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On The Babineaux Family

I went to Rayne in search of information about the Babineaux family who had a popular stringband there in the 1940’s. Somehow I found a relative of Sidney Babineaux, Wanda Wilson, who had a wonderful box of photos of the Babineaux family that she shared with me for my book. Later when I returned the photos she had gathered the last living relatives of the family to talk about them and to describe the photos. These are the conversations we had.

– Ann Savoy

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00:00
  • Babineaux Family 00:00
Interviewee: –
Interviewer: Ann Savoy
Date: March 5, 1989
Language: English
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00:00
  • Gertie Cormier & Wanda Wilson on Sidney Babneaux 00:00
Interviewee: Gertie Cormier & Wanda Wilson
Interviewer: Ann Savoy
Date: –
Language: English
00:00
00:00
  • Mr Savoy on the Babineaux Family 00:00
Interviewee: Mr. Savoy
Interviewer: Ann Savoy
Date: –
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


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.