Some of us can be examples about going ahead and growing, and some of us, unfortunately, don't make it there, and end up being examples because they had to die. I hit rock bottom, but thank God my bottom wasn't death.

Martell Foundation's work in leukemia and cancer research. In September 1970 Vaughan was temporarily recruited into Cast of Thousands a band that included future actor Stephen Tobolowsky. Vaughan was also photographed playing a National Duolian Epiphone Riviera Gibson Flying V as well as several other models.

After successful touring the group released the albums Couldn't Stand the Weather (1984) and Soul to Soul (1985) the latter of which featured new keyboardist Reese Wynans. In June 1989 In Step was released and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Performance. He was influenced by blues musicians including Albert King Freddie King Otis Rush and Muddy Waters and rock guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Mack.