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The Documentary: Arnold Shultz and bluegrass in Kentucky

Black Roots: Frank Johnson, Joe Thompson and the fiddle in North Carolina

09/11/2022 GMT

Arnold Shultz and bluegrass in Kentucky

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Arnold Shultz and bluegrass in Kentucky

The black fiddler and guitarist Arnold Shultz and his influence on bluegrass music

Rhiannon Giddens uncovers the black fiddler and guitarist Arnold Shultz and his influence on bluegrass music.

Acclaimed musician Rhiannon Giddens explores bluegrass music in Kentucky, the history of the banjo and the story of Arnold Shultz. For many listeners of bluegrass, the story of this music begins in December 1945, when ‘Father of Bluegrass’ Bill Monroe brought his band on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Yet, Bill Monroe always acknowledged the black fiddler and guitarist Arnold Shultz as one of his major influences. Rhiannon explores how African-American musicians like Shultz were often mentors to white country stars of the time. 

Featuring Joshua Bronnenberg, Dr. Richard S. Brown, Dr. Erika Brady, Dom Flemons, Dr. Andrew Rhinehart and Tray Wellington.

Presenter: Rhiannon Giddens 
Producer: Tom Woolfenden 
A Loftus production for BBC World Service 

(Photo: Musician Rhiannon Giddens. Credit: Ebru Yildiz)

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