Ya know, right now the most important thing in my life is to make sure you understand that, first of all I thank God I'm alive today, and I mean that. I spent too many years of my life thinking that the big party was the whole thing.

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.