The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Many of you probably know Ray Phillips, or at least have heard of him. He is a legend, one of the first serious phonograph collectors going all the way back to 1936.

He's been a mentor to many people and a font of knowledge for decades, especially in the dark ages when very little information was available. At least two of my most treasured pieces in my collection came from Ray. He bought and sold some incredible phonographs in his collecting career!

Ray will turn 94 next week, on August 28th. He's still in pretty good health -- I saw him a couple of week ago -- but his memory is slipping badly.

That said, he lives in the moment and he treasures every second of every day. His daughter has asked for anyone who knows Ray, or knows of him, to mail him a birthday card just to wish him well. He may or may not remember you, but even if not he will appreciate it. That much I can guarantee.

Let's flood his mailbox with good wishes from new generations of collectors who bask in the shadow of this great legend.

If you'd like to join in the celebration, please PM me for his mailing address (I don't think it would be proper for me to post it in a public forum).

Thanks!

Ray is a prince in our hobby. You'll never meet a more kind and generous person. Happy birthday Ray!

Back in 1967 when I began collecting antique phonographs, I honestly thought I must be the only one in the world who was interested in these things. Little did I realize that Ray had been collecting them for over 40 years at that point! He is probably the last of the "first generation" antique phonograph collectors.

I had the pleasure of staying a couple of nights at Ray's home about 15 years ago, and it would be hard to imagine a more gracious, gentlemanly host.

Opportunities to bring some genuine sunshine into someone's life are not plentiful enough. I hope many of us will seize upon this one. I can think of no better compliment than to receive multiple well-wishes from strangers who write that although we've never met, others had said nice things about me and that they simply wanted to wish me a happy birthday.

Thanks for the heads-up, Rene!

George P.

I should add that for any of you who may have Ray's old Studio City address tucked away in your address book, it's important to note that he no longer lives there so you will need his new address to reach him.

I met Ray a few times when I went to the CAPS shows in Buena Park, CA. I always enjoyed listening to what he has to say. He is a real pioneer in the Phonograph Hobby.
Harvey Kravitz

Rene,

What a great initiative on your part!
I met Ray a number of years ago, while at one of Dave Heitz last "open house get-togethers",prior to Dave's untimely passing. What a great treat to meet, and speak with, both Ray and Dave in the same day!

PM sent
Gene