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GRAMMY Foundation Grant

We are happy to report that the GRAMMY Foundation has awarded us a grant to continue the Frontera Collection Digitization Project. This is not the first time they have supported our work. Grants in 2000 and 2005 allowed us to catalog the collection and begin to digitize the 78 rpm discs (which we completed last year). This award will go toward digitizing and creating access to the approximately 12,000 45 rpm discs still in need of preservation.

We extend our deep appreciation to the GRAMMY Foundation for its ongoing support. The official press release can be found on their website: http://www2.grammy.com/Press/

Frontera Project Director Tom Diamant was interviewed this morning on KVON-AM 1440 “Wine Country con sabor!”with Sandra Gonzalez. They discussed the Frontera Collection Project in general, as well as the GRAMMY Foundation’s support.


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.