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Why Rock Legends in Their 80s Keep Touring—and 10 Who’ll Never Quit

Eric Alper
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Why Rock Legends in Their 80s Keep Touring—and 10 Who’ll Never Quit

Touring into your 80s used to be unheard of—unless you were a symphony conductor or a jazz legend in a smoky club. But today’s road warriors? They’re the bands that once ruled TRL, topped rock radio in the 2000s, and filled stadiums before social media was a thing. And they’re not even close to slowing down.

These groups may have started in the CD era, but they’ve proven they’ve got staying power—and fans who’ll follow them into the next century. If the Rolling Stones can do it, why not them?

Here are 10 bands that (I’m predicting) will still be touring well into their 80s—and why they absolutely shouldn’t stop.

U2
They’re already deep into their Vegas residency and still swinging from digital stages like it’s 1987. Bono’s voice is intact, The Edge is timeless, and the live shows remain as bombastic as ever. These guys are already on a mythical tier—and the demand never dies.

Coldplay
They said they’d stop making new albums in 2025—but they never said they’d stop touring. Coldplay has built a reputation for euphoric, immersive concerts that feel like spiritual awakenings. Chris Martin could be 85 and still leading an arena in synchronized LED wristband joy.

Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl is rock’s most beloved everyman, and the Foos are built for the long haul. They tour like it’s oxygen. As long as people need cathartic, guitar-driven joy and emotional singalongs, the Foo Fighters will deliver.

Green Day
They’ve survived punk purists, pop radio, Broadway, and multiple political eras—and somehow still feel like the cool kids at school. Billie Joe Armstrong doesn’t age, and the band still plays like they have something to prove. At 80, they’ll still be shouting “Hey-oh!”

Pearl Jam
The anti-rock stars who became legends. Eddie Vedder is still a force onstage, and Pearl Jam fans are as loyal as they come. Their shows feel more like communal rituals than concerts—and that’s not going away with age.

Indigo Girls
Yeah, they might not be rock, but trust me, they’re rockstars. Some harmonies get softer with time—but not these. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been blending voices and breaking hearts since the ’80s, and they’ve only gotten bolder with age. Their live shows are intimate, powerful, and communal—more like folk revival gatherings than concerts. With a fanbase that shows up rain or shine and lyrics that still cut to the core, the Indigo Girls will be touring into their 80s not out of obligation, but because they mean it. And honestly, we still need them.

Dave Matthews Band
More jam band than alt-rock these days, DMB has built a live legacy that rivals the Dead. They never stop touring. They don’t have to. Their fanbase is intergenerational, loyal, and totally down for a three-hour set well into the 2050s.

Counting Crows
Adam Duritz still brings the same soul, sadness, and storytelling he did in the ’90s, and the band has aged gracefully into one of rock’s most consistently beloved live acts. You’ll still be singing “Mr. Jones” with thousands of people 20 years from now.

My Morning Jacket
They’ve got the long hair, the guitar theatrics, and a fanbase that treats their shows like holy pilgrimages. Jim James has the kind of voice that doesn’t wear out—it expands. They’ll be a festival staple for decades to come.

The Killers
Brandon Flowers was born to be a showman, and their Springsteen-meets-Vegas energy means they’ve got the DNA to age into arena icons. If you’ve ever seen them live, you know—they’re going to be doing this well into their “Somebody Told Me (I’m 83)” era.

These bands are still lifelines. Their music has grown up with their fans, evolved with the times, and earned its place in the long-haul touring hall of fame. They’ve got stories to tell, anthems to revive, and crowds that will never stop singing along.

So let them play. Into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. Because the road still calls—and they’ve still got something to say.

Cassette Classics: 20 of the Best Movie Soundtracks of the 1980s

Eric Alper
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Cassette Classics: 20 of the Best Movie Soundtracks of the 1980s

Before Spotify playlists and digital crates, there were soundtracks—honest-to-goodness, needle-drop-packed, emotion-drenched soundtracks. And in the 1980s, Hollywood didn’t just serve up iconic films—it delivered music moments that became legendary in their own right. These 20 soundtracks didn’t just support the story—they were the story. And decades later, they’re still stuck in our heads… in the best way.

Here are 20 of the best 1980s movie soundtracks that still rock, roll, dance, and break your heart—all in alphabetical order, just like your record shelf.

