Celebrating the Life of Chris Strachwitz (1931-2023)

On September 17, 2023, we celebrated the life of Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz with a memorial of music and memories hosted by the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, California. The memorial later continued at the Ashkenaz Music and Community Dance Center. This video presents highlights from that special day.
The founder of the celebrated independent record label Arhoolie Records, Chris Strachwitz (1931-2023) was at the forefront of nearly all the roots music revivals over the last 60 years. His drive to document traditional music helped introduce the nation to our diverse musical heritage. Chris promoted regional styles that might have otherwise been lost to obscurity and strengthened cultural traditions through his records, films, and most recently the Arhoolie Foundation. He fought for royalties and recognition for Arhoolie artists, and provided counsel to countless musicians, writers, filmmakers, and academics. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Featuring music by the Savoy Family Band with Ed Littlefield Jr., Santiago Jiménez Jr., Charlie and Layla Musselwhite, C.J. Chenier, Laurie Lewis with Tom Rozum, Los Cenzontles, Peter Rowan, Howell Devine, Suzy Thompson, Delilah Lewis, Veretski Pass, John McCord, and Los Texmaniacs.
Filmed by Isaac Pingree, Brendan West, and the Freight & Salvage. Edited by Isaac Pingree. With special thanks to the Freight & Salvage, Ashkenaz Music and Community Dance Center, and the Strachwitz family.

[@julesotis13]

spekaing of music this guy was dope....helped find record save many musicians and cultures made great little music docs had some made about him.....epic...RIP Chris Strachwitz

[@esgomez5031]

Chris Strachwitz, a Giant of a Man; a musicologist extraordinaire..! He will surely be missed...What a legacy: Such a beautiful, tapestry of music, colors and pride for the world to see, hear and enjoy! RIP

[@freddiszilagi5445]

I am so honored to have known Chris, I used to manage Tower Record in New Orleans and am a huge fan of roots music. I was proudto support Arhoolie . Chris is a hero, a giant ,a generous kind funny man. I have a first pressing of Arhoolie #1 Mance Libscomb signed by Chris - it i framed and hang in my home - So proud to have known such a good man.

[@cruelycruel1032]

Beautiful man, he will be missed.

[@Zagg777]

I’ve got quite a few Arhoolie albums. RIP.

[@herbbirdsfoot]

Beautiful tribute to Mr. Chris!💗🙏🏾💗🙏🏾💗