East Bay music icon Chris Strachwitz, founder of Arhoolie Records, dies at 91
Chris Strachwitz, a nationally renowned musicologist who founded Arhoolie Records in El Cerrito and helped preserve and popularize the work of scores of authentic American roots musicians, died Friday at age 91, his label reported.
Reports said Strachwitz died peacefully at his Marin County home surrounded by friends and family. The cause of death was listed as complications due to congestive heart disease, according to NOLA.com, which noted that the famed music historian’s passing came just hours after he was paid special tribute at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the famed annual event that celebrates the music Strachwitz devoted his life to preserving NOLA.com also reported that festival organizers had planned a second line — a traditional New Orleans-style funeral — for Strachwitz on Sunday afternoon.
Strachwitz formed Arhoolie Records in 1960, 13 years after emigrating with his family to the U.S. from Germany. He had fallen hard for the raw rhythms, melodies and passion of American roots musicians and made it his life’s purpose to preserve and document their songs. His efforts resulted in the recording of countless records featuring blues, Tex-Mex, Latin, folk and music genres, much of which at the time was largely unknown to mainstream music listeners.
“Over his 91 years, Chris captured the music that represents the best “down home music” the world has to offer,” read a tribute posted on Twitter by the Arhoolie Foundation.
Chris Strachwitz
Arhoolie Records Founder
July 1, 1931 – May 5, 2023We celebrate the life of our founder, friend, and great record man Chris Strachwitz. He died peacefully at home in Marin County, CA, surrounded in his last days by dear friends and family. pic.twitter.com/ZqW63gKY12
— Arhoolie Foundation (@ArhoolieFdn) May 6, 2023
“He was at the forefront of nearly all the roots revivals over the last 60 years including blues, zydeco, Cajun, Norteño and Tejano music. His drive to document traditional music helped introduce the nation to our diverse musical heritage. He had the foresight to save music that might have otherwise been lost to obscurity and played a role in strengthening cultural traditions through his records, films, and most recently the Arhoolie Foundation. He cared for those around him, fought for royalties and recognition for Arhoolie artists, and provided counsel to countless musicians, writers, filmmakers, and academics.”
The Arhoolie Foundation said a “public celebration” of Strachwitz’s life will be scheduled in the near future.
“Today we’re thinking of all that Chris brought to our lives and the lives of the musicians and fans with whom he shared his passion.”
More details are to come.