The story of The Fabulous Thunderbirds during Jimmie Vaughan’s tenure is of a band that helped to shape the soul of Texas blues in the modern era. Born of the vibrant music scene in Austin, the band formed in 1974 with Jimmie on guitar, Kim Wilson on vocals and harmonica, Keith Ferguson on bass, and Mike Buck on drums. Occasionally, singer Lou Ann Barton would join, adding even more spark to their already electric performances.
From the beginning, the group focused on bending their influences—ranging from swamp to Chicago blues—into something uniquely their own. They quickly became a staple at Antone’s, Austin’s iconic blues haven, backing legendary artists and sharpening their trademark, distinctly Texan grit.
They released their first album in 1979. Girls Go Wild was a debut brimming with energy, even if it didn’t break into the mainstream. Over the next few years, they released a string of records in rapid succession: What's the Word (1980), Butt Rockin’ (1981) and T-Bird Rhythm (1982). Each release featured Vaughan’s understated guitar work and Wilson’s raspy delivery, capturing the essence of what was then, a burgeoning Texas music scene.
It wasn’t until 1986 that the band reached wider awareness. The group at this time included Jimmie, Kim, Preston Hubbard on bass, and Fran Christina on drums. Produced by Dave Edmunds, Tuff Enuff featured a rockier, more radio-friendly sound that broadened their appeal. It had more polish, and more hooks, but the beating heart of their sound—the blues—remained. The title track gained significant radio play, propelling them onto the national stage. Other tracks, including “Wrap It Up” and “Powerful Stuff,” helped maintain momentum, with the latter even landing in the soundtrack of Tom Cruise’s Cocktail.
In 1990, Jimmie left the group to record Family Style with his brother, Stevie Ray —a project steeped in love and deep musical connection. Tragically, Stevie Ray passed away shortly after the album’s completion.
And so, it was the end of an era, but The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Jimmie Vaughan at the helm, will be remembered as more than just another blues band. Rising from the smoky dive bars of Austin to the international stage, they never lost their authenticity. Jimmie's guitar was the thread that held it all together and in no small measure defined their sound. That sound continues to inspire the blues music of Texas today.
With in the release of The Jimmie Vaughan Years: Complete Studio Recordings, a previously unknown recording session that was unearthed further adds to this history. The Doc Pomus Recordings 1978, produced by the American songwriting luminary, had almost been lost to flood damage. The recordings pre-date the band’s first album releases and have been meticulously restored for this collection.
Photo by Tracy Hart.
