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BORN
1945
DIED
2015
P.F. Sloan Obituary
"Phil was a key element on the music that became the sound of the Sunset Strip. Phil was a true prodigy, signing his first record deal with Aladdin Records when he was 13," Sloan's reps said in a statement. "P.F. Sloan's 'Eve Of Destruction' was an anthem for a generation. It is as relevant now as it ever has been."
After recording his debut single "All I Want Is Loving" / "Little Girl in the Cabin", the still-teenaged Sloan got a job with music publisher Screen Gems, who hired Sloan to work with the surf rock duo Jan & Dean. Sloan then moved to Dunhill Records, where he wrote hit songs for artists such as Herman's Hermits, the Turtles, the Searchers, the Grass Roots and Barry McGuire.
McGuire was the recipient of Sloan's best-known song, "Eve of Destruction," a catchy single that predicted the anti-war protests and civil rights movement surfacing in the U.S. during the 1960s. "Eve of Destruction" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
Bob Dylan once said of "Eve of Destruction," which was originally penned with the Byrds in mind, "There are no more escapes. If you want to find out anything that's happening now, you have to listen to the music. I don't mean the words. Though, 'Eve Of Destruction' will tell you something about it."
Sloan was also a singer, recording a handful of solo albums over the past decades. In 2014, Sloan released his last album, "My Beethoven," as well as his memoir, "What’s Exactly the Matter With Me?"
69 Entries
Bird
January 20, 2025
late but from heart: I never knew when Mr. Sloan did, but I have listened to his songs for, by now, 40 years. Raising three foster kids from worst background, the sins of a family was one of my strongest back-ups, as song I have known by heart from when I was 15 myself.
Susie
February 10, 2023
Miss you Philip. You know I do.
Susie
June 30, 2021
Miss you so much.
Susie
November 24, 2020
Miss you so much through these years. Your gold leaf is up at The Chabad House in South Lake Tahoe on The Tree of Life. Your Susie
How you can show support
Susie
June 4, 2019
Miss you very much....
Susie
August 13, 2018
Miss you so much
Susie
April 20, 2018
Miss you
July 2, 2017
I just loved his music in the 60's and there was always a 'true to the times' message in there if you just listened for it.---Danny Sordello.
Nazarene Mckinney
May 18, 2017
We used to know every word of Secret Agent Man! Thank you!
Susie Manners
November 14, 2016
Will be lighting a yahrzeit candle for you. Made a donation today to the cancer society and putting up a plaque for you where people can come to visit. Your Susie.
September 25, 2016
Thanks for your work and your contribution to the world , I hope you enjoyed the ride. Peace
Photo taken by Robert Leslie Dean, a friend and fan of Phil's after the Ravi Shankar/Zakir Hussain concert Nov 1995
Helena Rowe
July 23, 2016
June 7, 2016
Thanks for all the great songs. Your music was part of my youth.
Safe journey my friend.
Old Greg, one of many fans.
Christmas time 1995
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
With world class tabla player Zakir Hussain Nov '95
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Phil relaxing at home outside on his backyard porch 1995
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Phil having fun with his guitar and harmonica
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Again, Phil relaxing in his wonderful backyard
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Dancing while Phil played for Elvis night Jan 1996 at House of Blues in Hollywood
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Outside the Alex Theatre where we encountered Jackson Brown and Donovan who were also at the Ravi Shankar/Zakir Hussain concert Nov 1995
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Summer with Phil in 1995
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Phil playing guitar around Christmas 1995
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Not sure when this photo was taken as I did not take it.
Helena Rowe
June 4, 2016
Susie Manners
April 5, 2016
Miss you so much
Sharon frances
November 26, 2015
Dear Family; So sorry for your loss. How appropriate his song "Eve of destruction" in the times we live in now. 2 Timothy 3, 1-5
Carol lane
November 23, 2015
A wonderful song writer, your days on earth was with purpose!! Your songs I listened to growing up. You left a good legacy!!
Susie Manners
February 23, 2016
We shared so much love for over 44 years. You always came back to the girl you met at 26 till you passed.
Joe
February 6, 2016
To an idol and one who inspired me. Thanks! R.I.P.
Joe McGraw
January 15, 2016
Dear family and friends of Phil Sloan. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you will be comforted and hold on to all your wonderful memories of your times with him. I met him about a year ago when he opened for Rumer at Hollywood Forever. It was my second time seeing him perform. I had the chance to talk with him and found he was kind, easygoing and seemed very much at peace. I and my girlfriend are so sad at his passing, but also so happy we met him, heard him play and heard some of his life story. He had a remarkable life. He found his gift and talents and shared them with the world. We are all so fortunate that Phil pursued what he loved and gave to us. Thank you Phil. May God watch over all the people who you loved and cared about and all that loved and cared for you. Sincerely, Joe & Renata, Orange County, CA
Alexander Schilov
December 15, 2015
Very saddened by the news of the passing of P F Sloan. Heard about it on the radio 12/12/2015. First heard Eve Of Destruction in 1965 as a 16-year old. Blown away by the lyrics and music. I still shudder when I hear it today, so prescient: "...it's still the same old place." Rest easy, Mr Sloan. You changed the thinking of a whole generation. Peace be with you.
