On August 26, 1990 Stevie Ray Vaughan had what he described as a "horrible" nightmare. He dreamt that he was at his own funeral and saw thousands of mourners. He said he felt "terrified, yet almost peaceful."

At the end of an extended 15 minute jam consisting of Stevie Ray, his brother Jimmie, blues legends Buddy Guy and Robert Cray, and Eric Clapton, the musicians headed backstage. The musicians were taking a bus to Chicago. They were currently in East Troy, Wisconsin.

Vaughan was told that there were three seats open on one of Clapton's helicopters returning to Chicago. That was enough for Stevie, Jimmie, and Jimmie's wife, Connie. Only one seat was left and Stevie requested it from his brother, who obliged.

After a just a few seconds after 12:44 am on August 27, 1990, the helicopter banked into a 300-foot high hill. The twisted metal was scattered over an area of 200 square feet. All on-board were killed instantly. No one realized the accident had taken place until the helicopter failed to reach Chicago.

Vaughan is interred at Laurel Land Memorial Park. Picture courtesy of FindAGrave.com.

Here is Stevie playing Couldn't Stand the Weather in New Orleans.