Appalachian Bluegrass - The Slone Family

 

Appalachian Bluegrass

Appalachian Bluegrass

The Slone Family

Artwork by "Photographics"

Old Homestead Records - Brighton, Michigan

OHS 80002

1973

From the back cover: Here is the Slone Family! You will enjoy them. We do. Everyone at home has for years, and now as they are traveling, their circle of friends is widening fast.

Ray Slone was raised at the very head of Slone Fork in Knott Country, Kentucky, where the real roots of bluegrass and old-time music flourish. On both sides of his family, practically everyone was a musician.

Ray first learned on an old banjo his dad made, but on this album he fiddles and plays mandolin. He is joined by his two daughters, Carolyn (16), unique as a skilled young lady banjo player, and Marcia (13) who sings well with honest high spirits and does the lead guitar picking.

As boys, Ray and his brother often hitchhiked the fifty miles to Pikeville to play on WLSI's Saturday Hayride radio show. In the last eight years as a teacher in Hindman High School, he has shared this same enthusiasm for music with his String Music Club. Many students, my own children among them, have profited from his eager gentle help. Also, among them was Ken Gayheart, Ray's neighbor, who plays bass on this album and guitar for the three gospel songs. Joe Isaacs, of Lebanon, Ohio, plays bass on these.

In addition to teaching for twenty years, and managing the Housing Development in Knott County, Ray Slone owns Ray's Music and Office Supply which is managed by his wife. But, mostly he likes writing songs, practicing the music of the hills and watching his family develop into the exciting musicians they are. – Raymond K. McLain

Lovesick Mind

Banks Of The Ohio

Great High Mountain

Blowing In The Wind

Cripple Creek

Knoxville Girl

Who Will Sing For Me

Sunny Tennessee

Five Hundred Miles

Pretty Wreath For Mothers Grave

Will Or Won't You Love Me

Durham's Reel

Don't Think Twice

Nobody's Business