The Real Deal: Greatest Hits Volume 1

'The Real Deal: Greatest Hits Volume 1' offers a well-balanced cross section of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's studio output and includes a live classic.

Blending blues classics, rockers, and instrumentals was a signature of Vaughan's sets. His guitar acrobatics and gut-deep vocal testimonials are never less than satisfying - all of his styles are featured on this excellent compilation.

From 1983-1990, over the course of six albums and countless electrifying live performances, Stevie Ray Vaughan revolutionised contemporary blues. Armed with Texas attitude, titanic guitar tone, a soulful voice and some unforgettable songs, early in his career Stevie won over such legends as David Bowie, the Rolling Stones and esteemed producer John Hammond, before he stepped into the studio to record his debut album. It didn't take long for the rest of the world to catch up: when stevie rumbled across the airwaves with the roadhouse boogie of his first single "Love Stuck Baby", blues and rock had a new guitar hero.

Vaughan found inspiration in the playing and singing of classic bluesmen such as BB King, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Howlin Wolf and Albert King. But he had a deep love of soul and r&b as well, and those two passions permeated his music. For instance, "Love Struck Baby" was the first example of Vaughan's mastery of shuffles. He took the standard 12-bar form and supercharged it with an endless stream of fluid soloing and musical ideas.

Stevie Ray Vaughan's tragic death in a helicopter crash in 1990 stunned the world and silenced one of America's most profound musical talents. Like Lennon and Hendrix, Vaughan was gone too soon.