Ray Smith – in memory

Via QuickNooz — 3/3/2010

Jazz fans lost a good friend with the death on February 26 of longtime WGBH Radio host Ray Smith, who was 87.

Since 1972, Ray shared his encyclopedic knowledge as host of 89.7’s The Jazz Decades, bringing ragtime, blues, swing, and the great jazz of the 1920s and ’30s to the ‘GBH airwaves.

During his 38 years with WGBH, Ray produced more than 1,900 programs; the station will continue to share those archived programs with jazz audiences Sunday nights at 7pm on 89.7.

“Ray’s passion for the music he loved was infectious,” John Voci, general manager for WGBH Radio, told listeners. “We remember Ray for his music, but he also was one of the nicest and most gracious men you could hope to meet.”

As a testament to his love of music, devoted audience members have been sharing their memories of Ray at the WGBH Radio Web site.

Ray leaves Marilyn, his wife of 61 years, and three children.