Originally posted on 2014-04-22 20:09:38
Industry veteran Vernon Slaughter, passed away yesterday (Monday morning) from complications of Diabetes. Vernon had been living in Phoenix, AZ for the past few years and had been ill. Sources state that his sister in Arizona took him to the hospital and it appeared that he was getting better. He hung around long enough for both of his sons to fly in to see him and then he died shortly thereafter. The family is shipping the body to Omaha and will have the services on Saturday 4/26 or Monday 4/28. As we get more information so you can send condolences to the family, we’ll share it with you. It’s nice to read all of the wonderful Facebook comments about Vernon and hope that he knew how much he was respected and appreciated. Please call someone you’ve been thinking out and let them know how they impacted your life. Stay healthy and stay blessed. Pat Shields(Pictured: Former record executive Vernon Slaughter next to the Late Mike Bernardo, Doug Wilkins is on the far right) Slaughter who had a lengthy career as a record exec left the industry, went back to school and became an attorney about 2o years ago. Slaughter worked for the prestigious law firm Greenberg TraugUPDATE: Here is some specific background on Vernon Slaughter… thanks to Ron BrewingtonVernon Slaughter, innovative and admired veteran music industry executive, dies at 63Vernon L. Slaughter, one of the music industry’s most successful and admired executives, has died. Following a long battle with ill health, Slaughter passed Monday morning, April 22, in Phoenix, Arizona as a result of kidney failure. He was 63. Slaughter, who practiced entertainment law for 19 years, is most remembered by colleagues for the dedication and innovations he brought to exposing black music to a broader audience. In 1977 he was named Vice President to the pioneering Black Music Marketing department at CBS Records. It was the first dedicated marketing division at a major label, and for ten years Slaughter help pioneer the growth and development of dozens of artists, including Michael Jackson and Herbie Hancock.Slaughter went on to executive positions at A&M Records and Laface Records before leaving the industry to earn his law degree. He became an entertainment attorney and went on to practice law for 20 years. He started his law career at the firm of Katz Smith & Cohen. He later joined the global law firm of Greenberg Traurig, followed by a stint at Patterson & Associates, and as counsel he represented star vocalist Angie Stone and some of the most successful artists, producers and composers in the music industry. Vernon Slaughter was born Nov. 10, 1950 in Omaha, Nebraska. His sister, Elizabeth Payne, also of the Phoenix area, said that services are still be arranged to take place in Omaha. He is survived by two sons, Christopher and Michael and a large and loving family of sisters, a brother, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.Funeral info for Vernon Leroy Slaughter:Sunrise: November 10, 1950Sunset: April 22, 2014Roeder Mortuary4932 Ames AvenueOmaha, NE 68104Viewing: Sunday, April 27 – 5-7 p.m.Funeral: Monday, April 28 – 1 p.m.Cards and condolences to the family can be sent to his sisters:Liz Slaughter-Payne, 15849 W. Durango St, Goodyear, AZ 85338Crystal Slaughter, 3421 Charles St, Omaha, NE 68111Donations to assist the family with funeral expenses can be sent to Sun West Federal Credit Union, 650 N. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear, AZ 85338. The account is under M. Elizabeth Slaughter-Payne and the account number is 906035.The family sent their deep appreciation for everyone’s prayers and for being such good friends to their brother.I pasted below the story from Target Market News from Vernon’s long-time friend, Ken Smikle. Originally posted on 2014-04-22 20:09:38
