We are Listen to the Earth, a hub for music and activism.
Mission
Listen to Earth is an all volunteer effort promoting songs with an environmental message, honoring musicians who inspire environmental awareness, and providing opportunities to get kids outdoors.
History
Founded as MUSE (Musicians United to Sustain the Environment) in 1997 by musicians and environmental advocates Walkin’ Jim Stoltz and Craig Wagner. MUSE produced three environmental compilations that raised funds to support the efforts of more than 20 environmental grassroots organizations across North America. This music is still available, and your purchase of these albums will further support the mission of Listen to Earth. Click here
In 2018, MUSE refocused its mission and collaborated with Wild Wind Foundation and Web of Life Audio, to shine a light on a diversity of musicians singing out for the diversity of life, expand the Kid for the Wild scholarship program, and ensure the legacy of Walkin' Jim’s music and other recording artists with a vision to keep wild places protected.
Our Work
- Provide learning opportunities, including Kid for the Wild Scholarships for children and youth.
- Manage and share the Earth Song List, a searchable database of nearly 5,000 environmental songs spanning more than six decades, many genres and topics.
- Preserve the story and work of Walkin’ Jim Stoltz and other recording artists with a vision for the earth.
- Distribute environmental music compilations.
Our Vision
- Using music as a channel to connect educators, activists, and community for the common cause of protecting the environment.
- Continuing to collaborate with Wild Wind Foundation supporting the Kid for the Wild Scholarships and the opportunity for children to learn, appreciate, and feed their passion for the wild.
- Promoting activism that protects the environment.
- Preserving the story and continuing the work of Walkin’ Jim Stoltz and other environmental hall of fame musicians.
Our Founders
Walkin’ Jim Stoltz found deep joy and connection to all life through solo hikes through the wilderness areas of North America. Here he found inspiration and music while backpacking with his guitar. He began performing this environmental music, accompanied by a spectacular slideshow, on tours across the country.
For years, he devoted summers to long hikes and fall and spring months for concert touring with winters in Montana. His career spanned 29,000 miles of hiking and eight albums of music. In 2019, the Appalachian Trail Museum opened a dedicated exhibit in honor of Jim and his love for the Appalachian Trail.
Craig Wagner joined Walkin’ Jim in the creation of MUSE. Craig, inspired by the wilderness of Alaska, the Yukon, and Northwest Territories, released an album of original compositions entitled “The Keeper’s Gift” and donated 100% of the proceeds from the album to help support North American arctic conservation.