Creator of VOA's "Music Time in Africa", Leo Sarkisian, retires at age 91.

Leo Sarkisian, with his wife Mary looking on, enjoys a gift presented to him by colleagues at his retirement party.

VOA Director David Ensor speaking to Leo at his retirement party on September 28, 2012, thanking him for his years of contribution.

Leo reflects on his career with Washington Post reporter Tara Bahrampour.

Leo Sarkisian traveled to every country in Africa discovering new music and talent.

“People thought he was very authentic, and he got to know the musicians firsthand. To hear your country’s music on an international station is a big deal. . . . Nobody had done that before.” - Peter Clottey, Ghana native and VOA  Africa Daybreak host, tells the Washington Post.

Leo's travels allowed him to create one of the most valuable and sought-after collections in the world housed at VOA headquarters.

As host of "Music Time in Africa," Leo was received with smiles and laughter from his fans.

Leo searches for a special recording that is part of the collection of African music he assembled during his long career. His collection is now housed at VOA in the Leo Sarkisian Library of African Music.

Leo and "Music Time for Africa" host Heather Maxwell (right) look over a new piece of mail written by a fan of the popular music show that Leo started 47 years earlier. It is VOA's longest running English language program.

Leo gives his wife a kiss on the cheek as he marks the end of an amazing career at VOA that began in 1963 after he was recruited by legendary broadcaster and former USIA Chief Edward R. Murrow.