Vann Thornton is a Grammy-recognized educator,  musician, song-writer, and entertainer who  grew up in sleepy South Georgia and always thought and dreamed in sound, rhythm, and beats. He uncovered his passion for music when, at age 5 he began to tinker on an old piano. From that point on, he was involved in performing for whomever would listen. In 1980, Vann became an educator to share his passion, a composer of music for young people to ignite passion in others, and continued to perform throughout the Southeastern US as a vocal and multi-instrumentalist with bands playing styles from country to bluegrass to jazz to modern pop music.

From 1990 until 2000, Vann toured as part of a variety cover band performing throughout the Southeastern US and opening for such notables as Winona Judd, Reba McIntyre, and Merle Haggard. In 1999 he wrote and produced the premier album for Marlene Bowen and won an award for Independent producer of the year. Vann decided in 2001 to concentrate his efforts on helping himself and his students understand Jazz and propelled his High School Jazz Band to be selected at a 2014 Grammy School, one of 12 in the nation.  Additionally, Vann was selected by the prestigious Woodruff Arts center as an Outstanding Arts Education Leaders in Georgia. Vann retired from teaching in 2018 and, once again, set his sights on returning to his performing roots.