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The Ann Savoy Collection Goes Live

The Arhoolie Foundation is proud to make available new audio interviews with legendary Cajun and Creole musicians from the Ann Savoy Interview Collection. Ann’s collection consists of recorded interviews she conducted with Louisiana musicians over the past 45 years. Among the interviewees are some of the most significant figures in the history of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco music.

The latest addition to our archives includes interviews from the first volume of Ann’s seminal book Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People (available from Bluebird Press). First published in 1985, the volume features interviews with legendary musicians including Dewey Balfa, Clifton Chenier, Canray Fontenot, D.L. Menard, Belton Richard, and many more. The interviews allow the listener to hear the voices of those who made the music while also capturing Ann’s graceful and insightful interviewing style.

“These interviews are really a national treasure,” commented John Leopold, Managing Director of the Arhoolie Foundation. “Having all these iconic musicians being interviewed by a Cajun music icon herself is a true delight.” Ann Savoy has a long relationship with the Arhoolie Foundation, having recorded for Arhoolie Records for 40 years. She has been an ambassador of Cajun music and culture throughout the country.

The Arhoolie Foundation made the interviews from her second volume available in streaming audio in 2021. Ann appeared in the Arhoolie Awards: Celebrating American Roots Music video that same year. She currently serves on the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

Hear interviews from the Ann Savoy Collection at www.arhoolie.org.

 


Statement on the passing of Chris Strachwitz

Arhoolie Records Founder
July 1, 1931 – May 5, 2023

We 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. Over his 91 years, Chris captured the music that represents the best “down home music” the world has to offer.

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, film makers, and academics.

Plans for a public celebration of his life will be announced in the coming weeks. 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.

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