Doyle Bramhall was a Texas blues singer, drummer, and songwriter who collaborated with the Vaughan brothers and wrote some of the most recognizable blues songs of the 80s. He died at the age of 62 at his home in Alpine, Texas, on November 13, 2011. But what was the cause of his death? And why is it still shrouded in mystery?
A Life of Music and Struggle
Doyle Bramhall was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 17, 1949. He started playing music at an early age, joining The Chessmen with Jimmie Vaughan while in high school. The group opened for Jimi Hendrix when he played Dallas. In 1969, he moved to Austin and formed Texas Storm with Jimmie Vaughan. In the 1970s, he formed The Nightcrawlers with Marc Benno, which also included Jimmie Vaughan’s younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar.
Bramhall was a prolific songwriter, co-writing songs such as “Dirty Pool”, “Life by the Drop”, and “The House is Rockin'” for Stevie Ray Vaughan. He also played the drums on the Vaughan Brothers’ only album, Family Style. He released his debut solo album, Bird Nest on the Ground, in 1994, followed by Fitchburg Street in 2003 and Is It News in 2007. He was the father of singer and guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, who played with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters.
Bramhall struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for most of his life, which affected his health and career. He got sober in the late 80s, with the help of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who also battled substance abuse. Bramhall said that Vaughan saved his life by taking him to rehab. However, Bramhall relapsed several times, and his addiction took a toll on his relationships and finances.
A Mysterious Death
On November 12, 2011, Bramhall died of heart failure while asleep at his home in Alpine, Texas. He was 62. It was reported that Bramhall had been suffering from pneumonia in the days immediately preceding his death, according to the International Business Times. However, the exact cause of his death was never officially confirmed, and no autopsy was performed, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Some of Bramhall’s friends and family members speculated that his death was related to his drug use, or that he committed suicide, according to Rolling Stone. Others suggested that he died of natural causes, or that he had a heart condition that he was unaware of. Bramhall’s death certificate listed the cause of death as “pending investigation”, but no further details were ever released, according to Blues.Gr.
Bramhall’s death was a shock to the Texas music scene, and to the blues community at large. He was mourned by his fans, peers, and collaborators, who remembered him as a talented and generous musician, and a troubled but kind soul. His legacy lives on through his songs, his recordings, and his son, who continues to carry on the family tradition of playing the blues.
