We continue our Made in Michigan, taking a look at a family of Southern Gospel singers with nearly 60 years of history in mid-Michigan.
NBC25's Kevin Usealman has their story.
Clyde and Freda Vaughn's families each came to Michigan from Tennessee separately in 1953 for the promise of work in the auto industry.
"He had a band and I sang in his band," said Freda Vaughn. "We've been married 53 years."
Adding daughters Debbie and Tami, the singing Vaughns suddenly became a hit, releasing Gospel records and performing with well-known Gospel groups.
"The Rambos, the King's Men, J.D. Sumner, Glen Payne, Cathedral Quartet," said Clyde Vaughn.
Now, enter the third generation: Zach, Taylor and 14-year-old phenom Dylan Grantham.
Dylan released an album at age 9 and has twice appeared on Nashville's famous Grand Ole Opry.
"You meet so many people there ... Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley," said Dylan.
This led to performances with country star Mel McDaniel.
"I got down there and everything was happening -- snap, like that," Dylan said.
The faith they sing about, then also live, has helped them pull through Freda's recent battles with cancer. She, currently, is cancer-free.
"I wouldn't wanna be without my faith and without the Lord," Freda said.
And they seem to feel blessed by each other
"It's been a great trip," Clyde said. "We've enjoyed it. It's been a great ride."
How often do you find a singing Southern Gospel family whose musical story is entirely made in Michigan? They're in the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame. In 1996, they were declared Michigan's First Family of Gospel by Governor John Engler. They are still delighting and inspiring a loyal following of fans.
You can catch the Vaughns in concert at Outreach Baptist Church in Flint on Aug. 22 or at the Bayshore Sing in Sebewaing on Aug. 28.
