Menu

Clifton Chenier Interviews

“Well, you see in 1955 I used to play nothing but rock music on accordion. Then I got so, I said “Well there’s too many rock groups.” I said, “I’m going to change this a little.” That’s why I got it down to put French in the rock music. See, how it goes.” Clifton Chenier

00:00
00:00
  • Clifton Chenier interview 1971 00:00
Interviewee: Clifton Chenier
Interviewer: Chris Strachwitz 
Date: 1971
Location: unknown
Language: English
00:00
00:00
  • Clifton Chenier interview 1978 00:00
Interviewee: Clifton Chenier
Interviewer: Chris Strachwitz 
Date: Oct 1978
Location: Radio Station KPFA Berkeley, CA
Language: English
00:00
00:00
  • Clifton Chenier interview unknown date 00:00
Interviewee: Clifton Chenier
Interviewer: Chris Strachwitz 
Date: Unknown
Location: 
Language: English

This is an unedited interview originally recorded on Chris Strachwitz’s radio show on KPFA-FM in Berkeley, CA. 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

See below photo gallery for transcripts of the interviews

Clifton Chenier Interview Transcripts:


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.