AceShowbiz - The Nashville music community was deeply shaken on January 30, 2025, by the tragic death of Ben Vaughn, the president and CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville. Vaughn was a respected figure known for his compassionate support of songwriters and executives, including notable artists such as Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, and the duo Dan + Shay.

Vaughn’s passing was later confirmed to be a suicide, a fact that struck many in the tight-knit Music City scene who had relied on his encouragement but were unaware of his personal struggles. Out of respect for his family, especially his children, the circumstances were initially kept private. Yet, as time passed, the community needed to confront their grief and honor Vaughn’s legacy.

On December 17, Dan + Shay — comprised of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney — joined forces with songwriters David Hodges and Jimmy Robbins in an unplanned writing session that would become a heartfelt tribute. The group gathered at Robbins' home with no specific agenda, reflecting on the year and the losses they had endured, including Vaughn’s death.

Mooney described their creation as “the most important song that we'll ever do in our career.” The song, eventually titled "Say So," emerged from a shared need to express the unresolved grief and love they felt for their late friend. Smyers recalled the emotional atmosphere in the room, emphasizing how cathartic it was to openly share feelings about Vaughn.

The songwriting process was organic. Without a predetermined title or melody, the group began by capturing the raw emotions surrounding Vaughn’s death. The song opens with the line, “I got a call from a friend who don’t call very often,” which reflects the shock many felt upon learning of Vaughn’s passing. This conversational style lent honesty and immediacy to the lyrics, avoiding overly clever wordplay in favor of direct emotional expression.

Musically, Hodges and Robbins built a pulsing acoustic guitar foundation that gave the tribute an energetic feel rather than a mournful one. The chorus lifts the melody with a balance of sober reality and hopeful encouragement, featuring the poignant hook: “If you’re going through hell, you’re not alone / If you need somebody, say so.” This line encapsulates the song’s core message of connection and support.

The second verse touches on the community’s regret for not recognizing Vaughn’s distress, yet it avoids helplessness by affirming the collective care that surrounded him. One standout lyric from this verse, favored by all the writers, is “If there was a room full of people who cared it'd be crowded,” which underscores the profound impact Vaughn had on those around him.

To conclude the song, the writers added a bridge that shifts the tone toward hope and renewal. Smyers described this section as euphoric, offering reassurance that tomorrow brings the promise of a new day. Hodges reflected on the contrast between Vaughn’s pain in his final moments and the peace he might have found beyond, giving the song a spiritual dimension.

Robbins completed much of the demo production before the session ended, deliberately leaving the phrase “Say So” a cappella at the end of each chorus to emphasize its importance. The date they finished the song coincidentally marked Vaughn’s 50th birthday, adding further significance.

Dan Smyers co-produced the final recording of "Say So" with veteran producer Scott Hendricks, known for his work with artists like Blake Shelton and Brooks & Dunn. The recording took place at Ocean Way Studio on Music Row. Before the session, Shay Mooney laid down the lead vocal at Smyers’ home to ensure the musicians could connect deeply with the song’s emotional weight.

The instrumental contributions added layers of intensity and atmosphere. Acclaimed guitarist Bryan Sutton replayed the demanding acoustic guitar part, which Smyers described as “aerobic,” requiring stamina and precision. Drummer Nir Z was instructed to channel the power of Dave Grohl’s performance on Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” while guitarist Derek Wells contributed a solo inspired by the atmospheric style of Kings of Leon. Smyers’ harmonies were then carefully blended in during post-production, a process Hendricks noted was unusually meticulous and time-consuming.

Though "Say So" was an unconventional choice for a single, its universal themes of support, loss, and hope resonated far beyond its personal origins. Hendricks and Dan + Shay sought and received the blessing of Vaughn’s family to share the song publicly, along with the story behind its creation. Warner Records Nashville officially released "Say So" on April 2, accompanied by a poignant music video.

The response on social media has been overwhelming, with listeners expressing deep connection to the song’s message. Hendricks acknowledged that while they anticipated the song’s power, the volume and sincerity of the feedback exceeded all expectations.

“Say So” stands as a testament to the role of songwriters as cultural storytellers, offering comfort and understanding through shared experience. For Dan + Shay and their collaborators, it is a meaningful tribute to a beloved friend whose influence continues to inspire, reminding listeners that even in the darkest times, reaching out can make all the difference.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Billboard.