Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 3’s legendary, record-setting presenter “Uncle” Ray Cordeiro has decided to retire after a broadcasting career spanning more than 70 years.
Ray, who’s now 96, has announced that he’ll be hanging up his headphones after his final show on May 14.
“As a disc jockey, I have a very strong bond with my listeners and have long been unwilling to say goodbye to them,” Ray says. “As much as I want to go on spinning my discs forever, I realise now I cannot. It is always hard to say goodbye to friends. I have put off this moment for as long possible, but the situation created by the pandemic has now made it unavoidable.”
Born in Hong Kong in 1924, Uncle Ray has devoted his life to the development of radio broadcasting and the local music scene. He hosted his first show “Progressive Jazz” at the former radio station, Rediffusion, in 1949. Ray joined RTHK in 1960 as Head of Light Music.
His current show “All The Way with Ray” has been running every weekday night since 1970.
Besides helping nurture local talent, including Joe Junior, Teddy Robin and the Playboys, Sam Hui and others, he has also interviewed famous international acts including The Beatles, Cliff Richard and Tony Bennett.
For his contributions to the broadcasting industry, Uncle Ray was awarded with an MBE in 1987, the RTHK Life Time Achievement in Broadcasting Award in 1997, the HKSAR’s Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2008, and was made an Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2012.
He was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2000 as the World’s Most Durable Radio DJ.
Ray had been taking a break from his late-night live programme since last December, amid the social distancing environment. But he’s be back on air for one final week, starting on Monday, May 10, with his last show on Friday, May 14.
Ray said: “Making the choice to retire will leave a great void in my life. But the memories will never fade, and the dreams will never end. I sincerely thank RTHK, and my listeners, fans and friends for the enduring support you have given me and my show.”
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This story first appeared on RadioInfo.asia