Batman (1989)
Prince wrote an entire album for Gotham—and it’s every bit as weird, bold, and brilliant as you’d expect. From “Batdance” to “Partyman,” it’s the funkiest soundtrack to ever accompany a vigilante in a cape.

Beaches (1988)
If Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” doesn’t break you just a little inside, are you even human? Beaches gave us one of the most iconic tearjerker ballads ever—and a soundtrack full of heart.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
One word: “Axel F.” That synth line defined a decade. Throw in The Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance” and Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On,” and this soundtrack moves like a neon-lit sports car.

Chariots of Fire (1981)
Vangelis’s synthesizer score made running on a beach feel like a spiritual experience. One of the most iconic and uplifting instrumentals in movie history—and still a motivational go-to.

Dirty Dancing (1987)
Nobody puts this soundtrack in a corner. With “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and “Hungry Eyes,” it’s romance, rebellion, and ‘60s nostalgia wrapped in ’80s power ballad glory.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
John Williams strikes again with one of the most magical scores ever composed. The music soars like a bike over the moon—and yes, it’ll still make you cry.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
No official soundtrack? No problem. Yello’s “Oh Yeah,” The Dream Academy’s “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want”—this movie is a mixtape of cool, curated rebellion.

Flashdance (1983)
What a feeling, indeed. Irene Cara’s title track won an Oscar, and the rest of the soundtrack powered dance studios and aerobics classes for the rest of the decade.

Footloose (1984)
Six chart-topping singles. Kevin Bacon’s righteous anger. Kenny Loggins’ title track “Footloose” and “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man),” Deniece Williams’ “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero,” Shalamar’s “Dancing in the Sheets,” and Mike Reno & Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise”—this soundtrack didn’t just power a movie, it was the Billboard Hot 100. It’s the very sound of small-town rebellion and radio-ready joy.

The Breakfast Club (1985)
Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is the anthem of teen movie history. A one-song crown jewel—but what a song.

The Big Chill (1983)
Motown meets existential crisis. Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin—this soundtrack introduced a new generation to old soul, and it still grooves. The argument for starting the classic rock era never still popular today starts here.

Labyrinth (1986)
David Bowie didn’t just star in Labyrinth, he scored it—literally. “As the World Falls Down” and “Magic Dance” are haunting, weird, and wonderful Bowie at his most theatrical.

The Lost Boys (1987)
Gothic glam meets vampire chic. INXS, Echo & the Bunnymen, and the unforgettable “Cry Little Sister”—this soundtrack is pure dark-wave gold.

Purple Rain (1984)
Yes, it’s a great soundtrack, but more than that, it’s one of the greatest albums of all time. Prince delivered a cinematic and musical masterpiece with “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and the title track.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
John Williams, again. That swashbuckling theme is instant adventure fuel, and the score’s energy carries every whip crack and cliffhanger with style.

Rocky IV (1985)
If training montages had a holy grail, this is it. Survivor’s “Burning Heart,” James Brown’s “Living in America,” and Vince DiCola’s synth-drenched score punch harder than Drago.

Stand by Me (1986)
Ben E. King’s title track sets the tone for a coming-of-age film drenched in nostalgia. The rest of the soundtrack is all golden oldies—and it still glows.

Top Gun (1986)
“Danger Zone,” “Take My Breath Away,” and enough testosterone-laced jet fuel to power a fleet. Top Gun is one of the most over-the-top—and perfectly over-produced—soundtracks of the decade.

The Untouchables (1987)
Ennio Morricone’s score is icy, elegant, and gripping. More than a soundtrack—it’s a character in the film. Sweeping, sinister, and unforgettable.

Who’s That Girl (1987)
Madonna not only starred—she sang. The title track was a hit, and the rest of the album is peak late-’80s Madonna energy: playful, stylish, and oh-so danceable.

The albums, they scored our memories, shaped our taste, and still make us feel something the second they play. Whether you’re dancing in the dark or driving with the windows down, these 20 albums remind us that music and movies—especially in the ’80s—were a perfect match.

The 15 Totally Rad And Iconic ’80s Movies That Hold Up Beautifully Today

Eric Alper
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The 15 Totally Rad And Iconic ’80s Movies That Hold Up Beautifully Today

Some movies from the ’80s are best left in the past, buried under VHS fuzz and questionable fashion choices. But others? They’re like the best mixtape you ever made—full of heart, unforgettable characters, and timeless magic. These 15 films not only defined a generation but still hit home decades later. Whether you’re watching for the first time or the 500th, these classics hold up… and we’re not embarrassed to say so.