November 24, 2015
May fond memories keep Mr Sloan alive in your hearts always. Find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and He cares> (1 Peter 5:6,7)
C Terrence
November 23, 2015
Thanks you for your great gifts of music and words. Eve of Destruction really made myself and many of my friends stop and think. It made everybody stop and think and it helped people. I have always loved Barry's version of it. I have probably played the song myself hundreds of times as have friends of mine . When I sang it and played it on my guitar, I could feel what you were saying.
Rest in peace Phil. Thank you.
Larry Harper
November 23, 2015
Saddened to hear this news. P.F. Sloan was one of my 1st musical "heroes" (if one dare use that term). Back in the mid-60s. I had all of his early material in my collection. I even saw him once in a little club in Hollywood, on the Sunset Strip (The Hullabaloo), in the spring of 1967. He did a very short--but eloquent--set that included "Halloween Mary," "Let Me Be," "This Precious Time," &, of course, "Eve of Destruction" (of which he sang just the opening verse, stopped, looked up, uttered, "Peace," & left the stage). But he also opened the set w/ a long, rambling, meandering song I'd never heard before, but which began w/ the line, "The wizard's tale is left untold . . . " & went on from there. Magical. I never heard it again, but it's haunted me these 48 years. If anyone knows a thing about this one, pass it along. I was able to meet him after the show & talk briefly. Still very memorable. Rest in Peace.
--Larry (Orem, UT)
Barbie Fickett
November 22, 2015
I've never stopped falling in love over & over with so very many of your songs and with you, your heart & soul, your being...There will never be words to describe one as beautiful as you. And Dear Phil,
"Someday our hearts will meet...just around the corner...On the other side of the world...On Ginger Street...On Ginger Street"❤
Jai and P in San Juan Capistrano, 2009
Jenine-Lacette DShazer
November 21, 2015
Philip, at The Joint in West Los Angeles, 2009
Jenine-Lacette DShazer
November 21, 2015
I wrote this before I met you, P, before we fell in love or knew each other at all. Before I discovered a few of your secrets, the ones I will never tell and some I know you are happy to let fly into the world now that you won't be embarrassed by my gushing about Philip the man, not only the spirit or musician. I wrote this before I knew how much you loved Beethoven and the Little Rascals, wearing shoes that were too small for your perfect Krishna feet until I begged you to get some that didn't hurt to walk in, before I observed that each time I visited you, the furniture and wall hangings had been moved slightly to keep your perspective fresh, before I knew how fun it was to hang out in robes and hot tubs and sing Beatles songs together all day, or sneak into movie theaters like we were nine years old, before you shocked me to my core by touching the small of my he-man father's bad back with a gentle healing touch--something even I would hesitate to do for fear of retribution, but you never had that fear, before I watched you climb the emotional Everest of caring for your dying sister, before I held you while you cried the deepest tears I have ever known ...these are just a few of the ways I knew you, mostly, I remember our laughter, turning you onto all those "Seinfeld" episodes, you believing in my photographs and book and asking for my earnest listening to and feedback on all of your new works, our singing in the sanghas that we were invited to or just crashed, giggling at the dirty looks because no one knew us and we were eating their food, all the ways you tested me and others to push ourselves, consciously and not, pleasurably and painfully, all the ways you surprised, delighted, and inspired me to be nice to strangers, be bold and absorbed in my art, drive to a point of light on the horizon just for adventure and hold onto that knowing of myself, whoever the teacher, that always, always, leads back to love. You have become who you have always been, my sweet P, just a little lighter now. I am thinking of a quote I cannot attribute, but love: "Now that you are gone, you are everywhere." Yes, and I will be seeing you there.
Steve Chase
November 21, 2015
where have all the flowers gone? so my brother, herein, find my two
tales regarding the flipper. i saw mr. sloan twice. the first time
was at the golden bear in 1970, where he was opening for poco. i don't
remember any special introduction to give the full house the measure
of sloan's talents and success. he opened with 'sins of a family',
followed by 'let me be' wherein half through the song the obviously
nervous sloan got up from his chair and quickly walked off stage.
fortunately, thanks to the nicks, macs, and craig mcbrides of the
planet, i actually had a clue as to sloan's prominence in the pop
music world. i remember feeling a chilling sorrow for sloan, who
really did seem quite out of his element. move up 40 years to a
sold-out church venue here in san diego's north park. sloan was on the
bill with his friend creed bratton, who besides spending 8 years on
the t.v. show 'office' was an original member of 'the grass roots.'
that evening, both sloan and bratton were fine story tellers, working
off each other with ease and humor. together they sang many of sloan's
songs. sloan then appeared solo and rounded out the set. it was
obvious that both musicians had done some recent woodshedding: spot-on
harmonies, and sloan, once a session guitarist accompanied himself and
bratton revealing his skill both as a singer and musician. the two
songs of the night for me were "where were you when i needed you" and
"tell 'em i'm surfing? the audience was older and informed and
provided a standing ovation at night's end. one of the most intimate,
touching performances i've yet to witness. linda knew little of sloan
except "secret agent man" and "eve of destruction and was moved to
tears by both his story and his songs. RIP indeed.
as usual,
steve
Dale Poling
November 20, 2015
Farewell to a kind soul that was able to express many thoughts and feelings through his music. His many friends and fans of years give testimony to his persona while on Earth. Count me lucky as both!
