer and host Redbeard will re-air his first interview with Stevie from 1984. The show will also feature interviews from Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Steve Miller and Stevie's bandmates Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton. To find out where to listen or to stream these shows online, visit: www.inthestudio.net; Reply to this comment


by kmcsrv August 27, 2010 5:15 PM EDT: Stevie Ray Vaughan absolutely deserves an incredible tribute. As far as I am concerned he is the greatest guitar player of all time, an incredible person and wonderful role model. He is and always will be so missed. The city of Oak Cliff should honor this wonderful man in every way possible. God bless Stevie. KC; Reply to this comment