Back to the Future (1985)
Still the gold standard for time-travel movies. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd’s chemistry is electric, and the DeLorean? Forever cool. The jokes land, the pacing is tight, and the 1955/1985 dual timeline holds up beautifully. Admit it: you still quote “Great Scott!” and wish you had a hoverboard.

The Breakfast Club (1985)
Five teens in detention defined an entire decade’s worth of angst. John Hughes gave us archetypes who turned out to be far more than labels. The dialogue still cuts deep, and the ending freeze-frame? Chills. It’s emotional honesty without the melodrama—raw, funny, and real.

Die Hard (1988)
Yes, it’s a Christmas movie. But also one of the best action flicks of all time. Bruce Willis’s everyman hero is endlessly rewatchable, and Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber is still one of cinema’s most charismatic villains. Explosions, banter, and air vents never go out of style.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Even with modern CGI, E.T. remains one of the most emotional, human stories about connection and childhood wonder. It’s Spielberg magic at its finest. That bike ride across the moon? Still jaw-dropping. And if you don’t tear up when E.T. says “I’ll be right here,” check your heart.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
The fourth wall was broken—and so were the rules of high school movies. Ferris is still the ultimate teen rebel, and Chicago never looked cooler. The parade scene? Iconic. It’s one of those films that reminds you life really is about stopping to look around every once in a while.

The Goonies (1985)
Adventure. Booby traps. Pirate treasure. And a group of kids who felt like your best friends. The Goonies is pure childhood wish-fulfillment—and it still delivers. From “Hey you guys!” to “Goonies never say die,” it’s endlessly quotable, endlessly lovable, and never grows old.

Heathers (1989)
Sharp, dark, and decades ahead of its time. Winona Ryder and Christian Slater smolder with teen nihilism, and the dialogue is savage brilliance. It’s Mean Girls before Mean Girls—only darker, funnier, and way more explosive. A cult classic that earned its stripes.

The Karate Kid (1984)
Underdog story perfection. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita created one of film’s most heartfelt mentor-student bonds. The training montage, the crane kick, the “wax on, wax off”—it’s all iconic. And thanks to Cobra Kai, this story feels fresher than ever.

Labyrinth (1986)
David Bowie. Puppets. Fantasy weirdness. And did we mention David Bowie? Jim Henson’s surreal fairy tale has aged into full cult glory. It’s a little spooky, a little sweet, and completely unforgettable. You’ll get lost in it all over again.

The Princess Bride (1987)
Is it a comedy? A fantasy? A romance? Yes. It’s all of those, and it’s perfect. From “Inconceivable!” to “As you wish,” the one-liners still land and the heart still swells. The pacing, the tone, the charm—it’s the rare family movie that only gets better with age.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Indiana Jones is still the ultimate action hero—gritty, flawed, and charming as hell. Spielberg and Lucas built a perfect pulp-adventure throwback, and the practical effects still thrill. From that giant boulder to the face-melting finale, it’s old-school filmmaking at its finest.

Stand by Me (1986)
A coming-of-age story that dares to be honest about death, friendship, and growing up. Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella is deeply nostalgic without being saccharine. The performances still resonate—and the journey down the tracks still hits home.

The Terminator (1984)
James Cameron’s lean, mean sci-fi thriller still packs a punch. The effects may be retro, but the story—tech anxiety, fate, survival—is eerily relevant. Arnold’s “I’ll be back” is cinema history, and the whole thing still feels dangerous and unstoppable.

Tootsie (1982)
Dustin Hoffman’s gender-bending performance is funny, smart, and surprisingly progressive. It’s a screwball comedy with something to say about sexism and identity—and it does it all with charm. Great script, great cast, and still timely.

When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Rom-coms still chase the standard this movie set. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are pitch-perfect as friends-turned-lovers, and Nora Ephron’s script never misses. The chemistry, the humor, the deli scene—it all works. It’s romantic comedy gold, with heart and wit to spare.

Some ’80s films feel like museum pieces. These? They’re mixtapes for your soul. Rewind, press play, and let them remind you why you fell in love with movies in the first place.

