Vickie Vaughn Announces Debut Full-Length Album Travel On on Mountain Home Music Company

Vickie Vaughn Announces Debut Full-Length Album Travel On on Mountain Home Music Company

“Releasing my first full-length solo record has been a wild experience,” says Vickie Vaughn of Travel On, her new album for Mountain Home Music Company. “I have so much to give and so much to say musically, and having Deanie Richardson, Mike Simpson, and Mountain Home help me with this project feels like a true, long-awaited introduction.”

That sense of anticipation is well-earned. Since releasing her six-song, Ronnie McCoury–produced EP in 2015, Vaughn has been recognized as one of the leading voices in a new generation of bluegrass-rooted Americana artists. With Travel On, she delivers a strikingly assured and fully realized debut that makes the wait worthwhile. From the album’s opening title track—featuring a guest vocal from McCoury—listeners are greeted with a vivid presentation of Vaughn’s multifaceted artistry. Produced by longtime friend and award-winning fiddler Deanie Richardson (Sister Sadie), the album showcases Vaughn not only as an acclaimed bassist, but also as a commanding vocalist and accomplished songwriter.

Those qualities shine on the album’s focus track, “Bottle of Wine,” co-written with renowned songwriter Thomm Jutz. The rueful yet witty reflection on easing heartbreak — and navigating the perils of too many “head and heartaches” — is propelled by an all-star ensemble assembled by Vaughn and Richardson: mandolinist Casey Campbell, banjoist Wes Corbett (Sam Bush Band), award-winning guitarist Cody Kilby (Travelin’ McCourys), drummer Dave Racine, and harmony vocalists Lillie Mae and Frank Rische. Justin Hiltner, who also appeared on Vaughn’s first EP, contributes a tender harmony on “She’s On My Mind,” rounding out the album’s compact but deeply connected cast.

Their collective chemistry amplifies the consistency provided by Vaughn’s own rhythmic foundation — at times understated, at times driving, always in service of the song. Whether on high-energy bluegrass such as “Leavin’” and “Sleepin’ in the Rain,” the 90s country-infused “When Love Comes Knockin’” and “Liza Jane,” the emotional poignancy of “Mama Took Her Ring Off Yesterday” and “Still In Love,” or the intimate gospel statement “The Pilot,” the album reflects both the musicians’ skill and their deep understanding of Vaughn’s musical identity.

It is that identity — shaped by years of performing with traditionalists High Fidelity, concurrent work with the all-female powerhouse Della Mae, collaborations with artists including Patty Loveless, appearances across Nashville, and her long-running Ladies Night residency — that gives Travel On its remarkable cohesion. Vaughn has become one of Music City’s most luminous young talents, and her debut album captures the breadth of that journey.
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Ultimately, Vaughn hopes the record offers a meaningful point of connection. “I really hope y’all like it,” she says, “and feel that we have a connection after listening.”
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Tracklist:
Travel On (feat. Ronnie McCoury)
Bottle of Wine
Liza Jane
Mama Took Her Ring Off Yesterday
Still in Love
Sleepin’ in the Rain
The Pilot
She’s on My Mind
Leavin’ 
Lone Pine Hill 
When Love Comes Knockin’