By Marc Loison 
Texan guitarist with an unmistakable style, a leading figure in modern blues, and founder of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmie Vaughan is one of those names that instantly evokes a sound, a touch, and unmatched authenticity. The older brother of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, he has built, since the 1970s, a career marked by milestone records and prestigious collaborations, all while remaining faithful to the essence of the blues.
It was at the Megève Blues Festival that Marc Loison sat down with him for an exclusive conversation, accompanied by his agent Mike Fackler. In this interview, Jimmie Vaughan reflects on his guitar philosophy, his influences, a few colorful anecdotes, and his current projects: the release of the film Brothers in Blues, the vinyl reissue of Do You Get the Blues?, a new album in the works, and an American tour with Bonnie Raitt. A unique moment of sharing with an equally unique artist…
Hello Jimmie! Your guitar playing is instantly recognizable. How would you describe your guitar philosophy? Fewer notes, more emotion?
Hello Marc. I just try to play what I feel.
You have a very dry, clean sound, with few effects. Your touch and vibrato are very personal. Is that something you worked on consciously, or did it come naturally over time?
I like a clean sound. Not just without distortion—I like good natural distortion, not a messy sound. And I use flatwound strings.
Who were your role models or mentors when you first started playing guitar?
There were a lot. A local guitarist, Johnny Peebles, taught me a lot. My uncles on my mother’s side, Joe and Gerald, played guitar, and an uncle on my father’s side played bass. I learned with them. And then there were all those we heard on Black radio, like B.B. King…
“I stayed home for three months and played guitar every day“
You started very young?
Yes. Actually, I really started after I broke my collarbone trying to play football at school. My buddies said that to get a girlfriend, you had to play football. I tried, but on the very first day, after catching a pass, all the players piled on me and broke my collarbone. I stayed home for three months and played guitar every day.
On this European tour, you’ve played in Spain, Norway, and London, where you invited Eric Clapton on stage. Tonight in France, could you also invite a local musician?
Yes. I don’t know any French guitarists who are playing tonight. But we’ll probably have a jam at the end, maybe with D.K. Harrell. (Editor’s note: this wonderful intergenerational exchange did indeed happen, on two songs!)
A film, “Brothers in Blues,” is about to be released. Can you tell us about it?
My friend Kirby Warnock, from Dallas, who had a magazine and is a filmmaker, wanted to make a movie about me and my brother Stevie Ray Vaughan. So we did it. It’s the only story authorized by the family. It has already been released in the United States, and soon in Europe. You can also watch it on Amazon and other platforms.
Your album “Do You Get the Blues?” from 2000 will be reissued on vinyl in 2025. What does it mean to you?
It was my first solo album, with a new contract and a new label. But today, what matters most is my next album.
When will it be released?
I don’t know yet. I’ll be making it with my current band.
You also have a project with Bonnie Raitt?
Yes, but only in the United States, mostly on the East Coast, with a date at Red Rocks at the end of September.
In 2021, you released a box set for your 70th birthday. Who came up with the idea?
It was Malcolm Mills, from the Last Music label, who suggested it. We included about 95 songs recorded over the years, with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and other projects.
Do you still have a musical dream?
I’m already living my musical dream. And I want to keep going…
On the evening of this short interview, Jimmie Vaughan delivered a masterful concert, the last of a five-date European run. After Spain, Italy, England, and Norway, he brought his blues to France for a unique show at the Megève Blues Festival. A true blues lesson delivered by him and his band, Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band.
Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band:
- Jimmie Vaughan – Voice, guitar
- Billy Pitman – Rhythm Guitar
- Billy Horton – Stand Up Bass
- Jason Corbiere – Drums
- The Texas Horns
- Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff – Tenor Sax
- John Mills – Baritone Sax
- Al Gomez – Trumpet
Not to forget Mike Fackler, his manager (Photo below), who helped us arrange this meeting!
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