Straight From The Hat With Ben Vaughn

Winona Ryder mourns the loss of a counterculture icon at Ben’s airplane hangar studio. Learn the backstory of Rambler 65, the album Ben recorded entirely in his car— a document of a man and his dream. Ben revisits his punk roots and collaboration with The Cramps.  For photos, videos, and more: Visit the Episode 10 Webpage →

That 70s Show enlists Ben, his guitar, and his cowbell to build a musical time machine and provide the soundtrack to a well-loved sitcom. Country boy Pig Robbins gives his Nashville nod of approval to Ben’s work as a producer. In pursuit of knowledge, Ben attends an all-night rap session with Allen Ginsberg, who won’t be the last Beat Generation icon he comes across in his journey. Down in Memphis, Ben splits time between the studio and the Waffle House with rockabilly innovator Charlie Feathers. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode 9 Webpage →

Ben recalls the explosive experience of working with legendary country vocal group The Jordanaires. Take a deep breath and listen to the warm: Ben fondly remembers poet and musician Rod McKuen. Ben is in the right place at the right time in an encounter with Laura Nyro. Touring in the 1980s can be a grind until you find yourself witnessing the second most famous incident that ever occurred at Kent State. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode 8 Webpage →

Learn about Norma Tanega and the story behind one of the oddest hit records of the 1960s. Down in New Orleans, Ben meets up with rockabilly wild man Roy Head. Ben tells the poignant tale of his collaboration with the inimitable Arthur Alexander. For photos, an interview with Norma, and more: Visit the Episode 7 Webpage →

Ben and friends pay a visit to Roky Erickson and assist with an important mission. Meet Ruthann Friedman, author of one of the biggest pop hits of the 1960s, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Ben remembers the colorful Alex Chilton, one of his close friends and frequent collaborators. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode 6 Webpage →

Ben saves country music by bringing Ween to Nashville. Hollywood dreams come true when Ben’s work as a film composer leads to producing Nancy Sinatra. Drafted as a goodwill ambassador, Ben takes American rock and roll behind the Iron Curtain during the fall of The Berlin Wall. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode 5 Webpage →

Unlikely musical worlds collide in an elevator ride with Lenny White. Meet Ben's mentor, the legendary Philadelphia radio DJ Jerry Blavat a.k.a. The Geator With The Heater. Dive into the wild world of Doo Wop, Soul, and Dance music that The Geator enthusiastically shared with his loyal audiences for generations. For photos, The Geator's Lost Dedications recordings, and more: Visit the Episode 4 Webpage →

A chance encounter with iconic composer Lalo Schifrin comes while Ben worries if he’ll ever see his car again. Ben reflects on his friendship with Jonathan Richman, including the night it almost ended with a philosophical disagreement about public address systems. A commanding left-handed guitarist takes control of a dimly lit bar and is revealed to be the legendary Evie Sands. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode Three Webpage →

Finding himself in the 1970s counterculture scene, Ben learns to trust his instincts when faced with heavy rock group Attila.  Ben unexpectedly finds himself thrown into the world of mainstream Hollywood success while working on his first TV show, 3rd Rock From The Sun. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit the Episode Two Webpage →

Ben’s time in blues harmonica bootcamp leads to a moment in the superstardom sun with Lynyrd Skynyrd.  Ben meets up with Gene Pitney backstage at Carnegie Hall to talk about new technology. The sound of Duane Eddy’s guitar reaches Camden, New Jersey and changes a life forever. For photos, a playlist, and more: Visit The Episode 1 Webpage →

Straight From The Hat With Ben Vaughn: first episodes arrive January 22, 2026.