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		Celebrating Three-and-a-Half Jazz Decades with Ray Smith Record collector. World War II veteran. Jazz drummer. These are just a few of the many sides of Ray Smith, host of WGBH's Jazz Decades radio program. Each week, Ray shares his passion for jazz, big band, and swing with listeners all over the world. In honor of the 35th anniversary of Jazz Decades, we asked Ray to describe his lifelong love affair with music. Here's the man behind the music, in his own words. Young Man (2:29) Trinity Episcopal Church Click to enlarge "I was completely taken by the live musical sound of a big band." From Sundays spent singing in the children's choir at Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose, Mass., to hearing live jazz for the first time, Ray describes how his love affair with music began. Soldier (1:23) Flag Raising, Iwo Jima Click to enlarge "I used to buy records in Honolulu or Hilo, and I had those records with me throughout the Pacific." When America entered WWII, Ray was among the brave men and women who answered the call. Here, Ray recalls how music kept him company throughout his military service. Collector (1:45) Ray's personal collection Click to enlarge "When I was a kid, everybody bought 78s — I just didn't stop buying them." In the 1930s, Ray Smith bought his first 78. Today his collection tops 90,000 titles. Listen as Ray shares the joys of collecting old-time records. Radio Host (2:39) Ray Smith, 1977 Click to enlarge "I love the music, and I wanted to share it with other people." One Saturday, Ray made a phone call to a local radio station. The result? Nearly half a century of broadcasting jazz on the radio. Musician (3:08) With the Yankee Rhythm Kings, 1979 Click to enlarge "I made a decision — I was going to participate instead of spectate." Ray talks about the day that he picked up a set of drumsticks and started making the music he loved. And listen closely because all the drumming you hear is by Ray himself. Hear a 1989 performance by Ray Smith's Paramount Jazz Band (55:52) Music Lover (1:49) With the Rent Party Revellers, 1990 Click to enlarge "The real enjoyment is shutting off all the other senses and concentrating on listening." Ray's simple credo about music is, You have to listen. Here, Ray describes the art of listening as only a true music lover can. The Beat Goes On (1:54) At home in his studio Click to enlarge "I'm a very lucky person — thanks for 35 years!" For the last 35 years, Boston has been "the right place" for Ray to share his passion for music. Here, he describes what he loves about Boston — and why he plans to continue Jazz Decades for years to come. Congratulations from WGBH's Jazz Hosts "Congratulations to Ray Smith on 35 years. His program is a joy to listen to and learn from. Keep telling those tales and keep swinging! Here's to 35 more good years." — Jazz with Eric in the Evening host Eric Jackson "You can hear the joy in Ray's voice as he describes a particular musical moment or an historical perspective on a recording made 75 years ago. He really loves letting people know about this incredible art form. Here's to 35 more!" — Jazz from Studio Four host Steve Schwartz		Music, Events, and More Playlists Jazz Decades Jazz from Studio Four Jazz Gallery with Kevin Ball Jazz Gallery with Al Davis Jazz Gallery with Ron Gill Jazz with Eric in the Evening NPR Music Find great music from WGBH Radio, NPR, and other public radio stations Upcoming Interviews Who will be joining Eric Jackson in the studio? Jazz Portraits Radio documentaries on influential jazz artists Images of Jazz Photos by Steve Schwartz Jazz Events Calendar WGBH Jazz Club

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