This morning, the world lost a musical visionary. Dan Storper, the founder, creator, and president of Putumayo World Music, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a battle with cancer. He was 74.
For over a decade, I had the honour of doing PR for Putumayo in Canada—helping bring their beautifully curated compilations and vibrant global vision to audiences nationwide. Dan was a cultural connector, a tireless curator, and a deeply kind man whose love for global music was matched only by his desire to share it with the world.
Here are five ways Dan Storper and Putumayo changed the music industry—forever.
They Made World Music Accessible and Welcoming
Before Putumayo, “world music” often meant deep crate-digging or esoteric finds. Dan flipped the script. His compilations—like Acoustic Africa, French Café, and Latin Lounge—invited everyday listeners into rich musical traditions with warmth, joy, and carefully chosen tracks. He curated gateway experiences, not gatekeeping. For many, a Putumayo album was the first exposure to an artist from Senegal, Brazil, or Nepal—and it opened doors.
They Reimagined Where Music Could Be Sold
Record stores? Of course. But Dan knew music could thrive beyond the typical bins. Putumayo’s hand-illustrated CDs showed up in coffee shops, bookstores, museum gift shops, yoga studios, and Whole Foods markets. He created a global lifestyle brand without ever calling it that—meeting listeners where they already were, and transforming music into a part of everyday living.
They Elevated Album Artwork Into Cultural Storytelling
The visual identity of Putumayo—thanks to the wonderful Nicola Heindl—was instantly recognizable. Every release looked like a folk-art postcard from a part of the world you couldn’t wait to learn about. It wasn’t just about listening; it was about feeling connected. This approach, especially during the CD era, turned every album into a gift—something you wanted to hold, share, and pass along.
They Built a Family-Friendly World Music Movement
With Putumayo Kids, the label introduced children and families to global rhythms in an age-appropriate, joyful way. World Playground, Animal Playground, and Dreamland weren’t just background music—they were soundtracks for cultural appreciation. It earned them dozens of Parents’ Choice Awards and created a new generation of globally curious listeners.
They Put the Artist—and Culture—First
Dan’s mission was always clear: to celebrate the beauty and richness of cultures often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream Western media. That meant real research, fair licensing, and deep respect for the musicians behind the melodies. He helped dozens—if not hundreds—of artists gain international attention, often for the first time.
Dan Storper may be gone, but his influence will echo for decades to come.
His vision lives on in playlists, in classrooms, in kitchen CD racks, and in the quiet joy of discovering a voice from across the world that somehow feels like home. He reminded us that music knows no borders—and that kindness, curiosity, and cultural celebration never go out of style.
Rest in peace, Dan. And thank you—for the rhythm, the colour, and the connection.