1. Blast from the Past  

 "Sloas Brothers Memorial Highway"
Many years ago in the hills of eastern Kentucky, there was a group of brothers that were blessed with God Gifted Talent of playing good Old Time Bluegrass Music. They not only were gifted in playing bluegrass music, they also wrote and composed many of their own songs directly from the heart. Children of the late Francis Marion and Millie Sloas from Upper Newcombe, RT 706; which made this the perfect place to dedicate too the memory of "Sloas Brothers". Recently our State Representative helped too make this dream of mine a reality, this route, from Isonville to Crockett Kentucky is now officially named "Sloas Brothers Memorial Highway"! Thank you Rocky J. Adkins for ALL you do for our litte region here in Eastern Kentucky. Each one of the brothers, of the four that continued to play bluegrass music together through out their lives, all learned to play a musical instrument at an early age and was very talented group. Bluegrass music was in their heart and soul. Dave Sloas, gutarist and lead singer/songwriter, Johnny Sloas, fiddle player, high tenor/songwriter/composer, Kenny Sloas, banjo player, three finger style/overhanded/clawhammer style, also helped too write and compose many of their songs. There youngest brother Boone Sloas would eventually join the group, along with Johnny's son Fred Sloas. Graydon Sloas of Fairborn, Ohio is their older brother and Bessie "Sloas" Skaggs of Grayson, KY is their their only sister. For many, many years these brothers stayed together, played together every chance they got, while each one worked at a public job to support their families. The group played under other names such as Dixie Play Boys and others. The most common name they are known for is The Sloas Brothers. Through out the years there was time that some of the brothers just could not play at the events with them. However, they still got together as much as they could and "jammed" practice, or just enjoyed the sound of that old time bluegrass music filling the air. Yes, they could have chosen to go on the road and would have made it, with the help of God. However, each of the brothers desired more to stay close to their families, as much as possible anyway, some had to work away through the week in order to raise their children back in the hills they cherished and loved of Eastern Kentucky. Little to their knowledge, this group would all perform the last time together on Dec. 12, 1987 at Isonville Elementary School. Regretfully, after this night my daddy Johnny Sloas was called home. His loss was traumatic on the entire family. However the brothers continued to play their music together as much as possible, for they knew that would be what Johnny would want. The Sloas Brothers performed at several different bluegrass festivals throughout different states. Just to mention a few, Northern Indiana Bluegrass Festival, Scioto County Bluegrass Festival in Ohio. At one time, they also held their very own bluegrass festival right here in Elliott County on the Donnie Fannin farm. "God Needed My Mother", is one of their songs that has been recorded by other artists such as Don Rigsby, along with "Sea of Regret" recorded by Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs. Also, their music has impacted not only the lives of locals, but many of the people from the earlier Bluegrass generation. At one time the brothers had their own radio show they performed once a week at Grayson Kentucky and West Liberty Kentucky. The Sloas Brothers have played in jam sessions and became friends with some of the greatest out there Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, The Osborne Brothers and many more. We are truly thankful to God that these brothers left with us two Albums, "I'm Going Home Again" recorded on REM Records in 1967, "Memories of the Past" on Lemco in 1976, and a single under the name of Dixie Play Boys on Still Records. A cassette recording "Virginia Heritage" ?? not sure on the date. "The Sloas Brothers Last Time Toghther" was recorded by Lonnie Nipper after the unfortunate loss of my beloved daddy. A very special "Thank You" to Rocky J. Adkins for his role in bringing this recognition that is so well deserved. Also we would like to say thank you to all the fans that have been so faithful throughout the years and to all that have contributed to keeping the memory of this talented group of old time Bluegrass Music alive. Thank You again from the family of The Sloas Brothers. Anyone that would like too see pictures of, or learn more about this group, I would encourage anyone too visit The Laurel Gorge Heritage Center at Sandy Hook, KY..........(I am the oldest daughter of the late John L Sloas, AKA "The Fiddler") Millie "Sloas" Gilliam