Straight From The Hat With Ben Vaughn

Season One Finale Episode! A teenage Ben provides doo wop guidance to Frank Zappa. Sandy Denny visits New Jersey. The Legendary Stardust Cowboy, whose outsider records inspired David Bowie, gets his guns were stolen at the airport. Explore the unconventional business practices of Rosco Gordon, the man who invented ska with the help of his drunk pet rooster.

Inspired by The Stooges, Ben refuses to take "no" for an answer at a record store. Ben tells the story of Danny & The Juniors, a tough tale from the early generation of rock and roll from Philly. Serving as a musical interpreter, Ben introduces Rip Torn to The Butthole Surfers. Plus: Hasil Adkins spends a night in Ben's bed.

Visit Ferriday, Louisiana with Ben to honor the town's native son, the iconic Jerry Lee Lewis. Come along with Ben on his truck driving route where he makes routine deliveries to Philly legends Gamble & Huff. Ben misses a chance to go fishing with legendary guitarist Reggie Young. Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon teaches a lounge band to play real rock and roll.

Ringo Starr mistakes Ben for someone else in the recording studio. Always pick up the phone, because you never know when Dee Dee Sharp will be on the other end. What do “Elusive Butterfly” and Bat Boy have in common? One man: Bob Lind. Finally, Ben and Laura discuss their shared obsession with America’s greatest musical genius, Sonny Bono. For photos and more: Visit the Episode 13 Webpage →

Loitering backstage at the Grand Ole Opry leads to Ben working with America’s favorite musical masked men, Los Straitjackets. Ben accompanies Johnny Otis to the Capitol Records vault and discovers the secret sauce behind “Willie And The Hand Jive.” Philly music legend Charlie Gracie inspires a young teenage dishwasher to reach for the brass ring of rock and roll. Daydreaming while landscaping inspires Ben’s breakthrough hit as a songwriter with Marshall Crenshaw.

Ben joins Willie Nelson on Willie’s tour bus, and discovers a mysterious briefcase with a surprise inside. A creative force and a true artist’s artist, Ben remembers his friend and collaborator Alan Vega and the years they spent creating music together. Sometimes even the man who invented rock and roll still needs to do everyday chores, which is when Ben encountered Sam Phillips. For photos, videos, and more: Visit the Episode 11 Webpage →

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.