Alpine Valley Music Theatre — East Troy, Wisconsin

In the early hours of August 27, 1990, a Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter lifted off from Alpine Valley Music Theatre carrying Stevie Ray Vaughan and three members of Eric Clapton's touring team — agent Bobby Brooks, bodyguard Nigel Browne, and tour manager Colin Smythe. Minutes after takeoff, the aircraft struck a ski slope on the venue's grounds in thick fog and darkness, killing all four instantly. Vaughan was 35 years old. He had just played one of the most celebrated concerts of his career — the final night of a run with Clapton, Robert Cray, and Buddy Guy — and had been in stronger form than he had been in years.

SteVie Ray Vaughan had only recently returned to peak playing following years of well-documented struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. His sobriety, which he spoke about openly, had brought a new depth and emotional clarity to his playing. The night before the crash he had called his brother Jimmie backstage to say how good he felt. Clapton later described the loss as devastating and irreplaceable, both personally and musically. Vaughan is buried at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.

Alpine Valley Music Theatre continues to operate as an outdoor amphitheatre and remains a significant site for blues and rock pilgrims. A memorial to Vaughan was placed near the crash site on the ski hill. His statue on Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas — unveiled in 1994 — is the more visited memorial, but East Troy remains the place where his story ended.