Spotify Unveils 2025 Songs Of Summer Predictions Featuring Lady Gaga, Drake, Bad Bunny, And More

Eric Alper
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Spotify Unveils 2025 Songs Of Summer Predictions Featuring Lady Gaga, Drake, Bad Bunny, And More

t’s officially summer on Spotify and, once again, their team of best-in-class global music editors is revealing Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2025 predictions for the Northern Hemisphere.

With a proven track record of predicting the summer’s biggest songs, Spotify’s editorial team blends cultural expertise, editorial instinct, and streaming data to curate our annual Songs of Summer list—cementing Spotify as the ultimate destination for summer listening.

This summer’s hottest tracks capture many musical movements across regions and styles, and the 30 initial picks from our editors represent a little bit of everything.

2025 GLOBAL SONGS OF SUMMER PREDICTIONS

Listed alphabetically by artist first name 

The biggest trends shaping this year’s Songs of Summer

As these hits promise to heat up the summer, our editors are seeing a number of trends unfold, including:

Their editors will be watching (and listening) all summer long as new music drops, unexpected hits take off, and the listening landscape evolves—so, be on the lookout for updates to our list here and across Spotify News social channels.

Listen to all the editors’ picks in the 2025 Songs of Summer playlist:

St. Vincent And Mon Laferte Unite For Bilingual Reimagining “Tiempos Violentos”

Eric Alper
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St. Vincent And Mon Laferte Unite For Bilingual Reimagining “Tiempos Violentos”

That surreal refrain, whispered in the unmistakable voice of St. Vincent, embodies the tone for “Tiempos Violentos” – a striking reimagining of her song “Violent Times” now reinterpreted as a bilingual duet featuring Latin alternative powerhouse Mon Laferte.

Released May 23, “Tiempos Violentos (featuring Mon Laferte)” doesn’t just translate the original – it expands it. With Mon’s unmistakable emotional grit and St. Vincent’s sharp-edged lyricism in dialogue, the song becomes something new: a tense, hypnotic meditation on time, identity, and longing across two languages and two visions.

Says St. Vincent: “Collaborating with Mon gave the song new shape, new blood, new depth. Like a dream falling into another dream.”

Originally appearing on All Born Screaming – one of 2024’s most critically lauded albums – “Violent Times” took on a second life with Todos Nacen Gritando, the Spanish-language edition of the record. It was that version that caught Mon Laferte’s attention and ignited what would become one of the year’s most inspired cross-cultural pairings.

“When I first heard the Spanish version, I felt a deep pull,” Mon recalls. “It was beautiful and haunting. I wanted to give it my own voice, to make it mine too – and to do it alongside an artist I’ve long admired.”

And she does just that. In “Tiempos Violentos,” Mon delivers a stirring, intimate Spanish verse that reframes the song’s emotional arc from within, while St. Vincent’s English refrains echo like distant memories, creating a spectral call and response that’s as cinematic as it is raw.

“Tiempos Violentos” is much more than a remix. It’s a rare artistic exchange rooted in mutual admiration, two distinct artistic voices expanding their sonic worlds together. The result is refreshingly organic, soul-stirring and utterly unique.

How to Promote Your Spotify Playlist: 10 Tips Every Curator Should Know

Eric Alper
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How to Promote Your Spotify Playlist: 10 Tips Every Curator Should Know

In a world where every click counts and every stream has potential, playlists aren’t just a listening experience—they’re a powerful way for artists to build community, expand reach, and share their musical vision with the world. Whether you’re curating a niche genre collection or using playlists to showcase your own work alongside your influences, growing an audience around your playlist can be a smart and sustainable strategy.

Here are 10 tips to help you promote your Spotify playlist and give it the attention it deserves:

1. Brand Your Playlist Clearly
Don’t underestimate the power of first impressions. Use an eye-catching cover image and a concise, inviting description that makes it instantly clear what your playlist offers. A well-branded playlist builds trust and looks professional—especially important when pitching it to new listeners.

2. Pin It Everywhere
Make your playlist easily accessible. Add the link to your social media bios, your linktree, your YouTube video descriptions, your artist website—everywhere a fan or new listener might find you. Think of it as your business card for your sound.

3. Promote Other Artists
One of the most effective (and generous) ways to grow your playlist is to include other artists and tag them when you post. Most artists will be flattered to be featured and may repost, introducing their followers to your playlist in return. It’s authentic networking at its best.

