Age 63
Goodyear, AZ. Died April 22, 2014 in Sun City, AZ. He was born November 10, 1950 in Omaha, NE to Vernon L. Sr. and Jeanette Slaughter. Vernon's joy in life was his music, and his 2 sons Christopher and Michael Slaughter. He is survived by his sisters, Laura Ann Slaughter, Crystal L. Slaughter, Elizabeth Slaughter-Payne (Nathaniel), Terrie L. Sheppard-Phillips, and Jeanette Sheppard; brothers, David E. Slaughter (Jackie), Larry Sheppard (Matilda), and Carl W. Sheppard (Joyce); a host of nephews and nieces; and uncles, Rev. David Triplett, Ward Triplett, and Leon Triplett (Elizabeth). He was preceded in death by his father Vernon L. Slaughter; mother Jeanette Slaughter; sisters, Vanessia Slaughter and Lorraine Sheppard; and brother A-Lord (Bobby) Sheppard.
VIEWING 5-7pm Sunday, April 27. SERVICES at 1pm Monday, April 28, 2014, all at Roeder Mortuary, 4932 Ames, Omaha, NE 68104. His urn will be Laid to Rest in Graceland Memorial Cemetery in Omaha.
Vernon L. Slaughter, a pivotal pioneer of the modern black music industry, died on April 22 of kidney failure in Phoenix. He was 63.
From Billboard Biz
Born in Omaha on Nov. 10, 1950, Slaughter broke into the industry as a college rep for CBS Records and later became a local promotion manager for the label in Baltimore/Washington, D.C. When CBS launched its black music marketing department in 1977 -- the first such dedicated marketing division at a major label -- Slaughter was appointed VP of the department. Heading up black music and jazz promotion over the next 10 years, he helped foster the growth and development of many artists, including Michael Jackson and Herbie Hancock.
After leaving CBS, Slaughter segued to A&M Records as VP of R&B promotion and then to LaFace Records as VP/GM. Leaving the industry to earn a law degree, Slaughter practiced entertainment law for the next 20 years. That second career included stints with Greenberg Traurig and Patterson & Associates.
Slaughter is survived by sons Christopher and Michael, among other relatives. Services are still being arranged but will take place in Omaha