Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records vividly recalls the moment that sparked his lifelong passion for American roots music. “One day, a friend of mine invited me to see a movie called New Orleans. I came out absolutely mesmerized,” Strachwitz said, describing how the film, featuring Louis Armstrong and the Kid Ory Creole Jazz Band, introduced him to the rich rhythms and spirit of New Orleans jazz. This powerful connection inspired Strachwitz to spend the next six decades recording, preserving, and sharing the voices of American vernacular music.
Arhoolie Records, founded in 1960 in California, emerged after Strachwitz’s journey to Texas in search of blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins. Though his quest to find Hopkins was unsuccessful, Strachwitz followed a tip that led him to the small town of Navasota. There, he encountered blues guitarist Mance Lipscomb, whose acoustic sound captivated him. Strachwitz recorded Lipscomb in his living room, producing Arhoolie’s very first release: Mance Lipscomb, Texas Sharecropper and Songster. This record remains one of the most sought-after blues vinyl records for sale today, highly prized by collectors and fans alike.
The label’s name, Arhoolie, is a tribute to traditional Southern field hollers. Early on, Strachwitz and his friend Wayne Pope, a graphic designer, handled everything themselves, including pasting the album covers by hand. Pope also designed the iconic guitar-shaped logo that continues to grace every Arhoolie record.
Arhoolie Records quickly became known for its deep connection to blues, zydeco, and other roots genres. Clifton Chenier, often called the "King of Zydeco," was one of the label’s standout artists. Chenier’s high-energy accordion playing and infectious rhythms helped bring zydeco music to a wider audience, and his vinyl releases remain in high demand among collectors of blues and roots records.
Throughout its history, Arhoolie has been more than just a record label. It became a vital cultural archive. Strachwitz’s dedication to reissuing forgotten records and recording field sessions with artists like K.C. Douglas and Reverend Louis Overstreet helped keep these blues and gospel traditions alive. Arhoolie’s role in the 1960s folk revival also helped bring previously overlooked artists like Mance Lipscomb to festivals such as the Berkeley Music Festival, giving these musicians a larger stage.
Arhoolie Records’ influence also extends into Latin music, with Strachwitz amassing an enormous collection of Latino 78s, which eventually became the Frontera Collection—nearly 170,000 recordings documenting the history of Mexican American music from 1905 to the 1990s. This dedication to archiving music for future generations ensures that Arhoolie’s impact on blues vinyl collectors and roots music enthusiasts will last for decades to come.
The Book "Down Home Music: The Stories and Photographs of Chris Strachwitz" is a great read if you're a fan of the Blues and, as we are, huge fans of the Arhoolie label. The Photograph associated with this blog was derived from that book and there are many more photos that depict the author's encounters with Blues musicians. There are also first hand accounts of how his years on the road tracking down blues musicians in order to record their music. Thank god he did.
Eight Essential Arhoolie Tracks for Vinyl Collectors:
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Mance Lipscomb – "Sugar Babe"
A pivotal release that helped establish Arhoolie and remains a must-have blues vinyl record for collectors. Featured on Mance Lipscomb - Texas Sharecropper and Songster Arhoolie's first ever release. - Clifton Chenier – "Zydeco Est Pas Salé" This track epitomizes Chenier’s legendary status in zydeco, making it an essential vinyl for fans of roots music. Featured on Chenier's Louisiana Blues and Zydeco
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Dr. Ross – "Shake 'Em On Down"
Raw, powerful, and deeply authentic, Dr Ross’s slide guitar playing on this cover of a Fred Mcdowell classic is a highlight of any blues vinyl collection. Featured on Dr. Ross - His First Recordings -
Johnny Young & Walter Horton – "Sleeping with the Devil"
Classic Chicago blues here from two maestros - this is a gem for collectors searching for powerful blues vocals on vinyl. Featured on Johnny Young & Walter Horton - Chicago Blues -
Earl Hooker – "Anna Lee"
A Chicago blues classic, this track oozes laid-back love-pining and is a cornerstone of any blues music vinyl collection. Featured on 2 Bugs and a Roach -
Lightnin’ Hopkins – "Grievance Blues"
While Hopkins wasn’t the first artist Arhoolie recorded, his guitar brilliance shines through on this later release, featured on Texas Blues Vol. II, a must-have for blues collectors. -
K.C. Douglas – "Big Road Blues"
A rare gem that showcases Arhoolie’s knack for discovering hidden talent, this is a must-have for those seeking rare blues vinyl records for sale. Featured on Various - A Random Collection of Mississippi Delta Blues -
Johnny Young Chicago Blues Band– "I’m Doing Alright"
All star cast featuring Oris Spann and James Cotton this is really polished blues record with the ensemble at their best on this track. Featured on the LP Johnny Yound and His Chicago Blues Band