4. Make It Social Content
Turn your playlist into a story. Post mini video clips or reels where you break down your top three tracks of the week, explain why a certain song was added, or share a quote from a lyric that stood out. People love context—and content.

5. Run Targeted Ads
If you have a bit of budget, try running simple Instagram or Facebook ads targeting fans of your genre. Trance fans, for example, are loyal and active listeners. A well-placed ad could introduce your playlist to exactly the audience you’re hoping to reach.

6. Engage on Reddit and Music Forums
Communities like r/trance, r/electronicmusic, r/music (or whatever genre you love) and even niche Facebook groups can be incredibly receptive—if you participate respectfully. Don’t just drop your link and run. Contribute to the conversation, ask for feedback, and build rapport.

7. Create a YouTube Companion Video
Whether it’s a visualizer, a lo-fi backdrop, or a cinematic video with your playlist as the soundtrack, YouTube can be a great secondary platform. Link back to the Spotify playlist in your description and make sure it’s searchable.

8. Collaborate with Other Curators
Find other artists or playlist curators with similar tastes or complementary audiences and propose a cross-promotion. For example, you promote their playlist one week, and they do the same for you. It’s a win-win.

9. Update Regularly
Stale playlists get ignored. Keep it fresh by updating weekly or monthly and letting your followers know when there’s something new. This creates anticipation and encourages repeat listens.

10. Celebrate Milestones Publicly
Whether your playlist hits 100 followers, one of your songs reaches a new stream count, or you get featured by another curator—share it! These mini-milestones help build momentum and give your audience a reason to cheer you on.

At the end of the day, curating a playlist is about building a soundscape and a story. If you approach it with care, authenticity, and a little marketing savvy, your playlist can become a long-term extension of your artistic voice.

So keep curating, keep sharing, and keep believing in what you’re building. And if you’re the one putting in the work—yes, I’m talking to you—thank you for adding more music to the world. We need it.

20 of the Biggest and Best Banned Music Videos of All Time

Eric Alper
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20 of the Biggest and Best Banned Music Videos of All Time

Music videos are meant to grab your attention, stir your emotions, and—sometimes—get pulled off the air entirely. Whether it was too much skin, too much truth, or too much weirdness, some of the most iconic videos in history were banned, blurred, or heavily edited. And that only made us want to watch them more.

Here are 20 music videos that broke the rules, raised eyebrows, and still rock our world today.

Aphex Twin – “Come to Daddy”
A demonic TV scream, nightmarish children with Richard D. James’ face, and chaos in a gray urban landscape. Too terrifying for many broadcasters, it’s still one of the most unsettling—and brilliant—videos ever made.

Björk – “Pagan Poetry”
This one featured pierced skin, exposed nipples, and intimate footage from her real-life wedding. Björk is art. And art is sometimes NSFW.

David Bowie – “China Girl”
The 1983 video featured nudity, interracial intimacy, and political undertones that didn’t sit well with censors. Banned or heavily edited in several regions, it was Bowie’s attempt to challenge racism and Western stereotypes.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood – “Relax”
BBC banned it. MTV hesitated. But the video’s bold sexuality only made the song’s hook more iconic—and one of the most defiant synth-pop moments ever.

George Michael – “I Want Your Sex”
At the height of the AIDS crisis, this video was banned or relegated to late-night slots for being “too sexual.” George Michael’s message of monogamous passion still struck a chord—and sparked a vital conversation.

Justice – “Stress”
A gritty, hyper-violent video following a group of youths wreaking havoc in Paris. Brutal, chaotic, and banned on multiple channels for being “too real.”

Madonna – “Like a Prayer”
Religious iconography. Burning crosses. Kissing a saint. The Vatican condemned it. Pepsi dropped her. Madonna shrugged and made history.

Marilyn Manson – “(s)AINT”
Too graphic even for his own label. Self-mutilation, drug use, and unfiltered rage got this one locked away—but it’s Manson at his most uncompromising.

M.I.A. – “Born Free”
An intense political allegory involving the military and red-headed genocide. YouTube pulled it. Critics called it brave. It still shocks.

Nine Inch Nails – “Closer”
“Help me, I want to f— you like an animal” was just the start. Tortured animals, crucifixion, and Trent Reznor’s eerie charisma got this one banned from nearly every channel.

