Ben Vaughn, Nashville Music Publishing Veteran, Dies at 49

Ben Vaughn, Nashville Music Publishing Veteran, Dies at 49

Ben Vaughn, a beloved figure in the Nashville music community who served as the president and CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville, has died. He was 49. The cause of death has not been revealed.

The news shook the greater music industry when it was announced to the Warner Music Group family by Warner Chappell Music co-chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall. (Read the memo below.)

To everyone at WMG,

It is with broken hearts that we share the unthinkable news that Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville, passed away this morning. Our deepest condolences are with his family and many friends.

Ben has led our Nashville team since 2012, and we know that many of you around the world got to know him over the years. Anyone who had the pleasure of working with him will be as shocked and saddened as we are.

First and foremost, Ben was an extraordinary human being. He met everyone with enthusiasm, warmth, and generosity. His smile was huge, and his sense of humor was infectious.

He was always a passionate advocate of songwriters and a topflight music publisher. The Nashville community has lost one of its greatest champions, and he will be profoundly missed by so many across our company and the entire industry.

We are planning to visit the Nashville team very soon and thank you all for helping support them through this awful tragedy.

With love, Guy & Carianne

Vaughn’s career began at EMI Music Publishing, where he quickly moved up the ranks, becoming one of the youngest executives in the company.

At Warner Chappell, Vaughn oversaw songwriter catalogs and new music, playing a key role in song placements and writer collaborations.

Warner Chappell Nashville writers include the artists Chris Stapleton, Dan + Shay and Brandy Clark.

This is a developing story…