IIRC Tubejunke, SRV was on SNL, but I think it was circa '83 - '84... I know his first album (Texas Flood) came out in 1983. I've worn out near three copies of it, and still think it's one of his best.
On the subject of Stevie vs Jimmie, I like Jimmie's playing, but as a guitarist, (I'm decent, but nothing to write home about) I can note for note learn just about anything Jimmie ever played in a sitting or two. I've been working on copping some of Stevie's licks for close to twenty years now, and I still can't quite get 'em in my pocket. The man could really play. Listening to "Rude Mood" or "Mary Had a Little Lamb" (Texas Flood) still awes me. He had tone for days, and was such an humble guy that when Guitar Player asked him how he played as well as he did, his answer was very revealing about his character; "I guess I just have big hands". The final word on the whole thing belongs to Jimmie though, who called Stevie "the greatest guitar player I've ever known".
Personally I think SRV's greatest contribution was as an ambassador for blues music. I can't recall the times I heard him say or read in interviews, "Hey, if you like my records, you should really listen to Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, or Albert or BB King etc". He really loved and respected the guys who came before him, and never failed to give credit where it was due.