2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 11 May 23 - 09:15 PM

https://arhoolie.org/
Arhoolie Foundation statement:

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. Help us continue the work that Chris dedicated his life to by donating to the Arhoolie Foundation in Chris' honor.

https://arhoolie.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f2e165e96180e2b64a550626&id=72452f77fb&e=dcf29f1670

Celebrating Chris Strachwitz in Louisiana
We celebrated Chris Strachwitz in Louisiana over the last two weeks with a well-received exhibition, movie screenings, live performances, a special WWOZ radio show, a panel at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and finally with a second line in his honor led by the Treme Brass Band. Chris loved Louisiana music, having recorded traditional jazz bands, brass bands, Cajun, zydeco, and Creole music in the state. He made annual pilgrimages to record, film, or simply enjoy time with the many friends he accumulated there over the years.

   
Photos: The exhibition at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; movie screening in Lafayette with Michael Doucet, Harrod Blank, and Chris Simon; JazzFest panel with Rachel Lyons, Quint Davis, Lars Edegran, C.J. Chenier, John Leopold, and Adam Machado; and second line in honor of Chris Strachwitz with the Treme Brass Band

We will have more information about the exhibit and all of these celebrations in a future newsletter.


Listen to special WWOZ Broadcast featuring Chris Strachwitz
https://arhoolie.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f2e165e96180e2b64a550626&id=d2a1273953&e=dcf29f1670

Sixty Years of Arhoolie in Louisiana





On May 5th at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, we held a special panel on 60 Years of Arhoolie in Louisiana featuring Festival Producer Quint Davis, Zydeco great C.J. Chenier, traditional jazz master Lars Edegran, Jazz & Heritage Archivist Rachel Lyons, and the Arhoolie Foundation's own Adam Machado. Moderated by Managing Director John Leopold, the 45-minute discussion was filled with great stories about Chris Strachwitz, Arhoolie recording sessions, previous JazzFests, and photographs in the exhibition. The panel ended memorably, as Chenier and Edegran performed the Clifton Chenier classic "I'm Coming Home" in Chris's honor. Watch the entire session and enjoy it for yourself.


Watch the JazzFest panel on Chris Strachwitz & 60 Years of Arhoolie in Louisiana
https://arhoolie.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f2e165e96180e2b64a550626&id=f44cd52e45&e=dcf29f1670


Over the last 91 years, Chris has loved and pursued many genres of music. But one of his great “manias,” as he called it, was his appreciation of music from the Mexican border region, particularly rancheras and corridos. Last year, Smithsonian Folkways released a short film, “El Fanático de la Música Norteña,” about Chris and his experiences recording and filming so many great Mexican American artists over the years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKeZYSWJUzU&t=219s

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 08 May 23 - 08:52 PM

This Ain't No Mouse Music

THIS AIN"T NO MOUSE MUSIC
https://folkways.si.edu/this-aint-no-mouse-music-soundtrack/music/album/smithsonian


Chris Strachwitz obit - The Guardian, Tony Russell


Guardian obit by Tony Russell:
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2023/may/08/chris-strachwitz-obituary

A clarification: The Lipscomb album was issued on a subscription basis - meaning money was collected prior to production to pay for
production, when issued shipped to the subscribers. Not a radio
station subscription.
Similar to the original ORIGIN JAZZ LIBRARY albums (Charley Paton being the first) were also issued on subscription - supposedly limited edition, but that was not honored. This OJL bit has nothing to do with Chris Strachwitz, nor Arhoolie.

Thomas.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: StephenH
Date: 07 May 23 - 11:14 AM

I just finished watching "This Ain't No Music" a couple of days ago.
It made me go to my lp collection to see which Arhoolie lps I still had
(not as many as I'd hoped.)
I think that I've mentioned elsewhere that, when I was part of a small
co-operative radio station in the early 1970s, I found that Arhoolie
offered a subscription service ( as mentioned by Thomas Stern above) for radio stations. It only cost about
$25 and we received every Arhoolie release for a year. What a great deal
and what great music!
So, thanks for that, Mr. Strachwitz, and thanks for your immeasurable contribution to not only preserving some wonderful music but helping it
to live and thrive.
RIP

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 06 May 23 - 08:44 PM

a google search shows many obituaries being published,

Rolling Stone
Washington Post

No NY Times yet.
many require subscription of limited access.....

https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/festivals/hours-after-jazz-fest-honored-his-legacy-arhoolie-records-founder-chris-strachwitz-died/article_6f54471e-ec37-11ed-abce-ab03ce5de28a.html

Thomas.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 06 May 23 - 08:36 PM

very sad news indeed. Condolences to family, friends and all who
were enriched by his work.

