Vaughan was born in Norwich in 1782, and was a chorister of the cathedral under John Christmas Beckwith.
His father died while Vaughan, still very young, was preparing to enter the musical profession, which he was enabled to do under the advice and patronage of Canon Charles Smith.
In May 1803 he was admitted a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, and about the same time became vicar-choral of St Paul's Cathedral and lay vicar of Westminster Abbey.
He sang at the Three Choirs Festivals from 1805 to 1836, and took part in the British première of Beethoven's Symphony No.
For twenty-five years the public recognised in him the typical faultless singer of the English school, perfected by the study of oratorio music.