July 8, 1930 - September 30, 2017 Frank Conley Slay died Saturday, September 30, 2017 in San Diego, age 87. He is survived by sister Sarah Slay Chalk, sister-in-law Bettye Slay, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Frank and Esther Slay and brother, John D. Slay, of Dallas. Frank was born on July 8, 1930, in Dallas, TX, earned a University of Texas Business degree in 1951, and moved to New York City to begin a long, successful popular music career as a well-known writer, arranger, publisher and independent record producer. Hits with Bob Crewe include "Silhouettes" and "Tallahassee Lassie". In Philadelphia, he and Dick Clark published Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons hits, which appear in "Jersey Boys". In 1960's Hollywood, Frank's Claridge Music Group produced "psychedelic" songs, including "Incense and Peppermints" and "Green-eyed Lady". A classically trained piainist, Frank also played a rollicking Boogie Woogie. Lately of San Diego, he enjoyed global travel, fine dining, and the local music scene. Frank was determined, smart, talented, fun, generous, and loyal. He will be greatly missed. Memorial Service Sunday, October 15 at 2:00pm at University Christian Church, reception following. Donations to UCC, 3900 Cleveland Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Slay

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Oct. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Slay

22 Entries

Steve Owen

October 2, 2023

Still thinking of you Frank...your name comes up when people mention past excellent record producers in the industry..RIP

Angus

March 29, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Angus

March 29, 2021

Franks Uber was royalty ... thanks to Clarence House for a wonderful trip with frank angus and john and HRC

Sandy Benjamin

August 2, 2018

I just learned of Frank's passing, and extend my condolences to the Slay family. My professional path crossed with his during the 70s, and I thought Frank was an exceptionally nice person. Multi-talented, too. It was a genuine pleasure knowing him.

London Bridge

Angus Faz

May 17, 2018

Frank - Salvador Dali's Home France

Angus Faz

May 17, 2018

April 28, 2018

Casse Forczek

April 21, 2018

Our loss is heavens gain!

Frank with Jerry Corbetta's mother, Patricia; and best friend Rod Roddy in mid 1990's, Burbank CA

Casse Forczek

April 21, 2018

David Riordan

April 3, 2018

Frank gave me my start as a songwriter and record artist. In the early seventies (full of ourselves) we considered Frank of another era but man did he know how to make records. I learned a lot from him and being the co-writer of Green Eyed Lady with Jerry and JC, I have been part of the story of that incredible moment in time. Rest in peace my friend, David

Applewood Studios, Golden, CO 1974

David Queen

January 17, 2018

I got to work with Frank on some of Sugarloaf / Jerry Corbetta's stuff in '74. Frank was fun to work with and knew what he was doing.

Jerry has passed as well, so I hope they're working and laughing together just like the old days.

RIP

Frank on train uk to France

December 26, 2017

Angus Cooney

December 13, 2017

In shock to hear the passing of my wee friend and next door neighbor frank.

We had great times together my friend. One of the best memory was when you to come to the UK and Europe with me a few years back yes dragged you kicking and screaming but you got there. Frank is the only person I know who can walk up to Paul McCartney office in London and get invited right in no questions asked that's how popular he was in the music industry.

I'll always remember your happy face as you sat in first class on the train on that special trip traveling under the Sea from the UK to France.

I looked back to your seat behind mine with your beaming smile from ear to ear.. there you sat!

Your Paper in lap, the best french cheese's and food stacked high, glass of white wine in hand.

Then the immortal words in that Texas accent.

" Now this is how to live, iv died and gone to heaven"

Then came the frank slay laughter that was infectious

I will remember that moment forever.

Till we meet again rest well my friend.

Angus

Good laughter with my wee friend Frank Slay RIP

Angus Cooney

December 13, 2017

October 15, 2017

Funny, talente man

Steve Owen

October 14, 2017

It was my pleasure to communicate with Frank Slay during the last months of his life(who knew?) I called him numerous times
to inquire about some old music arrangements he was involved with...He was kind, and took time out to sort stuff out with me, and was a super person over the phone. Frank, thanks for all the great records you wrote, produced and/or arranged for Swan back in the day... The world is poorer for your passing!

Don Mason

October 13, 2017

Your absence will leave a hole in my heart.
You were a true friend and those are rare in our lives.

Michael and Carla Raya

October 11, 2017

Rest in Peace, Frank. We knew and enjoyed Frank as our Park West neighbor for 14 years and it was an absolute pleasure knowing him. We always enjoyed our conversations with him and his wonderful humor. We admire the life he lived and we are better people for knowing him and, for that, we thank him and honor him. A great man. May God bless Frank and his family.

John Beecher

October 9, 2017

Sad to hear that Frank is gone ... I enjoyed his stories and recollections from his days with Swan Records in Philadelphia. He helped us with many projects we have released from the Swan archives. He was also a great producer, getting the best out of some of the great artists on that lebel .... and even making some mediocre ones sound good. A great music man.
Condolences to his friends and family.
[email protected]

October 8, 2017

I sang along with Frank's songs long before I met him. When I finally made his acquaintance at Jerry Corbetta's home, I loved Frank's stories about the 50's and 60's music business.

I especially liked his Texas accent, and the way he described some of the less than intelligent street characters in Hollywood: "They are mo----rons, Jerry.
Mo----rons!

Thank you for your music, wisdom and guidance, Frank. We will remember it all.

Molly-Ann Leikin
Montecito, California

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results