On the Record: Kenny Vaughan Interview

Hey Everyone! We are back with another interview, and this time it is with a master of the Telecaster, Mr. Kenny Vaughan!
Kenny was gracious enough to sit down with me and discuss his career, how he makes a living, his view on the current state of the industry, and so much more -- and stick around towards the end of the interview for some special "behind-the-scenes" chatting about some of Kenny's favorite gear!
A quick note about the gear talk at the end: I tend not to interject my own thoughts and opinions so much during interviews, but this was meant to be a more casual conversation after the wrap of the interview portion for the gear nuts out there. I apologize if you find my input distracting, and please understand that it is not the norm for regular interviews!
Also -- My apologies for some of the coloring issues in this video. We had some lighting that went eschew that was not caught until filming had wrapped!
00:00:00 - Main Interview
01:01:35 - Credits
01:02:09 - Skip to the Gear Talk!

[@ClintonCaraway]

" I stopped listening to country music in 1990." KENNY YOU ARE SO AWESOME!!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Kenny is the man!

[@timbrooks8230]

Kenny and Marty .. an encylopedia of music and music history ... I wish Kenny would do his own podcast once a week ..

[@tonydeaton1967]

I've heard people, many times, talk about how modern country really isn't country but to hear a heavyweight like this dude say it really brings it all home.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

One thing you can say about Kenny is that he will never BS you, especially in conversations about music. I have the utmost respect for him for that!

[@tonydeaton1967]

@@CodyJungGuitar Being from a hard rock background myself, I didn't become aware of Kenny Vaughn until about 15 years ago. Love his playing. They guy is a consummate musician. Loved your interview too, well done.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!

[@syn707]

For any guitarist who can keep an easy pace with Tommy Emmanual is a heavyweight. Thank you for describing Kenny this way!

[@goodun2974]

" I don't wanna play Journey, that would be too much like having a job!" Thank you Kenny for letting me know that I'm not the only one. I don't even want to listen to Journey as that would be like doing chores around the house, like taking the garbage out and so on.

[@mjt5576]

How cool is Kenny Vaughan? Great player, and he seems like such a cool, down-to-earth guy. Great interview!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! Yeah, Kenny is pretty much the definition of cool, haha. But you won’t meet a more down to earth person - sitting down and talking with Kenny is a real treat.

[@toastoftowne1076]

I’m shocked at how many times I re listen to Kenny’s interviews. Great stories great insights with tremendous details .His story telling voice is like a sedative to me. I could listen to him speak of Princeton reverbs all day long. He is the king of cool

[@CodyJungGuitar]

There are few people who meet the level of “cool” that Kenny Vaughan has reached. I feel like I could have spent twice as long talking to Kenny and we still would have only scratched the surface.

[@ewm335]

“Sports bar, bowling shirt blues” is such a vivid, spot-on description!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Right?? Haha.

[@johnr8820]

Kenny is like the great guitar players that I aspire to eventually become. Can play a multitude of styles and can fit in just about anywhere and incredibly well versed in American roots music. He deserves more praise.

[@colmcasey1794]

Greetings from Ireland Cody. Interviewers take note. When you have a natural storyteller like Kenny just let them talk which is just what you done. Excellent stuff both.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Ah, well thank you so much! That’s wonderful feedback. Also, Ireland?? That’s fantastic! Do you ever make it over to the states? My girlfriend and I took a trip out your way not too long ago and absolutely loved it.

[@pederlong1784]

Thanks Kenny for your interview. You are a wonderful source of history. Really enjoy your stories

[@rogerbean6442]

Kenny Vaughan seems like such a laid back guy and his history of all the bands and players, knowing them by name. He should probably write a book. I would definitely read it.

[@danielcombs3207]

I’m going to see Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives in February. I’m totally excited to see them play in a 760 seat theatre in Clearwater Fl. This band is the real deal I love great virtuoso playing and they got it in spades.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

You’re going to love the show! One of the best concerts of my life was seeing Marty, Kenny, Chris, and Harry at a small club doing an acoustic set in Atlanta.

[@billchurch1145]

Thoroughly enjoyed the interview, Cody. Kenny seems to have a great sense of humor and is the epitome of the laid back, down to earth cool dude you'd just like to hang out with and toss back a few. I love that he excels in nearly every genre of music and still enjoys playing in what little spare time he has. Keep up the great work.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much! Yeah, Kenny is the definition of laid back and funny, haha. He is also incredibly humble - I wish that I caught this on camera, but after we finished filming, Kenny pulled out his phone and started showing us KZbin videos of some of his favorite new musicians that he’d found recently. We must have sat there for at least thirty minutes just playing KZbin videos of pianists, guitarists, and all sorts of instrumentalists. It really put into perspective just how much of a music lover/fan he is. Just an absolutely fantastic guy!