I first heard of Chris when the first MANCE LIPSCOMB album was
offered on a subscription basis. At the time of actual release
I was working on the Apollo project and met him when he came
to Houston. At the time Flower? films/Les Blank was interviewing Lightnin' Hopkins for what became their incredible documentary "The Blues According to Lightnin'.
Chris was also interested in Tex-Mex music and was able to obtain
regional recordings with help from Larry Skoog and others legends in the Houston music scene.
When I was located in Belmont CA in the late 1970's DOWN HOME
MUSIC was a frequent stop for everything from blues, jazz, traditional
music, old-timey, folk revival and local performers. A cornucopie!!!
I hope the store will continue as a source for all vernacular music,
and a venue for interesting performers.

RIP!

Thomas.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: GerryM
Date: 06 May 23 - 06:56 AM

I make a point of going to Down Home Music whenever I'm in the San Francisco area. Sorry to hear about the man's passing.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 May 23 - 03:42 AM

Announced in a Facebook post by Laurie Lewis shared by Mark Ross:

I am so sad to report the news that Chris Strachwitz, my mentor and friend, passed away today. He was a giant in my musical world, and showed me that it is possible to have a positive people’s lives just bylowing one’s own passion.

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Mark Ross
Date: 15 Dec 20 - 11:47 AM

Go to YouTube and search for Arhoolie 60th Anniversary. That will bring up the celebration. Well worth watching.

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: GUEST,Felipa
Date: 14 Dec 20 - 08:52 PM

I found an Arhoolie sign up site which says the show is being archived and subscribers can be notified when it is available.
https://arhoolie.org/anniversary/

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 14 Dec 20 - 05:20 PM

Yes,

I heard this from a friend, tried getting back in myself and got the same thing.

I can't understand why it has suddenly been pulled. It did a great job of promoting the label and what is just as important of publicising the Arhoolie foundation.

Hopefully it will come back. There certainly are some really interesting other videos from Arhoolie.

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: GUEST,Felipa
Date: 14 Dec 20 - 03:44 PM

Hootenanny's link brings me to a youtube page which says the video is not available, that it is private. Two friends of mine, one each on either side of the Atlantic Ocean had the same problem. Is there any other way to see "Sixty Years of Arhoolie". I did see a playlist from Arhoolie itself, with other interesting looking videos.

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: GUEST,Felipa
Date: 13 Dec 20 - 03:13 PM

I havent watched the programme yet, but the newspaper article is fascinating. Thanks for the links.

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 13 Dec 20 - 11:35 AM

Here is a one hour 50 minute programme about Arhoolie's 60 year history only a few days old.

Marvelous music from an important label "Sixty Years of Arhoolie" on You Tube


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMj4umOXJmA

DON@T MISS IT

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 13 Dec 20 - 11:20 AM

Thanks for posting this, Joe!

Subject: RE: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Dec 20 - 08:33 PM

Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz is now over 89 years old. He's slowing down a bit and living in an assisted living home, but he's still mentally sharp. There's a great article about him and his Arhoolie Records at https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/09/arhoolie-us-record-label-chris-strachwitz-blues-zydeco.

Subject: Arhoolie's Chris Strachwitz Nov 15, 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 06:33 PM

Arhoolie Record's Chris Strachwitz on Film and in Person plus Filmmakers and EMP Guitar Tour for Seattle Folklore Society 50th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, November 15, 2015, Special Tour of EMP Guitar Exhibit, 12:45 PM, Film "This Ain't No Mouse Music" and Q&A, 2:00 PM. At the Experience Music Project Museum JBL Theater, 325 5th Ave N at Seattle Center. Admission to show and Guitar Exhibit Tour, $40.00 (limited tickets available). Admission to show: General, $20.00; SFS, Members & Seniors $18.00; Children $10.00. Buy at Brown Paper Tickets: http://www.sfs-strachwitz.brownpapertickets.com

The Seattle Folklore Society begins the celebration of its 50th anniversary by presenting Chris Strachwitz, the founder of Arhoolie Records, and the recent documentary film about him, "This Ain't No Mouse Music". Following the film there will be a Q&A with Chris Strachwitz, and the film makers, Maureen Gosling and Chris Simon, both former collaborators with Les Blank.

Before the film, at 12:45 PM, we've arranged for Jasen Emmons, EMP senior curator, to give a tour of the EMP Guitar Exhibit. The tour will trace the development of American guitars from the 19th Century to the present. And we will get a look at the newly acquired Martin used by Woody Guthrie. Mr. Strachwitz will be along as well. Tickets for the special tour are limited and cost extra.

Chris Strachwitz, now 84, started Arhoolie Records in 1960 to record living roots artists, mainly in the genres of blues, Cajun, zydeco, and Tex-Mex music, with excursions into jazz, old timey, and country. Some popular Arhoolie artists include Lightnin' Hopkins, Mark and Ann Savoy, The Maddox Brothers and Rose, Elizabeth Cotten, Booker "Bukka" White, Flaco Jimenez, Lydia Mendoza, and Lowell Fulson, to name a few. The Arhoolie catalog currently has over 400 titles.

