Pride and Joy

Feel the electric energy of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Pride and Joy," the quintessential Texas blues shuffle from 1983! This signature electric blues and blues-rock anthem boasts SRV's fiery guitar, soulful vocals, and an irresistible rhythm. A powerful declaration of love that helped define modern blues.

Released on Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's groundbreaking 1983 debut album Texas Flood, "Pride and Joy" immediately established SRV as a towering figure in electric blues. This self-penned blues-rock classic perfectly embodies the driving Texas shuffle rhythm that became his trademark. Its raw power, passionate vocals, and explosive guitar mastery made it an instant signature song and a highlight of the album.

Issued as the lead single around May 29, 1983, "Pride and Joy" introduced Stevie Ray Vaughan's electrifying blues-rock sound to a global audience, earning critical acclaim and significant airplay. Built upon an infectious shuffle rhythm and showcasing SRV's virtuosic guitar technique—effortlessly blending rhythm and lead playing—this track became a defining moment in the 1980s blues revival.

SONG MEANING: "Pride and Joy" is a pure, unabashed expression of love and devotion towards a romantic partner. Stevie Ray Vaughan wrote it for his then-girlfriend (later wife), Lenora "Lenny" Bailey. The lyrics celebrate her importance in his life, referring to her as his "pride and joy" and "sweet little baby," conveying deep affection and happiness within the relationship.