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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

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

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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