Nov. 9, 2008 NEW PRESS RELEASE regarding 2009 KBA Award - click here

Stevie Ray Vaughan 

Day By Day, Night After Night

UPDATE: The book available on this website is the original, now collectible, limited edition signed by the author. The book will be republished by Backbeat Books in two volumes: The first ("The Early Years 195401982") will be in bookstores September 15, 2010, and the second volume in fall 2011.  Copies of the collector's limited edition signed by the author (that covers everything in a single, large volume) are still available by clicking the ORDER button at the bottom of this page.

Eighteen years ago I began a journey which has culminated in three important results: wonderful friendships, a museum-quality collection and this book. At the beginning of my journey I had no idea this is where it would bring us. I say "us" because the journey would not have been so overwhelmingly enjoyable and successful without the assistance, encouragement and contributions of Stevie's family (Martha Vaughan and Joe Cook), friends, band mates, business associates and hundreds of fans. The journey has found expression in newsletters, this website, fan conventions, memorabilia exhibitions, three books and thousands of letters and emails. You are part of my journey, and I am very happy to bring you this opportunity to own the most fact-intensive and lavishly illustrated history of Stevie Ray Vaughan's life.

These 432 pages (253,000 words and almost 1000 illustrations) trace the life and legendary musical career of one of the greatest electric guitarists of all time. I approached the creation of this book with the attitude that if I could possess only one book about Stevie, this is it. With that attitude you can be sure that I believe this book is worth the money I have invested making it available to you, and every year I have spent doing research. On the production of this book alone I have spent up to twelve hours a day for the past fifteen months, traveling literally from coast to coast. The book explores where this musical genius came from, how he became successful, what he experienced along the way, the recollections of those who were closest to Stevie, his dramatic recovery from near-fatal addictions, stories from the band's life on the road and in the studio -- illustrated in a way that has never been done before and likely never will be again. I have selected almost one thousand of the most historic and artistic photos from among thousands of images -- from family photo albums and candid shots on the road to those taken by the most respected professional photographers. 

The following are among the many aspects of the book that I consider highlights:

** The story of Stevie's life and career is told in the form of interviews of over 110 family members, band mates, peers, friends, girlfriends, roadies, managers and agents. Some of their comments will make you laugh, some may make you cry. If you don't think, "Wow! I didn't know that..." many times while reading this book, I will be quite surprised. The recollections of those closest to Stevie tell a compelling story without the need for paraphrasing or speculation. To the greatest extent possible you get the story directly from those who were there. It is not a story sprinkled with a few quotes; it is comprised of quotes tied together to form a story, annotated with thousands of additional facts and illustrations.

** An analysis of the nineteen different bands of which Stevie was a member (plus four other incarnations of those bands which could legitimately bring the total to twenty-three bands). Several of these bands have never been mentioned in any previous book or magazine. Even I didn't know about some of these bands until I really dug into researching Stevie's early years. The story of these bands is told by the surviving members, many of whom had never been interviewed about their experiences with Stevie.

** The nearly 1000 illustrations include previously unpublished family photos of Stevie beginning in 1954 and continuing throughout his life. There are photos of Stevie on stage from his first public performance ever (1965!) through his final song, "Sweet Home Chicago" at Alpine Valley; the only photos known to exist of Stevie in his earliest bands; and comic photos of the characters Stevie would invent and other candid moments off stage. In addition to the hundreds of photos of Stevie, there are also illustrations of concert handbills, posters, letters, handwritten lyrics and notes and other historic artifacts.

** The list of concerts is significantly expanded and is now annotated with references to known audio and video recordings and sample set lists throughout his career -- including never before published set lists from his teenage bands.

** For the first time, I have presented everything in chronological order (except for the pages at the end about Stevie's guitars and equipment).

Read a review of the book by noted historian Art Tipaldi HERE. 
Read reviews from fans HERE. 
Read the Premier  Guitar review HERE.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How different is it from the previous books you have written about Stevie?
Like night and day. As successful as the previous books are, they do not compare to the new book. Just as The Essential is more extensive than the earlier Anthology, the new book is significantly more informative and lavishly illustrated. Look at the page totals for the three books: 150, 250 and 432. The Essential was an expansion of The Anthology. Day by Day is a completely new book. It is not a new edition or revision of the previous books.

2. Are copies of your previous books still available for purchase?
The Stevie Ray Vaughan Anthology and The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan are sold out. There is no plan to reprint either of them.

3. How many copies of Day by Day, Night After Night will be printed / Is the book still available?
Only 3200 copies were printed, and more than 70% are sold. There will not be another printing of the first edition, nor is there likely to ever be another signed edition.  The book is in stock; you do not have to email to see if books are available.

4. How big is the book?
My computer software calculated the number of characters in the new book at 1,426,158 and over a quarter of a million words (253,005). The page size is 8.5 x 11 like my other books, and it weighs almost 5 pounds.

5. Can I get the book in the bookstore or anywhere else?
Bookstores can order for you (Borders has the best customer service) but it will likely cost more, take longer to receive and will not be signed. I sell directly from this website, on Amazon.com (but make sure you are buying a new copy from me and not a used copy) and occasionally on eBay. Buying direct from this website is the least expensive method unless you find a used copy somewhere that someone is willing to take a loss on. (There is a used copy on eBay for $363 the day I am writing this.)

6. How long does it take to receive the book?
Orders are usually shipped within two business days after receipt of your order, though they often are mailed within hours. However, this is a one-person operation and travel or other situations may cause delays. All books are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, including overseas orders. Please allow 3-7 business days in the U.S. and 7- 21 days outside the U.S.  You might also glance at the Updates page of this website to see if there is a vacation notice posted.

7. How are the books packed for shipping?
Half-inch bubble wrap and USPS box.  

8. WHY ORDER NOW, and why is it $75?
Buy now because shipping rates continue to increase and because there are less than 1500 copies of the signed first edition left.
About the price: The $75 price is within the industry-suggested range for a book of this quality and extent. It is hardcover with color throughout. This book is self-published, which means not only that there is no publishing house paying me to write this book, but I have committed tens of thousands of dollars of my own money for the printing costs, expenses, licenses, travel and taxes without selling a single book. I must sell hundreds of books before I make a penny on this project. The print run of 3200 books does not afford an opportunity to spread the costs over a larger number of buyers. I tried very hard to keep the book price much lower, but I believe all the content is important, and I would rather be over-inclusive than produce a lesser quality book. I wanted you to have all the information and lots of big, color pictures!  The shipping and handling costs include postage and other actual out-of-pocket expenses and fees that I have to pay for payment processing, supplies, etc. for a 5-pound package. 

Enjoy the book!

Paypal payments (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted for the new book, as are other forms of payment. 
Use the convenient "Buy Now" button on the ORDER PAGE. All books are signed by the author. 
The book is in stock. Please do not email to ask if is still available.

UPDATE: Over 70% of the books have already been sold. Thank you!!