Ben Vaughn


Ben Vaughn is an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, composer for television and film, and syndicated radio show host.

Biography

Ben Vaughn grew up in outside Philadelphia in South Jersey. At age six, his uncle gave him a Duane Eddy record and forever changed his life. Raised in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, Vaughn attended Audubon High School.
In 1983, he formed the Ben Vaughn Combo. The band was together five years, releasing two albums and touring the U.S. several times. They received positive reviews in Rolling Stone and People magazine and video airplay on MTV. The attention inspired Marshall Crenshaw to record a version of Ben's "I'm Sorry " for his Downtown album.
Vaughn embarked on a solo career in 1988, recording several critically acclaimed albums, touring extensively in Europe and the U.S. and receiving more MTV exposure. During that period he produced three records for the Elektra Records American Explorer series, and recorded Cubist Blues, a collaboration with Alan Vega and Alex Chilton. He also scored two films, as well as appearing as a frequent guest commentator on nationally syndicated radio shows Fresh Air and World Cafe.
In 1995, Vaughn moved to L.A. and released Instrumental Stylings, an album of instrumentals in a variety of styles. A guest appearance on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic led directly to being hired as the theme music composer for the TV sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. That 70s Show soon followed, and for the next ten years Ben would provide music for a dozen other TV shows and pilots. He also provided scores for several films and continued producing records.
In 1997, Vaughn released Rambler '65. Recorded in Collingswood, New Jersey in his car, this album received positive reviews and is considered a classic in the genre.
Since then, Vaughn has released Designs In Music, Vaughn Sings Vaughn, Texas Road Trip, and Five By Five and Piece De Resistance by the Ben Vaughn Quintet. Other career highlights include an Italian dance hit, airplay of “Jerry Lewis in France” on Bob Dylan’s radio show, and two recent tours in France. In 2015 the Philadelphia Museum of Art hired Ben as musical curator for the acclaimed International Pop exhibit.
Occasionally, Vaughn takes a break from his syndicated radio show to perform live in the US and Europe. He currently spends most of his time in the Mojave Desert of California.

Discography