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.
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John "Pappa" Vaughn - Guitar, Vocals
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and raised in Oark, Arkansas John began playing guitar at the age of seven. He and his siblings formed a regional Country and Texas Swing Dance Band “The Boll Weevils.” They became rapidly popular in the late sixties opening for many professional groups and were noted as the “Number One Dance Band” in the state Arkansas.
After marrying his wife of 34 years Teresa James, the two performed at various churches and tent revivals. Through the years, John’s passion for music continued. However, because of work and various commitments it was not until his sons David and Daniel were born that he seriously perused his hobby further. The boys’ interest in bluegrass would require John to adapt his Merle Travis style of playing to fit the genre.
John gives everything he’s got on the stage; his performances are truly entertaining. His love and devotion to music is exemplified through his unique style of playing and singing.
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David Vaughn - Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals
At the age of nine, David received his first mandolin from his Aunt Marilyn who told him to come back in a year and play her a song. He quickly became interested in the mandolin and bluegrass music. After learning his first song, David’s talent developed and he has continued playing ever since.
Born in Beckley and later moving with his parents to Lost Creek, WV, David’s passion for music has grown over the years. While attending area festivals, he quickly formed friendships with local musicians who would help him to perfect his style of playing. David later picked up the guitar around fourteen years old and began trying to learn the styles of his father John, Tony Rice, Clarence White, and Lester Flatt.
David enjoys spending time with his wife Candace and son John David. He enjoys spending time outside hunting and fishing.
His dad always says, “He got his singin’ from his momma.”
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Molly Matheny - Fiddle, Vocals
The youngest daughter of Dave and Diane Matheny, Molly began playing fiddle at the age of fourteen. She grew up singing in church and her interest in music has grown over the years.
She was homeschooled since the sixth grade and graduated in 2008. Currently Molly is pursuing an education in nursing.
Her fiddle playing and vocals adds a softer touch to the group’s sound.
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Dave Matheny - Banjo
Growing up in Clarksburg, WV, Dave's first passion was boxing. His lifelong boxing hero Jack Dempsey inspired Dave at a young age to take up the sport. Dave was an undefeated boxer during his amateur career in the state of West Virginia. When his training partner Tommy “Franco” Thomas turned pro, Dave began training boxers in events around the tri-state area.
At the age of forty, Dave began playing banjo after hearing local musician Delbert Anderson. He met former WV State Banjo Champion Kelly Rorick and after a few lessons, Dave was on his way to playing the banjo. He began playing music and formed the group “Appalachian South,” with co-workers and his brother Rick playing at various community functions in the area. He later joined The Vaughns, after David began dating his middle daughter Candace. Dave adds a hard drivin’ sound to the group with his unique cross style between Earl Scruggs and Ron Block.
Dave is very proud of his family, his wife, three daughters, two grandsons, son-in-laws and his West Virginia hills.
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Mackenzie Murphy - Upright Bass
Raised in Weston, WV, his earliest memories of bluegrass music is watching Hee Haw on Saturday nights at his grandparents in Calhoun County, WV. Mackenzie began playing the piano at age eight, saxophone at age nine, and electric bass in his church at age twelve. While attending Lewis County High School, he began playing upright bass for LC Blue where he was the only original four year member of the group. When he is not playing music, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with his family and fiancé. Mackenzie attends West Virginia University where he is currently a Senior Civil Engineering major. |
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