Straight From The Hat With Ben Vaughn

Episode 10: Winona Ryder, The Cramps, Rambler 65

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 → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-ten]

Episode 9: That '70s Show, Pig Robbins, Allen Ginsberg, Charlie Feathers

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 → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-nine]

Episode 8 - The Jordanaires, Rod McKuen, Laura Nyro

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 → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-eight]

Episode 7 - Norma Tanega, Roy Head, Arthur Alexander

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 → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-seven]

Episode 6 - Roky Erickson, Ruthann Friedman, Alex Chilton

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 → [https://straightfromthehat.com/episode-six]