James David Vaughan
Encyclopedia
James David Vaughan was a music teacher, composer, song book publisher, the founder of the Vaughan Conservatory of Music and the James D. Vaughan Publishing Company.
Vaughan is generally considered to be one of the founders of the genre now known as "Southern Gospel
" music. He started the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company in 1900 and in 1910, he was the first to establish a professional quartet and put them on the road for the purpose of selling songbooks. The Vaughan School of Music was formed in 1911. Numerous gospel performers would study there in the following years. In 1912, Vaughan began the Vaughan Family Visitor, an influential publication across the South during the early 20th century.
In 1922, Vaughan founded one of the first radio stations in Tennessee, WOAN, where he broadcasted Southern Gospel music until 1930. He also founded the first record company based in the South, Vaughan Phonograph Records. Vaughan was also involved in local politics, serving as mayor of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
from 1923 to 1927, a position his brother Charles Wesley and son would hold after him.
As one of the most significant figures in southern gospel music, James D. Vaughan was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame
in 1997.
Biography
Vaughan was born in Giles County, Tennessee on December 14, 1864, the son of George Washington and Eliza (Shores) Vaughan. He died February 9, 1941.Vaughan is generally considered to be one of the founders of the genre now known as "Southern Gospel
Southern Gospel
Southern Gospel music—at one time also known as "quartet music"—is music whose lyrics are written to express either personal or a communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music...
" music. He started the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company in 1900 and in 1910, he was the first to establish a professional quartet and put them on the road for the purpose of selling songbooks. The Vaughan School of Music was formed in 1911. Numerous gospel performers would study there in the following years. In 1912, Vaughan began the Vaughan Family Visitor, an influential publication across the South during the early 20th century.
In 1922, Vaughan founded one of the first radio stations in Tennessee, WOAN, where he broadcasted Southern Gospel music until 1930. He also founded the first record company based in the South, Vaughan Phonograph Records. Vaughan was also involved in local politics, serving as mayor of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Lawrenceburg is a city in Lawrence County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 10,796 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Lawrence County...
from 1923 to 1927, a position his brother Charles Wesley and son would hold after him.
As one of the most significant figures in southern gospel music, James D. Vaughan was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Southern Gospel Music Association
The Southern Gospel Music Association is a non-profit corporation formed as an association of southern gospel music singers, songwriters, fans, and industry workers. Membership is acquired and maintained through payment of annual dues...
in 1997.
External links
- James D. Vaughan - from Southern Gospel Music Association
- A singing news article
- His museum