Joe Bussard began swapping records as a Maryland boy because he loved old music; thousands from his collection can now be heard for free through a university archive

Joe Bussard spent an amazing seventy-five years passionately collecting vintage music, amassing a collection of nearly fifteen thousand records that spanned genres such as early jazz, bluegrass, and Cajun. His dedication preserved a vital part of musical history, with numerous tracks now available at the Discography of American Historical Recordings. Bussard’s tireless work exemplifies how individual efforts can safeguard cultural treasures for future listeners.