On May 2, NAMM‘s Dan Del Fiorentino sent the following message:
Ray Hennig the Texas music retailer who sold Stevie Ray Vaughn his first Fender Stratocaster passed away on April 30 at the age of 91.
Ray opened Heart of Texas Music in the early 1960s after years of repairing guitars for friends. He built homes in Texas and was happy with that line of work, but his passion was in music – so he did both. Over the years, he has been awarded many honors from the city of Austin and from the state for his ethics and good business practices. For a generation of blues and rock fans, Ray is also known for his friendship with the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, who bought his “number one” guitar from Ray in the 1980s. Over 50 years in the business, Ray sold instruments around the world and often was asked to address large tour groups who come to visit Austin in the hopes of knowing more about Stevie Ray and Texas music. Ray was always willing to answer questions and take time for everyone – perhaps one reason he was such an icon in our industry and in Austin!
