Ray Routhier

Staff Writer

Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.

News

After 40 years, MPBN auction’s going, going, gone

by Ray Routhier October 19, 2011

The public broadcasting network says its iconic Great TV Auction is not cost-effective fundraising.

Life & Culture

Portland singer: Girls can’t divide us

by Ray Routhier October 18, 2011

Portland’s Michael Odokara-Okigbo admitted on national TV Monday night that he couldn’t really relate to the song he and his college a cappella group – The Dartmouth Aires – were about to sing. That’s a good thing, since the song was the poppy ’80s hit “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield, which is about coveting your best friend’s girl . . .