Vernon Slaughter Passes

The Urban Buzz sends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of veteran industry lawyer and executive Vernon Slaughter. Vernon recently passed away from complications of diabetes.

Vernon 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 helped 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 at Whittier College School of Law. He became an entertainment attorney and practiced law for nearly 20 years. He started his law career at the firm of Katz Smith & Cohen in 1992.

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 being 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, 1950
Sunset: April 22, 2014

Roeder Mortuary
4932 Ames Avenue
Omaha, NE 68104
Viewing: 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 85338
Crystal Slaughter, 3421 Charles St, Omaha, NE 68111

Donations 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.