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On Austin Pitre

Though I never personally met Austin I had heard him play at the Evangeline Club in Eunice. Marc and I stopped in one Sunday afternoon and entered a pitch black room, freezing cold due to the air conditioning. The music was rocking and the dance floor was packed. As usual Austin had a great band-Allen Ardoin on fiddle, Cabris Meunier on steel, Jesse Ray Fontenot on guitar, T-Black Aucoin on drums, and Austin on accordion. Austin is credited with teaching Dewey Balfa how to play Cajun fiddle double string style when a young Dewey came to play in his band.

– Ann Savoy

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  • Dorthy Pitre on Austin Pitre 00:00
Interviewee: Dorthy Pitre
Interviewer: Ann Savoy
Date: –
Language: English
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  • Harry LaFleur & Marc Savoy on Austin Pitre 00:00
Interviewee: Harry LaFleur & Marc Savoy
Interviewer: Ann Savoy
Date: September 10, 1985
Language: English

These are interviews originally recorded for research purposes. It is presented here in its raw state, unedited except to remove some irrelevant sections and blank spaces. All rights to the interview are reserved by the Arhoolie Foundation. Please do not use anything from this website without permission. info@arhoolie.org

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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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