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On Harry Choates

I had to interview several people to get enough info about Harry Choates. There were still plenty of people living who had played with him and watched him develop into the dynamo musician he became. He died at age 27, death related to alcohol and rough living, like Hank Williams. One thing I discovered was that he was an even better guitar player than fiddle player.

– Ann Savoy

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  • Crawford Vincent on Harry Choates 00:00
Interviewee: Crawford Vincent
Interviewer: Ann Savoy
Date: October 14, 1983
Language: English
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  • Doc Guidry on Harry Choates 00:00
Interviewee: Doc Guidry
Interviewer: Ann Savoy
Date: 1986
Language: English
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  • Red Fabacher on Harry Choates 00:00
Interviewee: Red Fabacher
Interviewer: Ann savoy
Date: January 15, 1993
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

Dear friends,

On Giving Tuesday, we announced the capital campaign to purchase our building at 10341 San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito — home to the Arhoolie Foundation (and before that Arhoolie Records), Les Blank Films, and Down Home Music Store since 1976. We’ve been heartened by the community’s response to our fundraising announcement. To all who have donated so far: thank you. We couldn’t do this without you.

Now, while there is a contract in place to buy the building in partnership with Les Blank Films, we need to raise $1.2 million — our half of the purchase price — by April 15. Donations to the campaign can be made via the link below, by check, or by bank transfer. (To make a bank transfer, please email us at info@arhoolie.org).

In the new year, we look forward to collaborating with Les Blank Films and Down Home Music to bring more public programming to our community. We plan to revive Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz’s tradition of in-store film screenings and will host more informal, free performances and gatherings in the store as part of our outreach work. We believe this collaboration will result in a vibrant community gathering place dedicated to music, film, and deep roots culture.

If you’re interested in donating and would like to discuss our plans for the building, please don’t hesitate to email director Adam Machado at adam@arhoolie.org.

Thank you for your support as we begin this exciting new chapter!

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