Rossberg gifts add to jazz collections

By JED NITZBERG

Reporter Contributor

She has donated her husband's collection of approximately 1,000 vinyl jazz albums to WBFO and a collection of more than 300 jazz-related books and manuscripts to the university's music library.

"Music was such a significant part of Bob's life, as much as his teaching and administrative work," said Mrs. Rossberg. "The whole family felt that his love of music and UB made it only right that all of these things stayed at the university."

According to Bert Gambini, music director for WBFO, Rossberg's donated record albums are predominantly from the swing era, but also include styles ranging from Dixieland to pop instrumentals. The additions to WBFO reinforce the station's reputation as the premier source for jazz programming in Western New York.

From 1977 until shortly before his death in 1996, Rossberg was a volunteer host and producer of popular radio programs focusing on the history of jazz.

James Coover, Ziegele Professor of Music and director of UB's music library, said the books and manuscripts are welcome additions to an outstanding, comprehensive jazz collection.

Rossberg, a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, held several key administrative posts, including vice president for academic affairs, during his 40-year career at UB. He was interim dean of the UB Faculty of Arts and Letters from September 1990 to August 1991. He continued to teach part time after his retirement in 1994.