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Herbert Sam Interview

Herbert Sam was born near Opelousas, LA., in 1924 into a musical Creole family. His father played accordion and so did his mother and two brothers, including Ambrose Sam who in the 1950s went to Los Angeles, Ca, and played for the Creole community in that area. Herbert Sam, however, went to Houston, played there for many years, and happened to be at the Zydeco contest on McGowan street just off Dowling when I recorded the proceedings that day with Mack McCormick as my guide. Since then Herbert Sam has become the proud father of the Sam Brothers Five who are carrying on the tradition and are one of the leading Zydeco bands in Acadiana today. — Chris Strachwitz from the notes to Zydeco – Volume 1: The Early Years 1949-1962 (Arhoolie CD 307)

photo of Herbert Sam
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  • Herbert Sam Interview 00:00
Interviewee: Herbert Sam
Interviewer: Chris Strachwitz
Date: 1979
Location: Laffayette, LA
Language: English

This is an interview originally recorded for research purposes. 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

Herbert Sam
Sam Brothers 5 at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Sam Brothers 5
Calvin Sam
Leon Sam
Glen & Carl Sam


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.

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