[@billchurch1145]

@@CodyJungGuitar Too cool! Kenny's humbleness is such a strong personality attribute, and one that really makes him so genuine and likeable. I envy you and your access to so many of the GREATEST musicians of our times. All the best!

[@wadewalker1499]

Great interview and been watching Kenny for about twenty years and love his style. This is the Man on a telecaster!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! Yeah, Kenny with a tele in his hands is a tough combo to beat!

[@bradleyrobinson7552]

circa 1997 was when CMT really tanked. Yep, here we are in 2023, and it still hasn't recovered. What a terrific guitar player Kenny Vaughan is.

[@roberthdahlquist]

Great interview Cody. And I'm happy to say it was Kenny Vaughan playing with Marty Stuart that got me back into the Telecaster.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! And yes, I can definitely see how Kenny’s playing during a Marty set could inspire a great deal of Telecaster awesomeness!

[@banjosforbreakfast6086]

When Kenny used to play with Greg Garing, he was playing some wild boogie woogie and swing type stuff. His head would swing around in circles in time to the music when he soloed, defying anatomy and physics. I would like to ask him if he ever got a concussion. Best I ever heard.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

I wish I could have seen that myself! Too cool.

[@msoiseth3419]

This guy is the bomb.

[@dogshark9]

Really cool, love Kenny Vaughn! Such a REAL player & person. He should have a bigger chair.

[@stevesuv]

Kenny is the best.

[@guitareveryone]

Watching this now and really enjoying Cody. Kenny is such a great guitarist and overlooked in my opinion compared to some others.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

He is such a tasteful, insanely great guitarist! I agree!

[@jefferyclark351]

For years I’ve watched Marty Stewart and cuz Kenny Vaughan . Didn’t ever really know how nice of fellow he was . Crazy about his guitar playing but now watching him and listening to his stories. He’s just a ordinary guy like the rest of us . Enjoy listening to his stories just as much as his playing. One of the top notch people of the world that just happens to be one of the top ten guitarists in the world. Great video/ thanks

[@davidphelps]

Love listening to Kenny talk he is so genuine.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

That’s one of the (many) great things about Kenny - he is a straight shooter and pulls no punches!

[@davidphelps]

@@CodyJungGuitar Ordered a Lucinda Williams DVD because of Kenny and the band believe it's a ACL production.

[@RoadrocketEst57]

Kenny is walking history and full of stories

[@CodyJungGuitar]

He definitely has some excellent stories! I could listen to Kenny for quite some time.

[@RoadrocketEst57]

@@CodyJungGuitar check out Otis Gibbs he gets some good stories out of Kenny

[@phil36135]

I love Kenny Vaughns giutar style, and he seems like he is a great guy down to earth musician.

[@U_ever]

OUTSTANDING ! ! !

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Kenny’s the man!

[@shannonarnold9414]

Thank you,Thank you,Thank you!! Heading to Lancaster now. My fiance wants to sit down this evening and watch.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Awesome!! Have a great trip!!

[@paullevine1813]

Great insight into a masterclass player & your questions are spot on for him to answer as laid back as he is . Man when he gets together with Guthrie Trapp it's just jaw dropping good . Perhaps one day you will get a chance to talk with him & like Kenny he's a very cool & laid back guy with chops out the ying yang . this was a joy to listen to & watch , very nice job Cody.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much! Kenny is the definition of laid back, while simultaneously being a master! I could not agree more. Regarding Guthrie Trapp, he’s actually on my channel as well! Haha. I did an interview with him the same weekend that I got together with Kenny. If you head over to my channel’s main page, there’s a playlist called “On the Record,” and Guthrie’s interview will be there. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ericbrooks8573]

Not only a talent....great storyteller and a super dude.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Agreed!

[@MitchellCoker]

Saw him & Marty play in Corsicana,TX about a month ago. Wow...very good guitarist!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Back before I ever met and got to know Kenny, I saw him perform with Marty (and the rest of the gang) at a small club in my home city of Atlanta called Eddie’s Attic. They did an entirely acoustic show, and I still believe it was one of the best musical performances I have ever witnessed. They tore the roof off of the venue musically. While I was already a fan before that show, I gained a whole new level of respect for Marty, Kenny, Chris, and Harry that night.

