Warner/Chappell Music, the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, today announced that Ben Vaughn has been appointed to run its Nashville operations as Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Nashville, a newly created position. Vaughn, who previously led EMI publishing’s activities in Nashville, will report to Jon Platt, President, Creative – North America, Warner/Chappell.
In early 2010, Vaughn became the youngest executive to head a major publisher in Nashville, running EMI Publishing’s Country unit until the company’s acquisition by Sony/ATV. Vaughn spent ten years at EMI, signing songwriters such as Dallas Davidson (ACM and BMI Songwriter of the Year), Rhett Akins (BMI Songwriter of the Year) and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott (SESAC Songwriter of the Year), among many others. His appointment to Warner/Chappell marks his return to the publisher where he began his career as an intern.
In making the announcement, Platt said “Ben’s incredible track record of songwriter development speaks for itself. His A&R vision, leadership skills and business instincts have made him one of Nashville’s most dynamic and influential executives. I have worked closely with Ben for years and I’ve no doubt he is the perfect fit for Warner/Chappell and its mission to be the first-choice home for the world’s most extraordinary songwriters.”
Cameron Strang, Chairman & CEO, Warner/Chappell said “Ben will bring an additional level of creativity and innovative thinking to our senior team and our thriving Nashville operations. With Ben working with our General Manager, Phil May, we will continue to build our ability to provide great services to our songwriters and publishing partners, taking their success to new heights.”
Vaughn said “It is an honor to be joining a company with Warner/Chappell’s impressive heritage, amazing roster of Nashville writers and powerful forward momentum. I am delighted to have Cameron and Jon as my partners and mentors. We all share the same vision, that music publishing is about one thing only: serving songwriters. I am looking forward to working with Phil and the talented team as we nurture the next generation of Nashville superstars and bring world-class support to our writers and partners.”
Vaughn currently serves on the Board of the Academy of Country Music, is a Governor on the Nashville NARAS Board and an active member of the CMA and NMPA. While at EMI, he also played a key role in the development of a wide roster of writers including Guy Clark, Jerry Flowers, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Kelley Lovelace, Tom Shapiro, The Warren Brothers, Chris Young and Jeremy Stover. Before joining EMI, Vaughn was appointed GM at Big Tractor Music when he was just 20 years old. Prior to that, Vaughn interned at Warner/Chappell, attended the Music Industry program at Belmont University and was a Country music DJ in his home state of Kentucky.
In the past year, Warner/Chappell Nashville songwriters generated nine No. 1 hits in as many months. In Q2, the company saw a 15.1 percent share of Country radio airplay, more than any other publisher. It was Warner/Chappell’s first time leading Billboard’s Country airplay chart since Q3 2010. In addition, it was recently announced that Warner/Chappell songwriters contributed to 34 of this year’s American Country Award nominations, five of which are in the category that is most prestigious for songwriters: “Song of the Year.” Warner/Chappell Nashville has recently signed songwriters including Dean Alexander, Josh Abbott, TJ and John Osborne and Laura Veltz.
About Warner/Chappell Music
Warner/Chappell Music is WMG’s award-winning global music publishing company. The Warner/Chappell Music catalog includes standards such as “Happy Birthday To You,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Winter Wonderland,” the songs of Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin, as well as the music of Eric Clapton, Green Day, Katy Perry, Led Zeppelin, Lil Wayne, Madonna, Nickelback, Paramore, Red Hot Chili Peppers, T.I., Timbaland, fun. and others. Warner/Chappell Music is a leader in creating innovative strategies for marketing and promoting its songwriters and their music. The company’s extensive catalog makes it a natural first stop for A&R executives and record producers, feature film and television production companies, advertising agencies and brands, video game and new media companies, and others looking to record or license some of the world’s greatest music.
Source: Warner/Chappell Music
