New Release by LaTresa Honouring Arnold Shultz.
Bluegrass and Americana songwriter and artist LaTresa has announced the release of her latest single, Ode to Arnold Shultz. This powerful, evocative song pays homage to one of the most pivotal yet often overlooked figures in the history of Kentucky and American roots music.
The single is now available on all major streaming platforms here.
Arnold Shultz – The Unsung Guitar Hero:
Ode to Arnold Shultz shines a spotlight on the man deserving of recognition as the grandfather of thumb-picking guitar. Born in Ohio County, Kentucky, in 1886, Arnold Shultz was a Black musician whose innovative guitar stylings and musical sensibilities profoundly influenced the trajectory of country, blues, and bluegrass music. Though he was never recorded and left few tangible artifacts, Shultz’s legacy ripples throughout the work of legends such as Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, and countless others who were touched by his artistry, including Kennedy Jones, Ike Everly, and Merle Travis.
Despite facing the harsh realities of racial segregation and exclusion, Shultz’s talent was undeniable. He played with both black and white bands, befriending artists across divides, and his signature thumb-and-finger picking style became a foundation for generations of string musicians. Ode to Arnold Shultz seeks to bring his story to light, celebrating his enduring impact and reclaiming his rightful place in the pantheon of American music.
The Song’s Message:
LaTresa’s Ode to Arnold Shultz is more than a musical tribute; it is a poetic meditation on legacy, perseverance, and the power of music to transcend boundaries. Written from a place of reverence and curiosity, the song weaves together elements of biography and imagination, inviting listeners to step into the world of Arnold Shultz and experience the seismic effect of his artistry.
The single features LaTresa’s signature vocal clarity, intricate acoustic guitar work, and the warm, organic instrumentation that have become hallmarks of her sound. The lyrics evoke the grit of the coal mines of Kentucky, the dusty dance halls where Shultz played, and the profound sense of connection that Arnold’s music inspired. Through its verses, Ode to Arnold Shultz tells a story of the talent, resilience, and unbreakable spirit of a man whose inspiration far exceeded his humble western Kentucky beginnings.
Recording and Production:
Ode to Arnold Shultz was recorded at her home studio near Nashville, Tennessee with LaTresa co-producing alongside her engineer husband Randy Smith. The recording session featured a reunion of her band The Signal’s earliest original lineup of musicians includibng: Jon Martin on mandolin, Markus Stadler on banjo and Dobro, Randy Smith on upright bass, LaTresa on guitar and vocals and special guest Andy Leftwich on fiddle
Arnold Shultz’s story is one that needs to be told, and his name should be mainstream. His innovative guitar picking style influence is woven into the very fabric of the music we love, and with ‘Ode to Arnold Shultz,’ I wanted to give voice to that legacy and celebrate the beauty and resilience of his journey. Music is a language and experience with the power to connect us, and this song is my way of highlighting a true creative pioneer – LaTresa.
At a time when the music world is re-examining its roots and seeking to honour overlooked trailblazers, Ode to Arnold Shultz serves as a timely and necessary tribute. The song encourages listeners to reflect on the cultural intersections that have shaped bluegrass – a genre born from the meeting of African, European, and Indigenous musical traditions.
LaTresa’s single serves as both education and celebration, inviting audiences to embrace the rich, diverse heritage of American music. “Ode to Arnold Shultz” resonates with fans of bluegrass, folk, Americana, and anyone moved by stories of courage and originality. Its release aims to spark conversations about inclusion, history, and the ongoing evolution of roots music.
Ode to Arnold Shultz is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all major platforms.
A video highlighting Arnold Shultz’s story and the cultural context of his era will be released on LaTresa’s YouTube channel, providing listeners a visual companion to the song’s narrative.
Arnold Shultz
About Arnold Shultz:
Arnold Shultz (1886–1931) was a groundbreaking guitarist and fiddler whose blend of blues, ragtime, and country sounds laid the foundation for bluegrass music. Though rarely credited during his lifetime, Shultz mentored and inspired artists like Bill Monroe, whose own innovations propelled bluegrass onto the world stage. Today, Shultz is celebrated as a visionary artist whose legacy transcends boundaries and shapes the genre’s future.
Ode to Arnold Shultz serves as a moving tribute from LaTresa; a reminder that the story of bluegrass is one of collaboration, perseverance, and shared creativity. As listeners discover the new single, they are invited to honor the past and look forward to a future where every voice is heard. LaTresa’s heartfelt artistry offers a bridge from the roots of tradition to the promise of tomorrow.
La Tresa
About LaTresa:
LaTresa has long been recognized for her deep commitment to acoustic music tradition, her soulful songwriting, and her ability to bridge the past and present with authenticity and originality. With several albums to her credit and performances at renowned festivals across the country, LaTresa has captivated audiences with her heartfelt lyrics, stirring vocals, and energetic musicianship.
Her music is a tapestry woven from threads of tradition, innovation, and personal storytelling, earning her a loyal following among bluegrass enthusiasts and Americana fans alike. Visit the website for more information.
Previous features on LaTresa include: The Signal The Blood and The River.
