"We must live for the future of music. I know there is a spark in every person that will respond and glow to the touch of beauty. Because I know this, I am going to continue presenting beauty to the world until I ignite that spark in people's hearts."
— Sun Ra, 1957

Featured Story

Featured Story: Babe Stovall

Babe Stovall was a beloved fixture of New Orleans' French Quarter. He played his National guitar behind his head, shuffled through crowds, and brought ragtime and blues roaring back to life. "Candy Man" offers a rare chance to hear him at his best, documenting the spirit of a performer who kept older traditions alive through sheer talent and charm.

Babe Stovall - "Candy Man"

Recorded in Louisiana in 1966

0:00 3:46

From "Pied Piper of New Orleans," one of the 70+ albums produced by Dust-to-Digital

Read more about Babe Stovall on our Substack.

Featured Releases

Pictures of Sound
One Thousand Years of Educed Audio: 980-1980
Listen All Around
The Golden Age of Central and East African Music
Longing for the Past
The 78 RPM Era in Southeast Asia

Preserving Musical Heritage

50,000+ Recordings Digitized
70+ Albums Released
25+ Years of Curation

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Recent Performances
Videos of artists performing around the world as submitted by our Instagram community.
Remembering Bill Withers
Commemorating Bill's birthday with artists in Australia, Berlin, Buenos Aires, and China performing his music.
Why Music?
The Dust-to-Digital Foundation's 2025 print featuring a quote by music teacher R. Daniel Mooney.

Messages from Our Community

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The Human Experience

"To see and hear the human experience throughout the world through song. I love this place. Emotion wells up inside.."

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Presenting Lost Voices

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Mood Altering

"This mix of people, culture, and music from around the globe reminds me that there is beauty still left in this world and that people are inherently good and talented in so many ways. I don't know you, but I love you."

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To date, we have digitized more than 50,000 rare recordings, safeguarding historic performances that would likely be lost forever otherwise. Our goal is to create access for everyone to be able to hear this music.

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