Noted music executive Ben Vaughn, 49, has died. The president and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville backed hits such as Dan + Shay's "Tequila."

Ben Vaughn, a beloved figure in the Nashville music community who served as the president and CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville, has died. He was 49. The cause of death has not been revealed. The news shook the greater music industry when it was announced to the Warner Music Group family by Warner Chappell Music co-chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall.

Ben Vaughn worked at Warner Chappell Music Nashville for 12 years. Warner Chappell Music is the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group.

Ben Vaughn, one of the most consequential publishing executives in Music City and a fierce advocate for songwriters, died suddenly Thursday. He was 49. Vaughn rose quickly through the ranks of the music publishing industry,

Ben Vaughn, the president-CEO of one of Nashville’s top publishing companies, Warner Chappell Nashville, died Thursday morning. No cause of death was immediately given. A memo sent to staffers from Warner Chappell Music co-chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall,