Dan Storper, founder of Putumayo World Music who transformed global music appreciation, has died at his home in New Orleans at age 73, leaving behind a legacy of cultural exchange through his pioneering record label.
At a Glance
- Dan Storper, the founder of the Putumayo World Music record label, has passed away at the age of 73 at his home in New Orleans.
- The company confirmed his death on May 22.
- From a small SoHo clothing store, Storper built a global music label that has sold over 35 million albums worldwide.
- Putumayo’s themed compilations served as “discovery playlists” long before the streaming era, introducing millions to diverse global music.
- The label continues Storper’s legacy with new releases, including “Latin American Women,” which was released the day after his death.
From Ethnic Clothing to a World Music Pioneer
Putumayo began as a modest retail store in New York’s SoHo district, specializing in what was then called “ethnic clothing” and handicrafts. The name itself was inspired by Colombia’s Putumayo River Valley, reflecting Storper’s appreciation for global cultures. The store gained such significance that it was even referenced in an episode of the hit TV show Seinfeld.
As detailed in obituaries in both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, the transition to a music label came naturally. After noticing how positively customers responded to the international music playing in his shops, Storper launched Putumayo World Music in 1993, a decision that would change the landscape of music distribution for decades.
Creating a Global Music Community
Putumayo’s approach was revolutionary in its accessibility. The label specialized in carefully curated compilations under the “Putumayo Presents” banner. These albums, known for their cohesive musical journeys and instantly recognizable artwork by illustrator Nicola Heindl, served as discovery playlists long before the streaming era.
“I look back with a certain measure of pride at the fact that we’ve really introduced so many people to music that they were not familiar with — whether it be Latin, African, Caribbean, European, and more,” Storper once stated in an interview covered by the tribute blog Cuba on Record.
Expanding the Cultural Impact
Storper’s vision extended beyond just selling music. The company launched the Putumayo World Music Hour radio show and, in 2002, established Putumayo Kids, which introduced children to diverse cultures through music and earned over 20 Parents’ Choice Awards.
He and his colleague Jacob Edgar also demonstrated a deep commitment to musical preservation by donating a vast music archive to both the Harvard Music Library and the ARChive of Popular Music, ensuring that rare global recordings would be preserved for future generations.
A Lasting Legacy
Dan Storper’s vision of music as a tool for cultural exchange presaged today’s more globally connected music industry. The label’s detailed liner notes educated listeners about artists and their cultural traditions, transforming each album into a mini educational experience.
The day after Storper’s passing, Putumayo released “Latin American Women,” a new compilation showcasing female artists from across Latin America. The timing was fitting—even as the founder departed, his mission continues. With over 35 million albums sold worldwide, Storper’s impact on cultural appreciation and understanding will resonate for generations.
