Experience the electrifying blues-rock mastery of Stevie Ray Vaughan as he reinterprets a funk classic.
The Song
"Superstition" is an iconic funk masterpiece originally written and performed by Stevie Wonder, released in 1972 on his landmark album "Talking Book". Wonder's version, known for its irresistible clavinet riff and syncopated groove, became a number one hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.S. soul singles chart. The song's lyrics caution against the dangers of believing in superstitions, touching on common themes like walking under ladders and breaking mirrors.
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their blistering live cover of "Superstition" in 1986, featured on their album "Live Alive". Vaughan's rendition transforms Wonder's funk into a high-octane blues-rock powerhouse, showcasing his phenomenal guitar prowess. While Wonder had initially conceived the song with rock guitarist Jeff Beck in mind, it was Vaughan's live interpretation that truly brought a raw, blues-infused rock sensibility to the track.
The Artist
Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the history of blues and rock. He fronted the band Double Trouble, which formed in Austin, Texas, in 1978. The classic lineup of Double Trouble solidified with Vaughan on guitar and vocals, Chris Layton on drums, and Tommy Shannon on bass, later joined by Reese Wynans on keyboards in 1985.
Vaughan's career, though tragically cut short by a helicopter crash in 1990, spanned an impactful seven years in the mainstream, during which he was instrumental in reviving blues music and inspiring countless artists. He gained significant attention after playing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1982 and went on to release critically acclaimed albums like "Texas Flood" (1983), which featured hits like "Pride and Joy".
Chart Performance
While Stevie Wonder's original "Superstition" was a massive commercial success, hitting number one in the USA in 1973, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble's live cover also achieved notable chart success. Vaughan's version, released as a single from "Live Alive" in 1986, climbed to a peak position of number 11 on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart.
The live recording cemented its place in classic rock radio rotations, gaining even more popularity after Vaughan's untimely death in 1990. This demonstrates the enduring appeal and power of Vaughan's interpretation, proving that a compelling cover can find its own audience and carve out its own legacy.
Cultural Impact
Stevie Ray Vaughan's rendition of "Superstition" is more than just a cover; it's a testament to his ability to infuse his distinct blues-rock style into any song, making it his own. His electrifying guitar work on the track introduced the song to a new generation of rock fans and showcased his unparalleled skill to a wider audience. The track remains a staple on classic rock radio and a fan favorite, often cited as one of his quintessential live performances.
The video, often associated with his legendary "Live at the El Mocambo" performance from 1983 (though the "Superstition" video itself is specifically tied to the Live Alive album released in 1986), serves as a powerful visual record of Vaughan's captivating stage presence and intense musicality. It highlights his role in bringing the raw energy of the blues back into the mainstream rock scene, solidifying his status as a guitar hero.
Fun Facts
- Stevie Wonder originally wrote "Superstition" for rock guitarist Jeff Beck, as part of an agreement for Beck to play on Wonder's "Talking Book" album. However, due to delays, Wonder's version was released first and became a massive hit.
- The video for Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble's "Superstition" is a live performance from their 1986 album "Live Alive". This album was recorded over several nights in July 1985.
- Vaughan's version of "Superstition" helped extend the song's reach into the blues and rock genres, building on the crossover appeal Stevie Wonder had already achieved by incorporating rock elements into his funk.
- The song's core riff in Stevie Wonder's original is played on a Hohner Clavinet, an electro-mechanical string instrument. Wonder recorded the entire original track himself, starting with drums, then bass, and finally multiple layers of clavinet.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan was known for his intense live performances, where he would often "sweat buckets while pouring out his soul song after song, solo after solo."