Arnold Shultz (1886–1931) was an African-American fiddler and guitarist who is noted as a major influence in the development of the "thumb-style," or "Travis picking" method of playing guitar. Shultz, the son of a former slave, was born into a family of touring musicians in Ohio County, Kentucky, in 1886. In 1900, Shultz began studying guitar under his uncle, developing a … [Read more...] about Wednesday Open Thread: The Blackness of Country Music
Bluegrass Music
Wednesday Open Thread: African Americans and Appalachian History
Happy Hump Day POU! As with just about every genre of music popular in the United States, it should come as no surprise that the bluegrass music of Appalachia, was created by African Americans. One of the most iconic symbols of Appalachian culture— the banjo— was brought to the region by African-American slaves in the 18th century. Black banjo players were performing in … [Read more...] about Wednesday Open Thread: African Americans and Appalachian History