Sad to hear today that Chris Strachwitz passed away at the age of 91. Chris was directly responsible for seeking out and bringing attention to so many roots artists since founding Arhoolie Records in the 1960s. There were a few other ethnomusicologists like Harry Smith who made a similar quest to chronicle American roots music but most did not start a label to record and distribute the music. Any deep dive into what is now thought of as Americana would include listening to the many recordings Chris made available.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chris-strachwitz-arhoolie-records-founder-dead-obituary-1234730941/To this day one of my all-time favorite LPs is the Arhoolie release "Sam McGee-Grand Dad of the Country Guitar Pickers". I found this record in the early 70s around the time I also discovered Norman Blake's first LP "Back Home in Sulphur Springs" on Rounder Records. Both records were instrumental in broadening my musical universe and I still listen to them frequently.
Thanks Chris... May the four-winds blow you safely home"
