Henry Thaxton Slaughter

Henry was born on January 9, 1927 in rural Roxoboro, NC, the son of MT and Lila Kinton Slaughter. He married Hazel Mae Myers on December 22, 1952 in Laurel, MS, and she survives.

Also surviving is a son, H. David (wife, Karen) Slaughter of Nashville, TN; daughter, Amanda (husband, Todd) Davis of Bryan, OH; grandson, Timothy K. Davis of Delray Beach, FL; and granddaughter, Laurel

S. Davis of El Paso, TX.

Preceding him in death are his two sons, Robert Don Slaughter and Michael W. Slaughter.

Henry was a graduate of Allensville High School in Roxoboro, NC. He then went on to attend the Stamps Baxter School of Music in Chattanooga, TN. Here, he would complete courses in Music Theory and Composition. In June of 1945, Henry was inducted into the US Army where he served with the US Occupying Forces in Bremerhaven, Germany. He was discharged in November of 1946.

After being discharged, Henry continued to pursue his dream in Gospel Music. He joined the Stamps Baxter Ozark Quartet in Arkansas in 1947 before the group moved to Texas in 1948. In the mid 1950’s he played the piano for The Trumpeteers, and in the late 1950’s he became pianist, writer, and arranger for the Weatherford Quartet of Akron, Ohio. During this time, he wrote, arranged, and directed a choir for the Cathedral of Tomorrow’s television ministry. In 1963, he joined the Imperials as a pianist, writer, arranger, and Master of Ceremonies.

In 1965 he came to Nashville, Tennessee and engaged in the recording industry as a recording session keyboard player. At this time, he began pursuing the gospel duet ministry of Henry and Hazel Slaughter, recording and presenting programs in churches. The duo joined with the Bill Gaither Trio in concert programs that soon spread to the entire nation and Canada during the 70’s.

Henry recorded more than 25 albums, many on the Benson Heartwarming label, and he wrote more than 200 gospel songs including the classics “I’ve Never Loved Him Better Than Today”, “Lonely Mile”, What a Precious Friend is He”, “Then the Answer Came”, “To Be Like Jesus”, and “If the Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side”. Many of his songs were recorded by various artists including, Connie Smith, Red Foley, Mahalia Jackson and Elvis Presley.

In 1969, he wrote and published the Henry Slaughter Gospel Piano Course and Organ Techniques, and in the 70’s, he became the owner and operator of Oak Valley Recording Studio in Nashville. Here he would produce and record many custom albums.

Henry received the Gospel Music Associations Dove Award for Best Instrumentalist of the Year for years 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977. He was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Piano Roll of Honor in August of 1996 and to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2010, he received the Grand Ole’ Gospel’s Living Legend Award.

Henry was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and student of the Bible. His long history in the music business was simply how he shared the truth and hope of the gospel with those in his sphere of influence. His favorite verse of scripture was “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

An avid reader, Henry especially enjoyed books that expanded his understanding of scripture and of history. He also enjoyed connecting with his nearly 3000 Facebook followers, and he was dedicated to physical fitness and exercise. In recent years he enjoyed exercising, meeting with friends and leading a Bible Study at the YMCA in Springfield, TN.

In recent years, he was involved with the Cheatham County Right to Life Organization, The Bethesda Center in Ashland City, TN, The Ashland City Ministerial Alliance, and many other community outreach organizations. He gained many friends over the years attending Belmont Church in Nashville and Calvary Chapel in Goodlettsville, TN. Most recently he enjoyed fellowship with the believers at Pleasant View First Baptist Church in Pleasant View, TN.

Henry lived a life full of many accomplishments and fulfilling his dreams. He was a loving father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.

Private services will be held, and burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.