[@MitchellCoker]

@@CodyJungGuitar Wow I bet that was an epic show! I saw (SRV) Stevie Ray Vaughan in Dallas back in the 80's. Never thought I'd ever see another "Vaughan" that could play as good! But Kenny could play right up there with him! IMO

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Very cool! I wish I could have seen SRV, but I was born too late, sadly. I’m sure that was a killer performance if you saw him in the 80’s, though!

[@kurtdavidson9808]

I love listening To Kenny. So humble. I don’t know if he has ever written a book but Kenny if you ever read comments and I have a feeling you don’t. I would buy that book immediately. I am constantly looking for any Kenny interviews. You are the coolest cat out there. Sad to say I have never seen him play but I’m looking for him to come to Maryland or DC.

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

Very cool to hear these stories!

[@phil36135]

I have a 1974 deluxe reverb with the original Utal speaker and I love it, 100% tube hand point to point wiring. Its awesome, but my favorite is a 1959 tweed deluxe that I built from shcematics I downloaded, I made everything I could make from the chassis to the cabinet and circuit board. I put the original Jenson speaker in it. Its very simple with 2 volume and 1 tone. I think it is 15 watts, but it is my favirite, it will get to its sweet spot at low volume, and with your giutars. volume and tone control you can get super clean or deadly dirty. An amp I once had was a 1972 Princeton reverb silver face, that amp would probably be neck to neck with a Tweed Deluxe. I dont think they are anything better than these two Fender amps.

[@MrDavemiley]

WOW ! Kenny Vaughn ! Thank you for your beautiful honesty ! Yea, I too , don't relate any new country music past mid.90s .

[@HootNightowl]

Just stumbled across this excellent interview. I always say that Kenny is the definition of "cool". I'm not the "fan" type, but, I would pay to have Kenny just sit in my living room & talk music. His stories are the best. Example: What are you doing tomorrow night? Be here at 9. Classic.

[@stevie6423]

Kenny is the best interview…such a gem…he just oozes good karma.

[@larryholland7192]

Awesome interview!!

[@davidrice3337]

kenny has a huge fan here on the outskirts of Louisville Ky

[@davidmccaffery7977]

Loves Hank, he's all right by me!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

For sure!

[@ronwatson4135]

*James Burton, Glen Campbell, Duane Allman, Allen Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kenny Vaughn, Roy Clark . . . and all of the rest.*

[@kurtdavidson9808]

You said it… that sums it up. Glen Campbell absolutely blew my mind. He was the most incredible player. And all the other players you mentioned.

[@ronwatson4135]

@@kurtdavidson9808 -- The Best Guitar Player " never heard of " is Eddy Shaver. Eddy was the son of Billy Joe Shaver and was the Lead in his band for a long time. Eddy was mentored by Dickie Betts of the Allman Brothers Band.

[@tulsatoolfool]

What a great career and great human being…play on Mr. Vaughan!

[@okiecowpokey]

Cody your doing an outstanding job 👏 I look forward to many more. Maybe you could interview Brad Paisley 😉 Kenny the pick ups are called La Brea

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much! I would love to interview Brad! Haha. He’s pretty untouchable, but never say never!

[@shannonarnold9414]

Watching again!! Love it bro

[@CodyJungGuitar]

So glad to hear that! It’s definitely worth at least a second listen, if not a third! Haha.

[@sirvicemanone]

Hey bro ! Dont be messin up Martys hair with that big ol cowboy hat you wear! Rock on! Great to see you rise in the ranks of guitar slingers to where you belong. You guys are superlative!

[@dogfase515]

He talks so quiet could only listen on headphones,great interview,nice job

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! Yeah, audio levels were a challenge for this video for exactly that reason, haha.

[@charliemeyer2641]

Great interview Cody 😊🎶🎸

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!

[@normansvideos5063]

good interview thanks for getting kenny in there

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!! I was so grateful for Kenny agreeing to talk to me!

[@ottovonfledermaus4594]

Wonderful Interview ! loved to hear the stories of such an Iconic Player

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! I feel like we only scratched the surface with the amount of stories Kenny has about his experiences in the music industry.

[@kevinhuber8723]

Oh my, I really want to check out this upcoming surf music album!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

While your at it, Marty is putting out new material with Kenny and the rest of the crew. Check that out, too!

[@3Bender]

Outstanding. Great interview

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!!

