Vickie Vaughn’s “Leavin'”: A Decade-Long Wait Worth Every Note, Marking a Powerful Artistic Rebirth
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
After a decade of dedicated artistry, marked by her integral roles in acclaimed groups like High Fidelity and Della Mae, Vickie Vaughn, the reigning two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year, has returned to the forefront with her captivating new single, “Leavin’.” This release, under Mountain Home Music Company, signifies not just a return, but a powerful artistic rebirth, showcasing Vaughn’s compelling vocal talent and unique musical vision, honed through years of masterful musicianship and collaborative excellence.
It’s been a long time since Vaughn’s 2015 EP, “Buy All the Roads,” and her journey since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. From laying the foundation for High Fidelity’s neo-traditional bluegrass sound to anchoring Della Mae’s Grammy-nominated all-woman string band, Vaughn’s contributions to the bluegrass world have been undeniable. However, “Leavin'” marks a significant shift, a moment where Vaughn’s voice, both literally and figuratively, takes center stage.
Produced by the acclaimed fiddler Deanie Richardson (Sister Sadie), “Leavin'” is a Bruce Robison masterpiece, a densely lyrical and emotionally charged song that Vaughn discovered through Della Mae’s Kimber Ludiker. Vaughn’s connection to the song is palpable, her performance imbued with a raw honesty that resonates deeply with the listener.
The track is bolstered by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including Casey Campbell (mandolin), Cody Kilby (guitar), Wes Corbett (banjo), Dave Racine (drums), and sibling harmony singers Lillie Mae and Frank Rische. While the instrumental prowess of these musicians is undeniable, with virtuosic solos weaving through the arrangement, the focus remains firmly on Vaughn’s expressive vocals.
Her delivery of Robison’s intricate lyrics, a stream of consciousness that explores the complexities of relationships and the pain of departure, is nothing short of mesmerizing. The emotional weight of lines like, “See, the words we tell each other, they’re the ones we want to hear / Sometimes you throw ’em out and they come right back and just trickle down your ear,” is amplified by Vaughn’s nuanced performance.
“I immediately fell in love with the stream of consciousness style of writing and the emotion present in the song,” Vaughn confesses. “I’m a pretty emotional gal myself, so singing this and getting to record it felt cathartic. It is definitely a heartstring tugger.”
Vaughn’s journey to this moment is a testament to her dedication and talent. Born and raised in western Kentucky, her musical roots run deep, nurtured by church performances, community events, and local country revue shows. After graduating from Belmont University, she formed the Vickie Vaughn Band, releasing her 2015 EP.
Her subsequent involvement with High Fidelity solidified her reputation as a traditional bluegrass powerhouse, contributing to four acclaimed albums. Beyond her band work, Vaughn’s versatility has led her to collaborate with a diverse range of artists, including Patty Loveless, Jesse McReynolds, Kelsey Waldon, Luke Bulla, and Billy Gilman.
Her 2020 addition to Della Mae, and her consecutive IBMA Bass Player of the Year wins in 2023 and 2024, further underscore her standing as a leading figure in bluegrass. Adding to her list of achievements, she was also honored as a Kentucky Colonel in 2023.
“Leavin'” is more than just a single; it’s a declaration of Vaughn’s artistic independence, a showcase of her commanding vocal presence and her ability to connect with listeners on a profound emotional level. With this release, Vickie Vaughn has not only returned to the spotlight but has emerged as a compelling singer-songwriter, ready to share her unique musical vision with the world.