Dan Storper, the visionary founder and CEO of Putumayo World Music, passed away at the age of 74, just two days after celebrating his birthday on May 20, 2025. He died in New Orleans, Louisiana, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Storper played a pioneering role in popularizing world music and introducing global musical traditions to mainstream audiences. His passing marks the loss of a cultural bridge-builder whose work brought people together through the universal language of music.
Escalator Incident at Vine City MARTA Station Injures Several After Beyoncé Concert
Storper was born in New York City in 1951 and raised in Great Neck, New York. From an early age, he stood out both academically and athletically, earning a New York State Regents Scholarship and excelling in varsity baseball and tennis. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Latin American studies in 1973, a field that sparked his fascination with global cultures. His extensive travels across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia deeply influenced his worldview and later fueled his career in music and entrepreneurship.
Storper’s entrepreneurial spirit first showed in his youth through antique trading and playing piano at local restaurants. In college, he even ran a mini-store from his dorm, selling discounted LPs and essentials. In 1975, he opened a boutique in New York City named Putumayo—named after the river region in Colombia he had visited—offering Latin American crafts and ethnic-inspired clothing. By 1985, the brand had grown to supply over 600 stores nationwide.
A turning point in Storper’s career came in 1991 when he attended a performance by African band Kotoja in California. Inspired by the rhythms and global fusion, he launched Putumayo World Music in 1993. The label quickly gained recognition for its beautifully curated compilation CDs featuring artists from around the world. By 1997, he sold the Putumayo retail business and committed full-time to the music label. Under his leadership, Putumayo sold over 15 million albums and became a global ambassador of world music. Storper collaborated with ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar to expand the label’s reach across continents, including Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.
Storper was known for his commitment to cultural authenticity and accessibility. He worked tirelessly to spotlight independent musicians, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create a global community of music lovers. His contributions helped shape the modern world music industry and inspired other independent labels to explore non-Western sounds.
Beyond his professional success, Dan Storper was a devoted father, a curious traveler, and a lifelong student of culture. He was married to Amy Cervantes, with whom he had three children. Though the couple divorced in 2025, he remained a committed presence in his children’s lives. His journeys across the globe were not only professional pursuits but also reflections of his deep personal passion for understanding the human experience through music.
Storper’s death prompted heartfelt tributes from across the music industry. Colleagues, artists, and fans remembered him as a champion of diversity, an advocate for peace through art, and a generous soul who gave emerging artists a global platform. Musicians who worked with him spoke of his encouragement, vision, and ability to unite people across borders through his compilations.
His family issued a statement honoring his legacy: “Dan was not only an incredible entrepreneur and music executive but also a loving father and friend. His passion for music and culture was matched only by his love for his family. His legacy is one of generosity, creativity, and deep respect for the many cultures of the world. We are forever grateful for the time we shared with him.”
Dan Storper’s passing marks the end of an era in the world music scene. His life’s work created ripples that will continue to inspire musicians, listeners, and cultural advocates for generations. His legacy will endure in every song, rhythm, and voice that Putumayo helped bring to the world.
Ask ChatGPT