“Without collector Chris Strachwitz, there'd be no record of some of America's greatest folk music, from zydeco to the Delta blues.” — San Francisco Chronicle headline Founder and President of Arhoolie Records in El Cerrito and the non-profit Arhoolie Foundation, Chris Strachwitz, set out on a journey to find and record the “down home” music of America’s back country. Over the past 49 years Chris has recorded zydeco, Cajun, blues and border Tex-Mex music. Coming up on their 50th Arhoolie Records Anniversary, February 4, 5 and 6, what Chris considers to be his hobby has for decades nourished the world with music from all walks of life. He “also is the man most responsible for the spread of zydeco,” wrote music critic Joel Selvin. And, Selvin noted, “he single-handedly rescued Mexican American folk music.” Musicians such as Clifton Chenier, Lighting Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, George Lewis, Los Pinguinos, Big Joe Williams, Jesse Fuller, Country Joe McDonald and many many more would not have other wise been heard if it weren't for Chris's determination and love for the art. The following video is a brief introduction to zydeco music, the journey of Chris Strachwitz, and the foundation for Arhoolie Records. To learn more about Chris Strachwitz and Arhoolie Records visit: www.arhoolie.com