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Blues / Jazz / Gospel

Blues, Jazz & Gospel

Whether collecting 78s and releasing them on the Blues Classics label or recording Lightning Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton, Reverend Overstreet, Billie and Dee Dee Pierce, and many more for his Arhoolie Records label, Chris Strachwitz has always been associated with blues, jazz and gospel. 

The Ahroolie Foundation website features many items from the Chris Strachwitz Archive.

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Photos / Posters
You will find photos all over this website. Here are some specific galleries where you will find blues, jazz, and gospel images.Zydeco, Cajun, Gospel, and Rhythm & Blues PostersChris Strachwitz Photo Archive

Big Mama Thornton Photo Gallery

1986 – Photos by Chris Strachwitz

DVDs

Down Home Music

Sacred Steel

Streaming Video

Sonny Simmons with Michael White 

Written Words 
Articles and information pertaining to blues, jazz, and gospel music1960 Journey to the South – Chris Strachwitz. – The beginings of Arhoolie Records1962 Trip In 1962 Chris took a very long trip through the south, up to New York, to Chicago, and down through the south again.

1962 Lightning and the Zydeco Uprising – Chris Strachwitz

1962 The Houston “Record Men” – Chris Strachwitz

1962  Louisiana – Chris Strachwitz

Sacred Steel Instrument Fund


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.