Leo Rayhill ’49 of Fayetteville, N.Y., was honored on September 25 at Cazenovia College’s 8th annual jazz festival, Jazz ‘N Caz. For more than 40 years, Rayhill has shared his passion and love of jazz with the Central New York community. A self-proclaimed lover of a jazz since childhood, Rayhill’s radio career began on the Hill, where he hosted the radio program “Just Jazz.” After graduation he continued his radio career as the volunteer host of WCNY’s “Sounds of Jazz,” a show that has aired every weekday for almost four decades. As host, Rayhill promoted local musicians and was given the opportunity to interview various jazz legends, including the great Louis Armstrong. For his service and dedication to jazz music, Rayhill received honors from the Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse in 2002 and a Lifetime Achievement trophy from the Syracuse Area Music Award this past June. That award, better known as the Sammy Award, recognized Rayhill’s time on the airwaves and his support and promotion of jazz music throughout the community. Rayhill feels that his success “shows the values of a good rounded Hamilton education.” Until recently, he ran his own roofing and siding business. He lives with his wife Joan and continues to work for WCNY-FM.
