About Us
Tommy Austin
Tommy is a native of Fall Branch, Tn and is no stranger to the Bluegrass community. He started playing guitar and singing in local churches at a young age.Later, he moved to mandolin when he became interested in the bluegrass sound. Tommy helped organize the " Rising Wind" band which toured extensively in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as "Tennessee Skyline" both of which made highly acclaimed recordings. Tommy has recorded with several groups, including: Ray Harper, Carl Story, the Hopson Family, Trey Hensly and the Linda Lay Cracker Barrel projects. Currently he sings lead and harmony, plays mandolin and shares the songwriting and arranging with the other members of Appalachian Trail.
Vickie Austin
Vickie has been singing for audiences since age six, when she caught the performing bug by winning two dollars in a school talent show. Vickie became her church's pianist at age thirteen. Traveling to local churches in the East TN/ Southwest VA area as the Page Sisters, Vickie developed an extensive vocal range. Eventually joining Twin Springs Bluegrass Band , Vickie honed her skills on the upright bass. Singing lead with Twin Springs, the band won several band competitions, opened for several professional acts including Loretta Lynn, and participated in a recording for the Carted Fold, produced by Tom T. Hall. Vickie contributes lead and harmony vocals, upright bass and songwriting to Appalachian Trail.
Matthew Cruby
Matthew plays banjo and guitar for Appalachian Trail. He resides in Ft. Blackmore Va.and has won several instrumental contest in Northeast Tn / Southwest Va. area. Matthew began playing when he was seven years old and says his greatest musical influence was Tony Rice.
Allen Hughes
Allen is the most recent addition to Appalachian Trail. Through the nineteen-nineties he, along with Tommy, played with the Rising Wind band. His distinctive syle sets him apart from most guitar players. He also adds strong lead and harmony vocals to the group. Allen resides in Erwin, Tn. with his wife, Lee, and son Allen
Tim Laughlin
If you know bluegrass, Tim Laughlin is a name you probably recognize. From Bristol, Va., Tim has worked with many of the greats in bluegrass music. while Doyle Lawson was recovering from heart surgery, Tim filled in for the group on mandolin. He's also played with the likes of Jim and Jessie, Lynn Morris, Dale Ann Bradley and many others, doing his part to continue the tradition. With Appalachian Trail, Tim shines on the fiddle, guitar, mandolin and harmony vocals.
