One
of my many “lines of defenses” during serious times is the use of humor. Usually, the humor
is within the confines of my aging, feeble mind. I’ll think of something that would be funny about
the situation or environment if the circumstances weren’t otherwise serious or even tragic.
While contemplating the tragic and untimely death of guitar
great, Stevie RayVaughan, that happened 20 years ago this Friday, I find myself thinking of a true and (to me) funny story
that happened on the day of Vaughan’s funeral.
Okay. You twisted my arm so I’ll tell you the story.
As any fan of Vaughan knows, he and his equally talented
and renown brother, Jimmie, are from the Dallas area. After the tragic helicopter crash in Wisconsin claimed
the talented life of Stevie Ray, his body was brought home to be laid to rest in Dallas.
On the day of the funeral, I had to take a day off from work for a couple of
reasons. My then five year old daughter had a holiday from kindergarten. I also had some paper work I needed
to take care of for my re-admission to college. It just made sense for me to take the day off so that I
could watch our daughter while enrolling in school.
My wife, ever the sharp female that she always is, knew that the Vaughan funeral was taking
place that very day. Knowing that I’m the rock music nut that I always am, gave me strict orders
that I was NOT to go to the funeral but to spend the day giving quality time to our daughter.
Understood.
So, as my lovely daughter and I drove the streets of Dallas, taking care of
my school business and having those father/daughter chats that stay forever in a dad’s heart, we were listening to one
of the local rock radio stations. They were playing back-to-back songs by Stevie Ray as well as old interviews
with Vaughan and live interviews with those who knew him.
One song caught my daughter’s attention. Here’s how the
conversation progressed:
Lacie: “I really
like that song, Daddy!”
Me:
“Isn’t that t great song?”
Lacie:
“Who sings it, Daddy?”
Me:
“That’s Stevie Ray Vaughan.”
Lacie:
“I really like Stevie Ray Vaughan!”
Me:
“Me, too, Sugar. He died this week.”
Lacie: “Oh, that’s so sad!”
Me: “I know, Baby Doll. His funeral
is today.”
Lacie: “Oh! I’ve
never been to a famous person’s funeral before.”
Now, let me stop right there and ask you parents: If you really loved
your kids and they made that comment, what would you want to do for child?
That’s what I thought. I now resume the story.
Me: “Would you like to go to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s
funeral, Sugar?”
Lacie: “Oh, yes,
Daddy! That would be fun!”
So,
being the loving father that I was, and am, I took my daughter to the funeral of Stevie Ray Vaughan. And,
as luck would have it, I had my camera with me.
Funny
how that worked out . . .
When we got to the
cemetery, the grave side service was already well underway. As we walked up to the crowd, none other than
Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Wonder were singing Amazing Grace. On that hot August day, chills ran up and down
my spine as I heard these legends sing this gospel standard.
Among the other illustrious guests were Stevie’s family; band mates,
Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon; with Stevie’s brother, Jimmie, was his Fabulous Thunderbird’s band mate, Kim Wilson;
Jeff Healey and his band; the boys from ZZ Top; and Dr. John. Buddy Guy was there, too. If it wasn’t
such a sad occasion, I would’ve have been incredibly stoked.
After the service, the family was gracious enough to let the fans file by the
closed casket to pay their final respects to this rock legend.
I know what you’re thinking: What kind of trouble did you get into when you got home,
Randy?
Well, my lovely wife
wasn’t exactly thrilled with me. I think it cost me a nice dinner out with her which I would always
gladly do, anyway. But that’s not the point I’d want to focus on (of course not, Randy).
Just as I’m sure that Jimmie Ray and his family thought
on that hot August day 20 years ago this week, I am thinking today just how fast time has passed and continues to fly right
on by. That beautiful five year old daughter of mine is a gorgeous 25 year old woman. The
lovely wife that I was married to for ten years during the time of that story is now my beautiful bride of 30 years.
As my generation begins to see our older friends and relatives
begin to succumb to age, it serves as a wake-up call that none of us are getting any younger. Because of
that, we’ve got to make the most of each and every day we have with our friends and loved ones, creating memories that
will last lifetimes. We’ve got to because time’s tickin’ away.
Thanks, Stevie Ray, for the music that you’ve given
us that’s lasting a lifetime.
