Interview of VOA Sound Librarian (Episode 387)

In this special episode, part of the series on the purchase by a viewer of the full Voice of America legacy physical archive of music recordings, Allan interviews Michael Gray, VOA's Sound Librarian from 1976-1990. Topic include the origins of VOA's music library, the methods by which records were acquired, and discussion of unique jazz concert recordings made and pressed by VOA.

00:00:20 Introduction
00:00:59 Background to VOA's Sound Library
00:02:43 Jazz at VOA and Willis Conover
00:05:10 Founding of the VOA LP collection
00:07:00 How VOA acquired records
00:13:25 Key parts of the collection
00:14:52 'VOA label' jazz concert LPs
00:22:17 VOA's external relationships
00:23:46 Live recordings at VOA
00:24:54 Challenges in managing the collection
00:26:01 Closing reflections

[jimmccloskey]

Fascinating, thx. Keep everyone updated.

[sharonannen]

* My father was the school Principal and teacher for the children of the families and employees at the VOA Dasahori facility (1970s). I was one of the students.
*

[Jazzamatazz-pcqj]

Allan, welcome back! Been jonesing for a new video on your channel. Happy to see you back with the retired VOA Librarian.

Hope the project is moving along. I may head to Japan next month and would like to receive some Tokyo travel, vinyl stores and Jazz Kissa advice / suggestions🇯🇵 Will keep you posted, sir.

[jazzbumsmike]

Thanks for sharing this. Love seeing the progress. Did you come across any 10" jazz LPs from the early 50s? -- Mike