Music of the World: A Pioneer in Global Sounds (1982-2000)

Music of the World was a trailblazing record label active from 1982 to 2000, founded in New York by amateur ethnomusicologist Bob Haddad. Initially producing demo tapes for traditional musicians, it rapidly evolved into the only dedicated world music cassette label in the West, significantly predating the genre's mainstream recognition.

After relocating to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1989, the label experienced unprecedented growth, releasing over 90 CD titles and establishing global distribution. Its peak in the mid-1990s saw critical and commercial success with recordings such as the award-winning Vintage Beausoleil and the Grammy-nominated Raga Aberi, featuring artists like L. Shankar and Zakir Hussain, alongside imprints Nomad and Latitudes.

Uniquely, Music of the World produced nearly all its own recordings, working closely with artists from diverse regions including Africa, India, and Latin America. In 2000, the label was acquired by emusic.com, and later by The Orchard in 2005, ensuring that its extensive catalog of over 100 titles remains available on major digital streaming platforms today.