Wotsit brings up only C source code and header definitions. And searching for MP3 brings up FF header definitions and references to MPEG-1&2, Layer 3 audio. Maybe I'm not searching for the right thing...

MPEG is a licensed standard. To obtain white papers, tech specs, etc...legally, you must obtain them through purchase from the International Standards Organization (ISO).

You can get more information on the standards directly from the ISO at the following link:

http://www.iso.org/iso/en/prods-services/popstds/mpeg.html

Oh my! Thanks. Well, then I guess I need suggestions on a sound format to explore - one that has a public license - that's good for learning about sound storage and playback in general. I've looked at the WAVE format and the unofficial spec is admittedly unsupportive of most of the formats features because there are just to many from being poorly created by a non-unilateral group. So, is there a nicer format to read about - one that doesn't require me to know how a FFT works? Or if that's inevitable, so be it! Thanks.

Why not try OGG Vorbis?