Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, artist Romeo Vaughn is breaking barriers in country music by combining his unique style, personal advocacy work, and Tejano roots. 

A Mexican-American musician, Vaughn has collaborated with various artists and songwriters across the industry including the likes of Jason Nix and DJ Kane (formerly of Kumbia Kings).  A passionate singer-songwriter and military veteran, Vaughn seeks to inspire others with his uplifting lyrical content and is a great example of pursuing success despite past adversities.

Surrounded by music his whole life, creative artistry runs in the family. “I grew up around the music industry, predominantly Tejano music, “ Vaughn said. “My cousin is Jesse Turner from Grupo Siggno. So, when I was 14 years old I started to go on the road and perform with him prior to becoming an artist myself.” Exposed to the music circuit early on, Vaughn also had the opportunity to meet and perform with King of Tejano music Emilio Navaira at the Valley Choice Awards back in 2004. “I danced with him and Raulito,” he said. “He was amazing and I love his music. I’m actually friends with his sons Diego and Emilio IV, and he was  just an exceptional artist and great human being.” 

Beyond Tejano, Vaughn also loves a variety of other styles of music and was influenced by an array of musical genres and artists. “My dad was a rodeo cowboy and a bull rider. So, because of that I got introduced to George Jones, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and George Strait. But to me, Keith Whitley is the greatest country singer ever, and I just absolutely love him,” Vaughn stated. Other artists Vaughn took influence from include pop acts such as NSYNC, Usher, and the Backstreet Boys. “I love Michael Jackson which is where I got the dancing from; hence the hat and the way I dress. I was a kid when I was doing the dancing stuff, so when it no longer became cool or cute I had to figure out my lane because I always wanted to do music and grew up with all those genres,” he said. 

Incorporating his musical influences into one, Vaughn’s single “Cowboy In The Boots,” featuring DJ Kane was previously released in 2023, and is a fusion of country, pop, and R&B. “DJ Kane was one of my musical heroes, and it’s just a full circle moment where you have these people that you looked up to so much and now you’re doing songs with them, texting them, or hanging with them. A lot of those influencers are now my friends.” 

Vaughn is also a military veteran and spent some time in the army. “My dad is also a military veteran and older brother. And so, when we were coming up, my dad strongly encouraged us to serve and give back to our country,” he said. Currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, Vaughn also experienced homelessness at some point during his relocation and battled substance addiction but eventually turned his life over to Christ. Seeking help from a Christian based non-profit program, Matthew 25, along with the VA, Vaughn was able to overcome the challenges of addiction and depression.

“I’m human, I make mistakes and we all do.  When I started performing a lot, it turned into me drinking a lot. Then COVID happened and I started networking and got into drugs and so forth. But finally God had brought me to my knees, and I had to piece my life back together and started attending church. At one point, I had felt like a failure but I overcame those moments,” Vaughn said. 

In terms of music, Vaughn is excited for his new single, “Big Dreams From A Small Town,” released on his birthday, August 15. Providing insight, Vaughn elaborates, “Being from The Valley, it’s a really small town. There were 27 seniors in my graduating class, you know? I was in the top ten. And I’m too deep in the game, but if I could go back I would listen to my dad and I would have done something else. Right? But I want to make a difference and change the world. That’s what I always said. And some family members and friends would tell me, ‘That doesn’t happen to people like us; look at you and look at them. You don’t look like Keith Whitley, George Strait, or Garth Brooks.’  

“And there are actually a few Mexican American country artists out there, but none of us are at where Freddy Fender was. I would also tell myself I have big dreams although I originate from a small town, and that there has to be more to life then just going to school, paying bills, and then passing away. There just has to be more. I want to show the world that it doesn’t matter where or what you come from. If you put God first and you work hard, stay disciplined, and have resilience, you can do it.”

Vaughn’s new single is a reflection of his personal journey through life inspired by his musical aspirations and dreams. Despite some negative feedback from others, Vaughn continues to pursue his career as a Mexican American in the country music scene. A native Texan, when asked what his favorite thing about Texas was, Vaughn didn’t hesitate as he excitedly stated, “HEB, barbacoa, and Big Red. I’m Texas through and through,” he said. 

Looking to the future, Vaughn wants to continue to provide inspiration to others through his music. “I’m trying to be the light for those in darkness,” he said. “And that’s why I don’t want to just write songs about trucks, partying, and the general topics. I would like to provide a sense of hope for others,” he said. 

Advice for others? “Be the light, and stay hungry and go after what you want. You might not get there immediately, but you’ll get there eventually.” 

Keep a look out for Romeo Vaughn’s music video for “Big Dreams From A Small Town” on August 26. 

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Cover photo Gavin Gunter.

Originally from San Antonio, Jenny Castro has a passion for writing, travel, and discovering new topics. She loves Tex-Mex food, Tejano music and George Strait. Check her out on Instagram to keep up with her work and latest adventures.