He has been honored by the Folk Alliance and the National Endowment for the arts. Arhoolie artists have received a slew of Grammys and Grammy nominations and their music has been covered by popular artists including The Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead. Recently Strachwitz has been rescuing the masters from defunct Mexican music labels and archiving them.

Significant social and political impact of stems from Strachwitz's work. By making the music of living roots artists widely available, he helped create an audience for them, facilitated groups like SFS to present them in concert, and made it easier for both amateur and professional musicians to learn from them. All of the new appreciation of these musics, and by extension, the cultures they come from, has promoted tolerance and decreased bigotry and prejudice.

In 1966, Chris Strachwitz arranged for two of his first recording artists, Texas songster, Mance Lipscomb, and bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell, to appear at the first Seattle Folklore Society concert on November 15 of that year. Strachwitz' Arhoolie records went on to become one of the largest, most respected independent labels for traditional roots music. The Seattle Folklore Society now presents about 130 concerts, dances, and folk camps a year.

On November 15, 1966 the average age of the Seattle Folklore Society board was about 25 years old. Despite our relative inexperience, Chris Strachwitz took the risk of sending Fred McDowell and Mance Lipscomb all the way to Seattle to do our first concert. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude. The kindness and generosity Chris Strachwitz treated SFS with in 1966 was typical of how he treated anyone who had his passion for the music he loved. On November 15, 2015, we will be able to express our appreciation to Chris for his early faith in us and the hundreds of musical treasures he brought to the public during his brilliant career.

"This Ain't No Mouse Music" is a glimpse into the man who was the force behind hundreds of Arhoolie recordings. It includes music from a number of Arhoolie artists. And there are interviews by some great musicians who point out the importance of Strachwitz' work, including Ry Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, and Richard Thompson. The title of the film comes from Strachwitz' predilection for music with strength, character, and authenticity, and his disdain for insipid, mundane, squeaking he considers Mickey Mouse music, hence "mouse music." So "This ain't no mouse music!" has become Chris Strachwitz' statement of highest praise. Strachwitz's success in the field of American roots music is all the more remarkable given that he immigrated to the US from Germany in 1947 at the age of 16.

Over the years, the Seattle Folklore Society has worked with at least 32 Arhoolie artists including Lightnin' Hopkins (our 1967 concert was raided by the police twice in one evening), Mance Lipscomb, Fred McDowell, Rose Maddox, Clifton Chenier, Lydia Mendoza, Elizabeth Cotten, Marc Savoy, Ann Savoy, Flaco Jimenez, The Balfa Brothers, Big Joe Williams, Booker White, Howard Armstrong, Jesse Fuller, John Jackson, Mike Seeger, Furry Lewis, Dennis McGhee, Robert Pete Williams, Ralph Stanley, The New Lost City Ramblers, Mike Russo, Alice Gerrard, Hazel Dickens, Paul Anastasio, Skip James, Reverend Gary Davis, Sonny Terry, Suzy Thompson, Alice Stuart, and Queen Ida.

Chris Strachwitz Biography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Strachwitz
Arhoolie Records Site: http://www.arhoolie.com/
Trailer and Press Kit for "This Ain't No Mouse Music": http://nomousemusic.com/
Bio for Maureen Gosling: http://www.maureengosling.com/maureen/pages/bio_full.html
Bio for Chris Simon: http://www.sagelandmedia.com/about-us/

Quotes about "This Ain't No Mouse Music":

"While the film covers Mr. Strachwitz's life and times, it is mostly about the idioms he lives for: blues, zydeco, bluegrass, New Orleans jazz, Norteño and other roots music. 'It's just got some guts to it," he says. It ain't wimpy, that's for sure. It ain't no mouse music!'" – Andy Webster, New York Times, September. 25, 2014

"This film is a living cultural history with a soundtrack that bites and kicks and screams. Even 50 years later, Arhoolie's records remain alive, unruly and still so sharp that some songs can cut you right down to the soul. – Jeffrey St. Clair, Author Born Under a Bad Sky


The Seattle Folklore Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1966. The mission of the Seattle Folklore Society is to preserve and foster awareness and appreciation of folk and traditional arts in the Seattle area. SFS produces folk music concerts, dances, song circles, camps. Go to http://www.seafolklore.org/ to become a member. Membership includes a subscription to the monthly SFS Flyer and discounts on SFS sponsored events.

For the early history of SFS concerts, including the story of the Lightnin' Hopkins concert that was raided by the police, see: http://tradarts.com/SFS/SFS%2040th%20Slide%20Show/SFS%2040th%20for%20Web_files/frame.htm

###