Relive Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Tightrope’ Performance Back In 1990

In the 80s when people were more inclined to anything disco, pop, and AOR, blues was nowhere to be found in the music scene. While many still respected the genre, it wasn’t until Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ability to perform it made its second mainstream revival.

The world mourned for the loss of this blues legend when he died in 1990 as the result of a helicopter crash. His career only spanned 7 years, yet his musical contributions were more than enough to consider him as one of the most influential guitarists in music history.

“In Step” was Vaughan’s final album released during his lifetime. Inside the wondrous LP was a collection of Vaughan’s songs that talked about his decision to undergo sobriety, quitting drugs and booze to focus more on his music. One particular song that was written on a personal note from the musician was “Tightrope,” the third track from the said album.

Vaughan played the song on “The Tonight Show” on NBC in 1990. The performance and the brief interview were among his final public appearances, before his death in August 1990.

Take a look at the video below.