Category: Classic Rock History

Brian May is an English musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist, best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Queen. He was born on July 19, 1947, in Hampton, Middlesex, England.

May began playing the guitar at the age of seven and went on to form his first band, Smile, in 1968, which later evolved into Queen with the addition of singer Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor. Queen became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with May's distinctive guitar sound and musical contributions playing a major role in the band's success.

May is known for his unique guitar style, which features a blend of heavy distortion, melodic phrasing, and intricate harmonies. He also developed his own custom guitar, the Red Special, which he built with his father when he was a teenager, and has used it throughout his career. He is known for using a British sixpence coin as a guitar pick, and for his preference for Vox AC30 amplifiers, both of which contribute to his recognizable sound.

In addition to his music career, May is also an accomplished astrophysicist and holds a PhD in the subject. He has contributed to several scientific publications and was even appointed Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in 2008.

May's contributions to music and science have earned him several awards and honors, including the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005 and the honorary title of Distinguished Supporter of the British Humanist Association in 2014. He continues to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with Queen, and remains a beloved figure in the world of rock music.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born on October 3, 1954, and tragically died on August 27, 1990, was an immensely talented American guitarist and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of blues and rock music. Known for his passionate playing style, soulful tone, and virtuosic skills, Vaughan left a lasting impact on the music world during his relatively short career.

Early Life and Musical Journey:
Stevie Ray Vaughan was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in the nearby city of Oak Cliff. He grew up in a musical household, with his older brother Jimmie Vaughan, who would also become a renowned guitarist. Stevie Ray Vaughan began playing guitar at the age of seven and quickly showed great aptitude for the instrument. He was heavily influenced by blues musicians such as Freddie King, Albert King, and B.B. King, as well as rock guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Mack.

In his teenage years, Vaughan started performing in various local bands, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills. He gained recognition in the Texas music scene, and by 1982, had formed a power trio version of his band Double Trouble, consisting of himself on vocals and guitar, bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton. The trio would become Vaughan's primary band configuration for the rest of his career. They became a four-piece by 1985 after adding Reese Wynans on keyboards.

Breakthrough and Success:
Stevie Ray Vaughan's breakthrough came at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, where he caught the attention of David Bowie's guitarist, Mick Ronson. Ronson, impressed by Vaughan's talent, invited him to contribute to Bowie's album "Let's Dance." This exposure helped introduce Vaughan's music to a wider audience.

In 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble released their debut album, "Texas Flood," which received critical acclaim and established Vaughan as a guitar virtuoso. The album showcased his fiery guitar playing, soulful vocals, and a deep understanding of the blues. It included standout tracks like "Pride and Joy" and the title track "Texas Flood."

Over the next few years, Vaughan continued to release successful albums, including "Couldn't Stand the Weather" (1984) and "Soul to Soul" (1985). He gained a reputation for his electrifying live performances, often captivating audiences with his passionate playing and incredible improvisational skills.

Legacy and Influence:
Stevie Ray Vaughan's impact on the music world cannot be overstated. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the blues genre, bringing it to a new generation of listeners. Vaughan's technical proficiency, coupled with his emotional expressiveness, made him a unique and influential guitarist.

His playing style combined elements of blues, rock, and jazz, creating a signature sound that inspired countless guitarists. Vaughan's use of the Fender Stratocaster and his mastery of techniques like string bending, vibrato, and fast-paced blues licks became synonymous with his musical identity.

Tragically, Stevie Ray Vaughan's life was cut short on August 27, 1990, when he died in a helicopter crash at the age of 35. His death shocked the music community and led to an outpouring of grief from fans around the world.

In recognition of his contributions, Stevie Ray Vaughan was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. His albums continue to be celebrated, and his recordings are studied by aspiring guitarists seeking to understand his unique style.

Notable Discography:
"Texas Flood" (1983)
"Couldn't Stand the Weather" (1984)
"Soul to Soul" (1985)
"In Step" (1989)
"The Sky Is Crying" (1991)

Stevie Ray Vaughan's music remains a testament to his immense talent, and his influence continues to inspire guitarists and music lovers to this day.

Steve Lukather, born on October 21, 1957, is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the rock band Toto. Lukather's versatile playing style and exceptional guitar skills have made him one of the most respected and sought-after guitarists in the music industry.

Lukather was born in Los Angeles, California, and began playing guitar at a young age. He was heavily influenced by rock and blues musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. Lukather's musical career took off in the late 1970s when he co-founded Toto with his childhood friends David Paich and Jeff Porcaro.

Toto achieved great success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like "Hold the Line," "Rosanna," and "Africa." Lukather's distinctive guitar playing and his ability to seamlessly blend different styles, from rock to jazz to R&B, contributed to the band's unique sound. He became known for his melodic guitar solos, tasteful phrasing, and precise technique.

In addition to his work with Toto, Lukather has been an in-demand session guitarist. He has collaborated with numerous artists and played on hundreds of recordings across various genres. Some notable collaborations include sessions with Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, and many more. Lukather's guitar playing can be heard on some of the biggest hits of the 1980s and beyond.

Lukather has also released several solo albums. His debut solo effort, "Lukather," was released in 1989 and showcased his diverse musical influences. He has since released several more albums, including "Candyman" (1994), "Ever Changing Times" (2008), and "Transition" (2013). Lukather's solo work demonstrates his versatility as a musician, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, pop, and fusion.

Throughout his career, Steve Lukather has received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to music. He is a five-time Grammy Award winner and has been recognized for his guitar skills by publications like Guitar Player magazine. Lukather's influence as a guitarist extends far and wide, and he continues to inspire aspiring musicians with his playing style and musicality.

In recent years, Lukather has remained active both as a solo artist and as a member of Toto. He has also participated in various tribute concerts and collaborated with other musicians on special projects. For many years, he has been a core member of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, a touring group made up of musicians from several classic rock bands, which performs Beatles hits as well as those by others who happen to be in the band's current lineup. Lukather's passion for music, his dedication to his craft, and his incredible guitar skills have solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.