Ralph Rasmusson (generally known as "Raz") is a bright, affable, engaging man who is willing to sit and talk music for as long as time allows. His life has been devoted to music, and he has played, taught and immersed himself in all aspects of music for six decades. He is known to scores of people in the Jamestown area and has happily entertained almost all of them.
"Raz" was born in Cuba, N.Y., one of a family of six children. He received degrees from SUNY Fredonia, did his student teaching at Falconer High School and was hired as an instrumental music teacher in 1962, where he stayed comfortably for 39 years, retiring from teaching in 1997. Retired, but not from his music passion. He and "Raz and Friends," a musical group with which he has been associated for 10 years, have provided music for municipal concerts and special events all over the area, in such places as Falconer Park and Allen Park with the Jamestown Municipal Band.
Every Monday he and his friends entertain at the Fenton Grill, where he remarks that people have told him that "it's the only place in the state where you can hear Big Band music." His group's musical specialties come from what he calls "the great American songbook," with a concentration on the music of the Big Band era. Vital members of his music group include: Barbara Jean, vocalist; Frank Farina, piano; Lloyd Howard, bass; and Bill Winchester, drummer. They have enjoyed working together for 10 years, and Raz calls them "superb." Together, they have produced five successful CD recordings.
Raz talks about his three careers: public school teaching, 13 years on the Jamestown Public School school board, and his time spent at Jamestown Community College leading the jazz band and concert band. All have to do with music and fulfill that passion in his life that is ongoing everyday.
His family is another passion with which he finds great joy. His wife, Barbara, wed to Raz for 52 years, is who he describes as a "remarkable wife." She was an elementary teacher and has shared his love of teaching. His daughter is a first-grade teacher in San Diego, and his son is a surgeon in South Buffalo. In his many years of teaching, it has become gratifying for him to see several dozen of his students become music teachers themselves. He ponders this question today: "Did I provide the inspiration for them, or did I just open a door?" His wife calls Raz "consistent - the same man you see out in the community is the same man he is at home."
"When I first met him, I told myself - he's a keeper," she said.
Raz Rasmusson is considered a legend in the Jamestown music world and looked upon as a "good human being," in the words of his wife. This view is one shared by all who know him and help maintain his admirable reputation as one of Jamestown's best.
