American culture is permeated by the influence of Yiddish music, from Betty Boop cartoons to almost every big musical film. The soul and rhythm of Jewish music, musicians and authors has added a special flavor to much of popular culture.
And yet, most young Jews don't recognize this ingredient. They have never heard the original sweet sounds of Yiddish music.
The music our parents and grandparents loved is hidden in attics and garages across America on fragile old records that can only be played with equipment most people no longer have.
Lately, Yiddish music has experienced a wonderful revival highlighted by the numerous Jewish Art Festivals. Many people now want to hear more Yiddish music, but can't find much. Musicians want to know the source and learn from the masters, but the original sounds, the original words, their meaning and history lie forgotten in dusty boxes destined for the trash.
We need your help. Search your house for these forgotten treasures. Ask your friends, your local librarian, the rabbi, anyone you think might have old records of Yiddish Folk Music or might know someone who does. Arrange for the records to be sent to us. If necessary, we will pick them up.
We will catalog them, clean them, digitize them, and make them available online at savethemusic.com - including words, transliteration and translation, music notation, historical context and biographies of the performers and authors, when possible.
It will take work, it will take money, it will take time, but it will be done.
Now is the time to get involved.
Now, with your help, we can create a new Golden Age of Yiddish Folk Music.
As a record donor, you will receive in this website an e-plaque of appreciation for saving our musical treasures, and full credit for your donation. We will also send you a certificate, suitable for framing, honoring your contribution to Save The Music.
If you can afford it, please consider funding the transportation, warehousing, cataloguing and recording of the music.
To send us an online tax-deductible donation, Click Here.
Or, Click Here to print a contribution form to send your check or money order to:
- Internet Development Fund/Save The Music
- 3130 Bonita Rd. Suite 200A
- Chula Vista CA. 91910
Please send your records to the above address.
Or call us at (619) 422-4401 and 1-877-368-7311
To contact us by email, Click Here.
If you would like to Volunteer your time Click Here