[@martinaddison4880]

I was at the Eddie's Attic gig, and I actually spoke with Kenny before the show.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Too cool! Was that not one of the best shows ever? When they did El Paso, I was floored.

[@_s827]

ooh yeahh!!!!!!!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

The man!

[@danielerickson5175]

Kenny is such an awesome interview!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

He’s fantastic!

[@danielerickson5175]

@@CodyJungGuitar I am looking forward to seeing these fellows at the famous Florida Theatre here in Jacksonville two nights from now…😀

[@TheDobroslide]

¡ Ole! Thanks so much for interviu.....,,

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you for watching!!

[@davidfuller7902]

Love this guy! I'm not familiar with his work but if he plays as well as he interviews he must be fantastic.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Haha! Kenny is the coolest guy on the planet! You should definitely check out some of his work. He’s as smooth of a player as you’d guess based on this interview.

[@archolino]

Kenny talking with Otis Gibbs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moXKeomef8t7idk

[@archolino]

K.V. performing with Marty Stuart on Letterman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eanCnWyhgd2smdk

[@beaverpounder5407]

Awesome interview

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!

[@digdablooz]

my favorite guitar player

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Definitely a great favorite to have!

[@HootNightowl]

You ain't just whistlin' Dixie. I totally agree.

[@JamesJLaRue]

One of the worlds coolest cats.

[@markdeweese9288]

A great talent and a nice guy

[@CodyJungGuitar]

100%

[@briannacery9939]

How do you know how to play a baritone?

[@THEFEEL57]

Just read lucinda Williams new book. Biggest let down, no mention of Kenny in her book. Wow, saw him so many times with her.

[@richardlanahan8089]

Clint Strong, Redd Volkaert.

[@shea086]

Hey Gents, please tell me your not part time salesmen and full time musicians!! I love Kenny and the Fabulous Band with Marty, but for the last 10-15 minutes theyre was a lot of brands mentioned and I know businessmen and I know musicians. At the end of the day I suppose you have to mention a brand for someone to know what your talking about. I,ll let you go this time as I dont think it was really intentional and anyhow that's how musicians talk candidly relaxed about equipment to each other.. Apart from that nonsense, I really enjoyed the interview and Kenny could talk forever about music.. How to play it, how to make, the highs and lows, good times n bad times, favourite amp or guitar, even picks or plectrum. Effects, solid state or valve/tube. I loved the whole interview. The only thing missing was Kenny Vaughan playing some guitar but even musicians need some time out. As the doctor said after hearing that old familiar cry.. "Is there a doctor in the house" Doc to his companion "Im not here. Im not here". Mama Mia.

[@MRichK]

You would have a hard time buying any of the equipment Kenny is talking about. These are all custom vintage/antique stuff. He doesn't use or like much current gear.

[@tommytwomommy]

Keith Whitley died in 1989. The year country music died

[@loosieclocker]

The Fabulous Superlatives are the best band around

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Absolutely agreed!

[@HootNightowl]

You obviously have a good ear & great taste. They are the best.

[@loosieclocker]

@@HootNightowl great minds think alike✌️

[@samhardy2038]

Kenny Gets It?

[@user-pl2th5wj2h]

Remind me not to check into the same Hotel as this guy😂

[@gregmccarty8253]

Very interesting. Interviewer: please ease up on the interjections while your guest is speaking.

[@sidvicioux]

love the interview, but get BETTER CHAIRS. the chairs you're using spell dry corporate chicken breast for lunch. can't go wrong with Kenny Vaughan. coolest cat around. monster chops.

[@markpatterson2507]

You needed to have the audio up a bit.There were no decent chairs available?Dude.....love KV though.

[@briannacery9939]

Long to hear you play guitar!

[@brianbard3846]

Hey guys, those Kelly type of jam sessions, were just hack,jams for a mature player's trying to impress your friends who are also aspiring usually young guitarist. Trying to prove themselves. Very exhausting.

[@brocktonma.1816]

This man can play and sing like a mofo.

[@mrunit7261]

As great as Kenny is, he doesn't even mention Luke McQueary? Probably because the young kid is eating his lunch?? Dunno..........

[@mitchellpierce1816]

.no modern country is Garbage

[@beachidiot]

What is the guy's name that Kenny talks about playing with at about 17 ,mins in . Greg Gary? Greg Gerig?

[@HootNightowl]

I think it's Greg. But, can't swear to it. I saw reference to him, in one of the previous comments.

[@johnnyschex2647]

Greg Garing !