Ben Vaughn

Vaughn was born in the small town of Sullivan, Kentucky, where he started his career in music working at a local radio station, WMSK, and later enrolled at Belmont University in Nashville. He began working in publishing, with an internship at Big Tractor Music, Warner Chappell Music’s partner. After that company’s longtime leader left, Vaughn, 21 at the time, was put in charge and had six months to prove himself. 

Six months turned into six years. He left Big Tractor and moved to EMI, where he ran their creative team for seven years. He then was named the youngest executive to lead a publishing company in Nashville at just 34. 

After, he found his way back to where his career began, at Warner Chappell. There he led the company, overseeing A&R, finance, administration, and more. While he was a leader in business, Vaughn was also a fierce advocate for songwriters and rights protection. Altogether, his songwriters have brought home 19 awards, from ACM Awards to Grammys. He also boasts eight inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.  

Additionally, he was an integral part of the Academy, serving as the Chair of the ACM Board and a member of the ACM Lifting Lives Board. 

Upon his passing, the Nashville community heavily felt the loss and shared their thoughts and condolences.