Arhoolie Records Founder Chris Strachwitz Dead at 91; Cause of Death Confirmed

Chris Strachwitz, a renowned musicologist who notably founded Arhoolie Records, has died at the age of 91, his label confirmed.

In the past decades, Strachwitz played a huge role in preserving and popularizing the scores and music created by American root musicians. He created the one-man preservation society to complete his project and share the American archive globally.

How Did Chris Strachwitz Die?

On Saturday, the Arhoolie Foundation shared an update on Twitter on Saturday revealing that the Arhoolie Records founder died at his Marin County home. It added that he died "peacefully" while being surrounded by his friends and family.

"Over his 91 years, Chris captured the music that represents the best 'down home music' the world has to offer," an official release from the foundation read, per Rolling Stone. "He was at the forefront of nearly all the roots revivals over the last 60 years including blues, zydeco, Cajun, Norteño and Tejano music."

The Arhoolie Foundation applauded the records founder's efforts to preserve traditional music and fight for royalties and recognition for its artists.

Meanwhile, NOLA noted that Strachwitz's death occurred hours after the New Orleans Jazz Fest honored him for his contributions in preserving Cajun and creole music.

While the statements did not detail Chris Strachwitz's cause of death, Billboard shared a different update and revealed that the Trustee Award 2016 recipient died of congestive heart failure at an assisted living facility in the county.

Strachwitz's family is yet to confirm funeral details as of press time.

Chris Strachwitz's Contributions to Music Industry Explored

Strachwitz started working on local radio and live performances when he was in his early 20s while attending the University of California at Berkeley. He soon served in the military for two years before teaching high school for two years after completing his studies.

After World War II, Strachwitz started his career in the music industry after getting inspired by Moses Asch's Folkways label. In 1960, he created Arhoolie and began archiving and reissuing music recorded by root musicians. Among the famed music artists who recorded for his label include Big Mama Thornton, Mance Lipscomb, and Lightnin' Hopkins.

The records reached a new milestone when country star Alan Jackson dropped his hit, "Mercury Blues," in 1993. The track was co-written by KC Douglas, who first performed the song for Arhoolie Records.

Before Strachwitz's death, he received several accolades for his unmatched works and contributions to the music industry. He scored a lifetime achievement award from the Blues Symposium and the Recording member.

The late music mogul was also inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a non-performing member.