Background
Harrison, Jay Smolens was born on January 25, 1927 in New York City. Son of Abraham and Stella (Fleischman) Smolens.
Harrison, Jay Smolens was born on January 25, 1927 in New York City. Son of Abraham and Stella (Fleischman) Smolens.
Student Columbia Preparatory School, 1940-1944. Bachelor of Arts, New York University, 1948. Music student Philip James.
Network radio actor, 1936-1944. Oboist, symphony orchestras, 1940-1945. Instructor music New York University, 1948-1955, assistant professor music, 1955-1956.
Associate producer Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, 1954-1956, quizmaster, 1957-1958, panelist, 1958-1974.
Television and radio writer, 1954-1974. Writer, master of ceremonies History of Opera, National Broadcasting Company-television
Music consultant Cultural Presentation Program United States State Department, 1955-1974, New York State Council of Arts, 1957. Guest critic New York Herald Tribune, 1948-1952, associate critic, 1952, music editor, 1952-1960.
Executive editor Music magazine, 1960-1961.
Music interviewer, National Broadcasting Company monitor week-end radio series. Director Reader’s Digest Music-Radio Corporation of America Record Club, 1961-1963. With Roving Critic program, WOR radio station, 1962-1974.
Editor Musical American, 1963-1964.
Director editorial services Columbia Records, 1965-1967. Associate professor music Queens College City Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, 1968-1970.
Adjunct Professor Fordham University, 1970-1971.
Member New York Music Critics’ Circle, American Newspaper Guild, American Musicological Society, National Council Government and Arts, Phi Beta Kappa.
Married Jane King Cohan, May 15, 1954 (divorced). Children: Paige Julie, Troy Nedda.