CJ Vaughn & Highway 58

Two of Nashville's finest blues men! Award-winning guitarist/songwriter/producer Ricky Ray is currently on the road with Willie Nelson, making a special stop in the 'Boro to make a little music with Jack & Diane. Ricky Ray has written hits for the legendary Ruth Brown and Etta James, among numerous others in a variety of genres including country music. Award-winning guitarist, CJ Vaughn, is a young guitar prodigy, earning regular stage-time with impressive musicians like Reese Wynans of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Delbert McClinton fame. DON'T miss the opportunity to catch these 2 Artists in an intimate music circle with Jack & Diane.

CJ VAUGHN is a young blues guitar prodigy, voted Best Blues Guitarist In Nashville 2008, and nominated for Male Vocalist of The Year at the Music City Blues Awards. He is an “old soul”. His first influence was Ray Charles. He has earned quite a reputation for his short years, sharing the stage with impressive Artists/Musicians such as Reese Wynans of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Double Troube. He tours constantly, playing popular venues across the country including BB King’s. He brings to mind other prodigies like Johnny Lang. He is a remarkable musician that has earned tremendous respect among the legends. - Hob Nob Murfreesboro

For CJ, the choice to represent Glasgow at the "Kentucky Blues Challenge" and now the "International Blues Challenge" was a natural one. CJ began playing music as a young man in Michigan and when his family moved south a few years ago, he found his way into the music scene around Nashville. No, he is not just another country music wannabe. As soon as you hear him, you will know that he is a real blues man and that the blues are barried deep within his soul. He plays and sings with conviction that you can't help but feel. A three time Nashville Bluesey Award Nominee, CJ resently played on "The Blues Show with Doug Bolin" (WNRQ 105.9 The Rock). Doug has given CJ some high praise including these comments on a recent installment of the show: "A great player, (CJ) can stand up with anybody on stage. This young man can play. To see him now is unbelievable. He's come a long way. A phenomenal guitar player!" Don't miss your chance to hear CJ Vaughn and Highway 58. - Glasgow Daily Times

Three incredible bands battled it out Wednesday night at Murfreesboro's newest bar, Graffiti, in The Daily News Journal's Battle of the Bands. The three bands that battled for the coveted title were C.J. Vaughn and Highway 58, DeadChain and Twilight Zone.
The bands each had a chance to showcase their talent, playing four to five songs on stage. Then, a panel of judges critiqued each individual performance.
Among the judges were Joe Hooper, Kevin Ray, Shawn Hughes, Tom Drennon and Wade Hayes. They gave very Paula-like American Idol comments at the end of each band's performance and seemed to enjoy the show.
Audience members got a ticket at the door upon entrance and had a chance to vote by placing the ticket in the box belonging to the group they liked best. Voting took place after all three groups finished performing.
The winner was decided by counting votes from the fans, and although DeadChain brought a large crowd of gothic-style supporters, and Twilight Zone came close, C.J. Vaughn and Highway 58 claimed the victory.
Reminiscent of blues artist John Mayer, CJ Vaughn and Highway 58 is comprised of CJ Vaughn, lead guitar and vocals, bassist Ron Vaughn and drummer Don Kendrick.
"C.J. Vaughn and Highway 58 are tight..." says Shawn Hughes, a judge for Wednesday night's competition. "I would love to see them at Bonnaroo very soon."
Among the crowd were a few of Gentlemen Jim's loyal customers. They came out for Battle of the Bands, but say they may stay for more.
"First of all, I think C.J. Vaughn played one heck of a show and may have surprised many people with their diversity," onlooker Ryan Young says.
Young says he came to Graffiti because he is a devout Highway 58 fan. He and a few others admitted that, though they regularly frequent Jim's, the competition pulled them away.
Congratulations go out to C.J. Vaughn and Highway 58 for winning Graffiti's first official Battle of the Bands. - MTSU Sidelines

CJ Vaughn is a blues guitar prodigy who's carefully being groomed for a larger circuit than the Metro area, and he's got the blessings of his elders. - Nashville Scene

The band has become well known for Vaughn's vocal styling, smoky blues sound, and soul inspired lyrics. Vaughn has been honored on several occasions for his work in the blues genre. The Music CIty Blues Society honored Vaughn in 2005 by nominating him for three "Bluesey Awards", including Blues Guitarist, Blues Vocalist, and Electric Blues Act of the Year. Vaughn and the band won the Kentucky Blues Challenge in 2006 and were chosen by the judges of the Kentucky Blues Society to represent them at the 2007 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. - The Murfreesboro Pulse

We are pleased to announce the winners for this years "Blues Artist on the Rise" contest.This years contest was very difficult to judge as we had a ton of great bands enter from all parts of the world. In the full band catagory, C.J. Vaughn & Highway 58 took the top spot. This Nashville based band seems to be doing everything right in making a splash on the blues scene. Great songs, great arrangements and killer vocals make C.J Vaughn & Highway 58 a new force to be reckoned with. - Blues Festival E-Guide