Austin: Stevie Ray Vaughan statue

The Stevie Ray Vaughan statue in Austin is a beloved public memorial dedicated to the legendary Texas blues guitarist. It’s one of the city’s most visited music landmarks. Cast in bronze by artist Ralph Helmick and installed in 1993 along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail beside Lady Bird Lake at Town Lake Metropolitan Parks, the statue portrays Vaughan in his signature hat and poncho with his guitar at his side. The sculpture includes a flat bronze “shadow” silhouette behind him that hints at his dynamic spirit and musical energy.

This memorial sits in a scenic lakeside location where Stevie Ray Vaughan performed many times in the 1980s and helped shape Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” It’s a popular spot for fans to visit year-round, often leaving flowers, picks, and other tokens at its base.

Unveiled a few years after Vaughan’s tragic death in a 1990 helicopter crash, the statue has become not just a piece of public art but a symbol of his enduring influence on blues and rock music. The Stevie Ray Vaughan statue is a must-see stop for visitors and music lovers exploring Austin’s vibrant cultural scene.