Jerald Jay Shanklin

Jay Shanklin, age 55, formerly of Irvine, California went home on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020.
Jay was at the music studio doing what he loved to do best, arranging music with his best friend in life and love, Melanie Andrews, who was on her way to record with him.

Born on August 8th, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, Jay spent his formative years in Oakland, California, and would attend Monroe Junior High School and graduate from Morningside High School, in Inglewood, California.
Jay was a natural born musician who learned to play several instruments by ear, but did learn to read music much later.
He began his professional music career signing with Epic Records in 1986 as the replacement bass player for the R&B group, Tease.

The group's 1986 self-titled album featured the hit single, "Firestarter", which peaked at no.11 on the R&B charts in June of that year, staying on the charts for 11 weeks.

Jay was perhaps best known for his work on the acclaimed hip-hop album, “Bangin’ On Wax” that featured real gang members ~ Gang Truce, released in March of 1993.

Produced under his alias hip-hop rap name, J.Stank, along with fellow co-producers, Ron “Ronnie Ron” Phillips, Tweedy Bird Loc, Jerome Evans (Silksi) and Battlecat, the album is still considered a landmark for promoting “Peace in the Streets.”

Jay’s other professional associations and work included writing and producing theme songs for Television shows, and working with legendary entertainers such as Herbie Hancock and Boyz II Men, to name a few, as well as both he and music partner, Melanie Andrews, being managed by former L.A. Laker basketball star, and business mogul, Norm Nixon.
Jay is survived by his mother ~ Sylvia Shanklin, brother ~ Randy Shanklin, sister ~ Robyn Cherry, brother-in-law ~ William Cherry.

A private memorial service was held on Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at an undisclosed location, and a public memorial service will be announced soon. Please leave any well wishes and memories of Jay, or send inquiries to: Melanie@ifamousentertainment.com

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life” 
—John 5:24 
 
                                                          **Rest Now In Eternal Peace & Life, Jay Shanklin**