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Help Support The Arhoolie Foundation

For the last 25 years, the Arhoolie Foundation has worked to further the vision set by Chris Strachwitz, the founder of Arhoolie Records, to celebrate the great music created by artists committed to traditions and culture of their communities. From blues, Cajun, folk, gospel, jazz, Tejano/Norteño, and other types of old-time music, the Arhoolie Foundation has preserved decades of music, interviews, photos, and posters.

We have created films celebrating musicians and musical traditions. We have created exhibits and presented outstanding live performances to showcase their history and highlight the current vitality of these musical traditions. Our Arhoolie Awards recognize the leading lights of roots music and provide direct support to artists.

Your support ensures that we can continue our outreach and share the stories that made this music with new generations of listeners. These musical traditions have always been supported by the community of people that care about them. Please join us as a member of the Arhoolie Foundation community and the music, artists, and traditions we all love.

All donations to the Arhoolie Foundation are tax-deductible. Check if your organization or company offers matching contributions that could help double your donation.

If you feel more comfortable you can send your donation to: Arhoolie Foundation, 10341 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530


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.