We are marking the sad passing this weekend of our friend Chris Strachwitz, 91, founder of Arhoolie Records, ‘an indispensable label for American Roots music, from blues and zydeco to gospel and Mexican folk, for nearly seven decades.’

No one has meant more to the preservation and appreciation of American Roots music than Chris. Through him I discovered Mississippi Fred McDowell, Memphis Minnie, Clifton Chenier, Flaco Jimenez and so many others. He was as large in personality as he was in stature—full of life and passion for the music he loved. I send condolences to his family and will treasure his memory always.
— Bonnie

Please read more about him here:
https://apnews.com/article/chris-strachwitz-obituary-arhoolie-e20882b0af2e4c34900c4163032fd95a

And here’s is an excerpt from the fantastic documentary made about Chris Strachwitz in 2014, [tag] This Ain’t No Mouse Music!
https://youtu.be/wD-hOh0ZDhY

B/W photo: Chris Strachwitz, right, with Mance Lipscomb in a scene from the 2013 documentary This Ain’t No Mouse Music. Photograph: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy

Color photo: Chris Strachwitz in 2011. He was promoter and publisher, folklorist and film-maker, but above all a fan, who pursued his enthusiasms indefatigably. Photograph: San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images