Band Members Names:
John Vaughn – Guitar, Vocal
David Vaughn – Mandolin, Guitar, Vocal
Molly Matheny – Fiddle, Vocal
Dave Matheny – Banjo
Mackenzie Murphy – Upright Bass
Band Bio:
Originating in 1999, in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, The Vaughns have developed their own matchless and diverse style of music. The group originally consisted of John Vaughn on guitar, his sons David on mandolin and Daniel on bass, along with close friend Dave Matheny on banjo. The group’s three part harmony and tasteful instrumentation immediately allowed them to become a well known band in North Central West Virginia. As soon as people heard about the group and their music, The Vaughns soon began playing at area fairs and festivals. They have since broadened their area and are playing across West Virginia, Ohio, and surrounding states.
In 2003, Dave Matheny’s youngest daughter Molly joined the group on stage playing the fiddle and singing. The following year, after regrouping, Mackenzie Murphy, joined the group playing the bass. Both helped to continue the sound and the style originally established by the group.
Most recently, The Vaughns released their newest project entitled Leavin’ You. The CD contains five original songs along with a mix of traditional, country, and contemporary genres in order to appeal to a variety of individuals. The title track along with two other songs are original compositions by David Vaughn. While the albums two instrumentals are collaborations of both David Vaughn and Dave Matheny.
The group also has two other projects which include Black Water that was released in 2005 with the title track being another arraignment by Vaughn and Matheny as well as a song entitled, “The Traveler.” The other project is the group’s first CD which was released in 2002, West Virginia Ride. As with the other recordings, this albums title cut is an original of David Vaughn and Dave Matheny.
Today, The Vaughns maintain their rich, family style, three part harmony, and unique instrumentation performing at major festivals and events. They have opened for various professional groups such as Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Dailey and Vincent, Lost and Found, Don Rigsby and Midnight Call, Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys, Cadillac Sky, Mountain Heart and performed alongside Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain and Randy Kohrs.
Along with opening for various professional groups, The Vaughns have performed for West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III. They have also performed at Tamarack in Beckley, West Virginia, on the stage of the Governor Hulett C. Smith Theater. In addition to performing at the Tamarack, The Vaughns CDs are showcased in the Tamarack gift shop and online.
The Vaughns continue to provide a talent that combines harmony and instrumentation in a true bluegrass style. They will get your hands clapping and your toes tapping, leaving you wanting to hear more.
Contact Information:
John Vaughn
Rt. 1 Box 151-B
Lost Creek, WV 26385
304-745-3651
vaughnsbluegrass@aol.com