Libations for Ismael Ahmed… We honor the life and lasting legacy of Ismael Ahmed. Ismael was a visionary leader and cherished friend of Detroit Sound Conservancy who devoted his life to community advocacy and cross-cultural exchange. Through his deep commitment to international artistry and creative expression, he helped bring the Concert of Colors to Detroit, […]
In Memoriam
Libations for Sheila Jordan
Libations for Sheila Jordan… On August 11, 2025, we said goodbye to a true legend — Detroit’s beloved Jazz Master Sheila Jordan, at the age of 96. A humble soul with an extraordinary gift, Sheila was a shining light in both the Detroit and New York jazz scenes. Her voice was pure magic. She could […]
In Memoriam: Morris Mitchell – A True Disco Original
An observance by Carleton Gholz with a libation from Jahra McKinney Morris Mitchell, a musician, DJ, and promoter, as well a founding member of party production crew True Disco Productions and a pioneer of Detroit’s Black LGBT dance music scene, died on April 5, 2023. He was seventy years old. Mitchell began his public musical […]
Honoring LaVell Williams for 2022 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
2022 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: Detroit Sound Conservancy Honors LaVell Williams (1967-2018) In celebration of 2022 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, Detroit Sound Conservancy honors Co-Founder LaVell Williams (1967-2018). #AudiovisualHeritageDay #WDAVH2022 In celebration of 2022 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, Detroit Sound Conservancy honors Co-Founder LaVell Williams (1967-2018) who died four years ago this […]
DSC Remembers: K-Hand
The inimitable, pioneering DJ and producer Kelli Hand, the First Lady of Detroit, has passed on. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of K-Hand. Kelli was a singular figure in dance music history, helping to lay the groundwork for Techno to take over the world. She blazed trails for women in […]
In Memoriam: Karen Hudson Samuels
We are saddened to report that Wednesday, February 9th, 2021, we lost our friend and new boardmember, Karen Hudson Samuels. Karen was a cultural warrior who fought tirelessly to preserve and uplift Black Detroit history. She was a role model, mentor, inspiration and friend to so many. With DSC, she served as chair of our […]
The Advocate: Jim Stone 1965-2020
Jim Stone, musician, DJ, promoter, and activist, has died at the age of 54. Detroit Sound Conservancy pays tribute to this advocate for Detroit music.
In Memoriam: Lee Simmons
Lee Simmons, Detroit Sound Conservancy Board Member and nephew of Mary and Clarence Eddins who once owned the Blue Bird Inn, has died of COVID-19.
Dan Sicko Collections Fellow
We Are Hiring A Collections Coordinator Applications from qualified Wayne State University School of Information Sciences students and recently graduated students DUE Friday, April 24th, 2020. See below for more details and instructions. Overview In partnership with Wayne State University’s School of Information Sciences, Detroit Sound Conservancy (DSC) — a grassroots, do-it-yourself, nonprofit mobile museum […]
LaVell Williams, 1967-2018
LaVell Williams (1967-2018), Detroit Sound Conservancy’s Board President, who mentored a generation of music lovers, is remembered in this obituary.