Customer Reviews

Stevie Ray: Soul to Soul

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This has some dazzling reviews of untaped concerts from SRV and DT. Also it has lots of information on Stevie Ray's life with other bands, Jimmie Vaughan, girlfriends, parents etc. Keri Leigh was a friend of SRV's and his chosen biographer. Hower this book does have big problems. The quality of the literal material like the binding of the book has almost completely fallen apart since December of 2000. I only read it once! Also, there is no direct interviews of any of the 4 members that past through Dt. Not Tommy, Chris, Jackie Newhouse or Reese. And no interviews from Keri of Jimmie Vaughan either. Only quotes from other publications, no real stories. That seemed alot less personal and to add to it, Keri Leigh his ''friend'' really didn't have any anecdotes of her own of Stevie Ray to tell. I loved the book in general though, and actually shed tears a few times, however was surprised in many of the things I just mentioned. Also, there were a massive amount of typos through here that just don't show up in professional books usually. There were great sections on the Vaughan brother rivalry and Srv and Bonnie Rait and Buddy Guy though. There were definetely some mysterious happenings with Stevie and the last few months of his life. Many horrifying coincidences. There was plenty talk of Stevie's amps and strings and so forth that should be interesting to any electric guitar player. That was a redeeming quality not to be overlooked. There were some odd choices in pictures here, but 80 percent of them were worthy of making into posters, that's how good they are. Another good reason to get the book. You get a real sense of Stevie's feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability, as Keri quotes him talking about his idols and his manner towards them. I really did expect far more rhetoric about Albert King who really did have more respect than King Fans might be able to imagine. Albert didn't give much credit to more than a few bluesman, [particularly guitarists] but as he said on the In Session album and Tv show- something like this anyway- '' Lots a guitar players out here. They play loud and they play fast-don't concentrate on no soul... But you Got 'em both....You pretty good.'' And so on. But only a few lines of Albert show up here. That was surprising. All in all, if you're a fan you shouldn't be dissappointed with what is there, and should get lots of enjoyment out of it too. However if you only want one book about Stevie, remember that this one does have some faults though lots of good reading. Also There is quite a large portion of the pages devoted to keeping you up with the Jimmie Vaughan, The Thunderbirds, and many Austin players to grow up with SRV and their intertwining timelines.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved Stevie Ray's music, but never knew much about him or his dedication to the music he loved and shared so emotionally with anyone who would listen. "Soul to Soul" is the story of his short life by someone who cared about him and felt the need to tell others who loved him all about him. I was riveted from the first page to the last, and found myself turning back and forth to reread some detail or laugh again at something Stevie Ray did or said. The only problem with this book is that, tragically, the hero dies. But then again, You know that going in. If you think you're over it, that you've shed your last tear for him, think again and read this book. I love you Stevie, wherever you are, Thank you so much.

This book is an excellant read for anyone who is remotely interested in Stevie Ray. Unlike 'Caught in the Crossfire', this book told the story of Stevie Ray's love for music and later on, for life. There are lots of great photos and bits and pieces including set lists, lyrics on napkins, etc. Well done Keri for telling the story how it should be told. All Stevie is now is a memory, but a memory that will live forever in our hearts and soul. SOUL TO SOUL! Go get it!

Of all the books out there about SRV, this one is still my fav. Keep going back to it again and again through the years, and my copy has completely fallen apart due to the publisher's poor quality binding glue! Other than that, Taylor did a nice job with the cover and tons of great photos inside.

But the true appeal of this book is that author Keri Leigh writes about Stevie with so much love and admiration for her subject, who was also her friend. But she never falls victim to the worshipful attitude so many authorized biographers take; rather she hits the darkest times of his life head-on, not shying away from his long years of alcoholism and drug abuse. Leigh is clearly inspired by SRV's recovery from addiction, and the way she writes about this will surely inspire others, too.

The book also features many rare interviews with Vaughan, his friends (some even dating back to childhood in Oak Cliff), lovers, bandmates, and fellow bluesmen and women. Unfortunately, as the author states in her introduction to the book, neither the Vaughan family or Double Trouble took part in the making of this book, because they were at the time planning a book of their own and wanted exclusivity. Still, Leigh does a great job assembling memorable quotes from Jimmie Vaughan and Stevie's bandmates, even if she didn't get to conduct new interviews with them. The other interviews she includes more than make up for it.

After reading this book, you'll feel like you knew the man personally. And if you already love SRV, you'll love him even more!

this book was well written about Stevie Ray.it deals with the music.that is the most important thing about any artist.forget the awards,pictures,etc.. at the end of the day what kind of impact did the Artist have on you? Stevie was gonna be huge.sadly he passed away.but his music will Live on.Keri Leigh did a Fantastic Job here.More Authors need to stick to the work of the subject matter at hand.

This book is written by Keri Leigh, who was actually chosen to do the job by SRV himself just before he died.

Keri's done a beautiful job. When you read it, there's just NO doubt, she loves the music, and Stevie Ray too. She has, however, also managed to get the dark side of SRV's life in there too. All in all a brilliant job. Well-written, and her love of the music is a great comfort when the story gets too sad.

I loved every second of the book as I read it. It is an absolute MUST HAVE for any SRV fan out there. Get it A.S.A.P.!!!

This is an amazing book! It got me reading page after page and just couldn't put it down! Keri sure has written it from her heart and soul and wrote it with great care. The photos were excellent addition to the book. It's just amazing to find out about Stevie's incredible life and times. He lived a fast, hard life, starting at a young age. Being exposed to superstardom wasn't what he thought it would be. Drugs and alcohol almost took his life away, but he had a strong will to survive. Sadly, however, just when he was starting a new clean lifestyle, his life was abruptly cut short. He was and still is one of the few best bluesmen that ever rocked the music world! His legacy still live on. Now he's jammin' with the great cats up there! They call him, " Guitar Hurricane"!!

I had read the Crossfire book, and enjoyed it. However, when I found out about this book that was written by someone that knew Stevie Ray, I bought it. Keri has some fantastic pictures, stories and I loved it. Keri was, and still is, a big fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and it came through.

A fantastic autobiography from a woman who put her heart and soul into the book and it shows. Buy it and savor it, because our beloved SRV is gone and if not for Keri then our hearts would not be lightened.

my first thought in reading this book is that it was so much "lighter" than another biography written about SRV. the other book, in my opinion, kept referring to SRV addictions and it kind of glamorized that very sorry part of his life. i enjoyed this book and it did tell about SRV addictions, but didnt keep bringing them to the readers attention. the rare pictures were nice and the general feel for the book was one of love by the author to her subject. at least i got that from it. its unfortunate that we will never again be able to see SRV and that infectious smile of his..but at least we have people like kerri leigh who remember him for what he was to me.....one terrific guitar player and blues singer (who did make a few mistakes in life and tried to steer others from them by his example in his later years). i would reccommend this book without hesitation.