Lonnie was ahead of his time, but at the same time he was right in there with Albert Collins's Cool Sounds.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s quote speaks to the unique position of Lonnie in the context of blues music, especially in comparison to other notable figures like Albert Collins. By saying, "Lonnie was ahead of his time," Vaughan is acknowledging that Lonnie's approach to music was innovative and forward-thinking, pushing the boundaries of what was expected in blues. This suggests that Lonnie was not just a product of his era but someone who anticipated the future direction of the genre, influencing the sound of music that would come later.

However, Vaughan also highlights Lonnie’s ability to stay grounded in the tradition of blues, stating, "he was right in there with Albert Collins's Cool Sounds." This part of the quote suggests that while Lonnie may have been innovative, he also shared the same roots and musical style as Albert Collins, known for his cool, electric blues sound. Vaughan implies that Lonnie balanced forward-thinking ideas with a deep connection to the foundational elements of the genre, making his contributions both revolutionary and relevant in the contemporary blues scene.

The phrase "ahead of his time" and the comparison to Albert Collins's Cool Sounds underscores the idea that blues music is both a tradition and an evolving art form. Lonnie's ability to innovate while staying true to the roots of the genre is what made him such a respected figure in the music world. Vaughan’s words reflect his admiration for Lonnie’s versatility and vision, which allowed him to straddle both the present and the future of blues.

Ultimately, Vaughan’s quote captures the respect and admiration he had for Lonnie’s ability to merge innovation and tradition within the blues genre. It highlights the unique blend of being ahead of his time while still honoring the classic sounds of the past, making Lonnie an influential figure in shaping the future of blues music.