Pearl Jam – “Jeremy” (Uncut Version)
The original cut ends with implied school violence—too much for MTV after Columbine. It was quickly pulled, but the power of the song only grew.

Prodigy – “Smack My Bitch Up”
Drug use, nudity, violence, and a twist ending that blew minds. Banned by MTV, but praised by critics. Chaotic? Yes. Groundbreaking? Absolutely.

Pulp – “This Is Hardcore”
A noir-drenched descent into the dark side of fame and lust. The video’s stylized eroticism and psychological unease made networks uncomfortable—and made fans obsessed.

Rihanna – “S&M”
The title alone was a red flag. Add bondage, latex, and media mockery, and you’ve got a video banned in 11 countries and restricted on YouTube.

Robbie Williams – “Rock DJ”
Starts off cheeky, ends with Robbie stripping down to muscle and bone—literally. The flesh-tearing finale made it unforgettable and unplayable in many countries.

Sigur Rós – “Fjögur píanó”
An eight-minute fever dream starring Shia LaBeouf, complete with nudity, violence, and surreal repetition. Gorgeous and disturbing in equal measure.

Tom Petty – “You Don’t Know How It Feels”
The phrase “let’s roll another joint” didn’t sit well with MTV censors, who reversed the word “joint” to avoid airing drug references. A simple, chilled-out song with a surprisingly controversial lyric.

Tool – “Prison Sex”
Dark claymation, disturbing abuse metaphors, and Tool’s signature unease made this one too heavy for mainstream networks. But it became a cult classic.

Tyler, The Creator – “Yonkers”
Self-mutilation, cockroach eating, and hanging imagery made this viral debut too controversial for some platforms. But it introduced a singular voice.

Young Fathers – “Shame”
Gritty, raw, and unsettling. A surreal chase scene through the streets that left just enough unease to make certain broadcasters back off.

5 Ways Putumayo Changed the Music Industry (And Why Dan Storper’s Legacy Matters More Than Ever)

Eric Alper
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5 Ways Putumayo Changed the Music Industry (And Why Dan Storper’s Legacy Matters More Than Ever)

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.

JJ Grey’s ‘Blackwater Sol Revue’ To Stream Worldwide For Free, Supporting Florida Conservation

Eric Alper
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On Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, acclaimed Alligator Records recording artist JJ Grey, leader of JJ Grey & Mofro, will host the 2025 Blackwater Sol Revue presented by the Live Wildly Foundation. Today, Friday, May 23, Grey announced that, for the first time ever, the festival will be livestreamed around the world for free.

The free livestream will be hosted on Volume.com and available at this link: https://volume.com/blackwatersolrevue. There will be an additional donation link for people to contribute to Live Wildly’s conservation efforts. According to Live Wildly, “We are proud to present JJ Grey’s Blackwater Sol Revue. Donations made on this livestream will directly support conservation initiatives that help preserve wild Florida.”

JJ Grey & Mofro will headline both nights at Florida’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Other artists on the bill include 49 Winchester, The White Buffalo, John Anderson, Andy Frasco & The U.N., The Marshall Tucker Band and Huntley.

From his early days playing cover music in a Jacksonville juke joint while working at a lumberyard, to headlining sold-out shows worldwide, JJ Grey has always poured his soul into his music. Since his debut album Blackwater in 2001, Grey has delivered moving, funk-infused rock and Southern soul. His tenth album, 2024’s Olustee, sees him returning to his roots, sharing personal stories of redemption, hard luck, and inner peace. The album, steeped in the Southern myths of his Florida home, showcases his gritty baritone and evocative songwriting, blending the carnal with the cerebral. Through vivid lyrics and passionate delivery, Grey reminds listeners to respect the natural world, live in the moment, and, most importantly, enjoy life’s good times.

Live Wildly is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Florida’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, Live Wildly works to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and empower individuals to take action to protect the environment. The organization is committed to safeguarding Florida’s rich biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Photo Gallery: Mayday Parade, Microwave, Grayscale, And Like Roses at Toronto’s History May 21

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: Mayday Parade, Microwave, Grayscale, And Like Roses at Toronto’s History May 21

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Microwave
Microwave
Microwave
Microwave
Microwave
Microwave
Microwave
Grayscale
Grayscale
Grayscale
Grayscale
Like Roses
Like Roses
Like Roses
Like Roses
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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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