November 20, 2015
May the God of all comfort be with you.
November 20, 2015
He was a great singer-songwriter and a wonderful person. We were very happy that we were able to meet him and host him for 14 days during his tour in The Netherlands, he will always be a friend! RIP, dear Phil..fromyour Dutch friends Yvonne and Paul Böhm
Olivia Greene
November 20, 2015
My condolences to family, friends and all who loved Philip Sloan. His place in hearts and history is assured. May he rest in blessed peace.
Gloria Lim
November 20, 2015
I will love you forever, my darling friend and treasured artist to the world. You will never be forgotten, because so many people loved you and you had such great love for them.
We didn't want you to leave us, but God had other plans for you to create music to play and sing with the angels.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
November 19, 2015
WE ARE LOVE,CONDOLENCES TO P.F. SLOAN FAMILY,FRIENDS, ALL WHO KNEW HIM.
Brad McDaniel
November 19, 2015
Mr. Sloan, R.I.P. brother, and thank you for the GREAT song, "Eve of Destruction"....my wife and I love that song, we have a BOSE and it is a GREAT song to go back to our earlier days....
Aulenbacher Family
November 18, 2015
a great Songwriter
Our deepest sympathy for
your loss. Keeping you all in prayer!
God Bless.
D. Tyler
November 18, 2015
My deep condolences to the Sloan family. Mr. Sloan left a long legacy that add to your family and friends shared memories. Though not easy when we lose our loved ones, may your family receive the necessary strength and peace daily to heal because God cares for your family. 1Peter5:7. And there are many others that share your grief and pain.
RUMER
November 18, 2015
https://youtu.be/PuzfF4D55qI
P.F. SLOAN (live) by Rumer
Tim Doherty
November 18, 2015
Thanks, Phil. So many great songs. You gave us so much. Enjoy the next journey...
Steven Rosenfeld
November 18, 2015
Few others have touched my life as you did. You shall live forever in my thoughts.
Rest in Peace my brother.
Rob Foss
November 17, 2015
As a rock-n-roll fan growing up in the 1960's and 1970's I kept noticing the name "PF Sloan" being associated with many of the songs I enjoyed listening to. I associated Mr. Sloan with the west coast/surf sound of California. However, as I learned more about the man and his music, I realized his songs were much more than about the beach, girls, cars, etc. His message carried real meaning and perspective. Additionally, after reading his memoir last year, his life lessons conveyed true honesty and reflection. His spiritual beliefs made me take a step back and look at life from a different angle. Mr. Sloan made you think and accept others opinions and views. He clearly made a difference in his 70 years from a personal and professional perspective. Rest in peace and know that your legacy will live on.
terry martini
November 17, 2015
your songs will always be remembered eve of destruction was a fav. of mine. god bless your soul and also your family at this time of mourning
Harry Simpson
November 17, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
J. Lewis
November 17, 2015
So sorry for your loss of P.F. Sloan. May the many memories you have shared always be in your hearts. May the God of comfort be with you and strengthen you during this difficult time. (Psalm 46:1)
Charles Wilson
November 17, 2015
I blew my thumb out on a 12 string, trying to learn the intro that he played for California Dreamin by Mamas and Papas. Then learned that he recorded two 12-string guitars for the intro!! Great guitarist and songwriter. They don't come around very often at his caliber of talent. R.I.P. Mr. Sloan.
November 17, 2015
Thanks so much for co-writing "AUTUMN" that the Thomas Group sang on the Ed Sullivan show. We named our 5 year old twin daughter after that song.
Steve, Nashville
Karen
November 17, 2015
A man behind the music. Your talent/artistry stays with us.
DJM
November 17, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jane Dowling
November 17, 2015
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Rey Criollo
November 17, 2015
Four days in space. Fifty years later, it's the same old place.
Tammy D
November 17, 2015
My condolence go out to the family of Mr.PF.Sloan I know he will be missed.
Meg Safranek
November 16, 2015
Thanks for the music. Godspeed.
November 16, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Sloan. We pray for all of you his family and friends at this time. Pray for your continued endurance and strength to be able to endure until you meet again. [email protected]
RA
November 16, 2015
My condolences to the Sloan family regarding the loss of a legendary songwriter. His legacy will not soon be forgotten. May God give you peace during this difficult time~Rom 15:33.
Ron Roeser
November 16, 2015
Eve of Destution--- one of the greatest anti-war song of its time !!! I spent 18 months in Vietnam , right out of high school . What a waste of young lives . May you rest in peace
Lonestar Buddha
November 16, 2015
So many of us are grateful that P F Sloan shared his music and lyrics with us. His light will continue to shine even after the passing of this wonderful man.
Showing 1 - 69 of 69 results
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