McLaughlin was raised in the Washington D.C. area and now lives in
Winchester, Virginia. He is the son of Nancy and Bill McLaughlin, who inspired his eclectic music tastes with their enthusiasm for blues and jazz. He is the younger brother of Peter McLaughlin, who sings and plays guitar with
Laurie Lewis. He was also active in the jazz, classical, and rock and roll scene around D.C., playing guitar and drums as well as mandolin and fiddle.
Lynn Morris Band McLaughlin joined the
Lynn Morris Band in time to play mandolin and guitar on their 1992 album
The Bramble and the Rose along with
Tom Adams and
Marshall Wilborn. They played and toured together for five years, singing Appalachian brother style harmonies.
Springfield Exit and the Stony Point Quartet McLaughlin currently performs with the band Springfield Exit, which also includes vocalist Linda Lay, guitarist David Lay, bassist
Marshall Wilborn, and
Tom Adams on banjo. Their debut album,
That Was Then was released in 2015. The Stony Point Quartet, featuring McLaughlin, Linda Lay, Billy Lux (bass), and
Dudley Connell (guitar) often plays the same events as Springfield Exit, with a focus on gospel music.
Music instruction McLaughlin has produced an instructional video for The Murphy Method, and has hosted a Murphy Method Banjo Camp.
Personal life In 2006, McLaughlin suffered a severe hearing loss. == Discography ==