Slats Klug

Slats Klug, a musician, composer and producer, died peacefully in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday May 5, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born Harry Klug Jr., December 13, 1951 in Martinsburg, West Virginia, the son of Ruth Booker Stillman and Harry V. Klug. Given the nickname of Slats at a young age because he was skinny, it stuck with him the rest of his life. His early life was spent in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He settled on playing music at an early age. A seasoned multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, he spent time playing in and around New York City before moving to Bloomington, Indiana. In Bloomington he formed the swamp-rock band Mojo Hand, recording albums and playing shows nationally. He was best known for a series of albums exploring the history of Brown County. Beginning with the 1997 album "The Liars' Bench", he wrote songs based on research of the characters, places, and stories he found. "I like being near, but not from, Brown County. By having a certain stranger's point of view I get the best of both worlds." He was eager to use area musicians and singers to bring the stories to life, and he was generous with the spotlight. The albums are now a treasured part of Brown County's legacy and a source of pride for the people that make it their home. He is survived by his long-time partner, Jane Mitchell, and an older sister, Kathleen Case of Ukiah, California. Slats was an animal lover. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Brown County Humane society or the Monroe County Humane society. "And I know when the time's right Gonna go, gonna take flight Sail into the twilight Hummin' in the old blue haze."