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Book on Arhoolie Foundation Frontera Collection Wins Three Awards

The book Introduction and Guide to the Frontera Collection of Mexican and Mexican American Recordings

has won three awards at the 2013 International Latino Book Awards.
Congratulations to author Agustin Gurza along with Jonathan Clark and Chris Strachwitz!

 

  • First Place: Best History
  • First Place: Best Reference Book
  • Second Place: for Best Non-Fiction, Multi-Author

 

 

The Strachwitz Frontera Collection of Mexican American and Mexican Recordings contains over 140,000 recordings on 78s, 45s, LPs, and cassettes; over 2,000 photographs, posters, catalogs, and other images; a database of record company histories, musicians’ biographies, and more. It is the largest collection of it kind. Agustin Gurza, along with Jonathan Clark and Chris Strachwitz, explores the Frontera Collection from different viewpoints, discussing genre, themes, and some of the thousands of composers and performers whose work is contained in the archive. Throughout, he discusses the cultural significance of the recordings and relates the stories of those who have had a vital role in their production and preservation. Published by the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Press. 8 1/2 x 11″, paperback, 226 pages


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.