Former RTHK DJ and ‘Uncle Ray’ in Hong Kong Ray Cordeiro died on Friday at the age of 98. Let’s see more details about Ray Cordeiro in detail.
What happened to Uncle Ray?
“Uncle Ray has passed away,” his funeral committee said in a statement on Saturday. “It is with profound sorrow we announce the passing of Reinaldo Maria Cordeiro, also fondly known as Uncle Ray, at the CUHK Medical Centre on 13 January 2023, aged 98. His dearest family and friends bade farewell to him with a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The committee said details of a memorial service would be announced soon, adding: “We would like to express our gratitude to the medical team of CUHK Medical Centre for their professionalism and excellent support.”
‘World’s most durable DJ’ ‘Uncle’ Ray Cordeiro, a warm voice in the late night hours to generations in Hong Kong, dies at 98 https://t.co/fLD3tubjxd
— Hong Kong News (@HongKong) January 14, 2023
Uncle Ray’s Cause of Death
He died on January 13 at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre surrounded by his closest friends, with the singer Joe Junior leading the singing of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, the committee arranging his funeral said.
‘Godfather of Music’ in Hong Kong Ray Cordeiro died on Friday at the age of 98. Reinaldo Maria Cordeiro, better known to his legions of listeners as Uncle Ray, has died peacefully in a Hong Kong hospital aged 98.
Who was Uncle Ray?
Ray is Known to everyone as ‘Uncle Ray’, Cordeiro was a pioneer of popular music here for more than seven decades. Cordeiro, who was born in Hong Kong and of Portuguese descent, said in a recent interview he was “the luckiest man in the world”.
“To do what I want to do, to love what I want to love, and I don’t think I have any regrets,” he told RTHK. During his illustrious 72-year career, he got to know some of the biggest names in the music world, including the Beatles, Cliff Richard, and Tony Bennett.
Cordeiro Radio Career Journey
Cordeiro started his radio career when he joined British broadcaster Rediffusion in 1949, the year Fong arrived in Hong Kong. She would host the variety program Mona Fong Show at the station in 1957.
“That show was very popular as she was already famous for her English songs. But I first heard her when she was a cabaret singer and I was most impressed with her bassy voice,” said Cordeiro, holder of a Guinness World Record as “most durable DJ”.
It was because of her popularity that Cordeiro invited her to be the only female singer to perform on stage with Matt Monro at Operation Santa Claus, a 1962 charity event at the new City Hall. Monro was a top British singer who would later record hits such as From Russia with Love and Born Free.
A UNIQUE way to say GOODBYE to the Show
He thanked his listeners as he ended his program All The Way With Ray on Saturday night.
“Well, that’s it. Thank you very much for tuning in, goodbye, thank you for coming,” the DJ – known as Uncle Ray – said in both English and Cantonese.
- In a broadcasting career that spanned 72 years. Uncle Ray became a familiar voice to millions with his late-night RTHK radio show with Ray
- His programs were the launch pad for many a singing career . He met numerous musical stars, including The Beatles – although Elvis eluded him.
Rewards and Recognition
“He was a well-known character in Hong Kong popular culture and our kind elder. Ray significantly influenced the city’s music scene. His loss is deeply regrettable, and we will miss him.”
As head of light music, Uncle Ray originally joined RTHK in 1960. He is well known for his ‘With Ray’ program, which aired on RTHK Radio 3 for 51 years before he retired in 2021. Uncle Ray spoke with many of the greatest musicians in the world, including the Beatles.
He was honored with a Silver Bauhinia Star last year and was recognized as the “World’s Most Durable DJ” by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000. Other honors include an MBE in 1987, an Honorary Fellowship from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts in 2012, and an Honorary Doctorate of Social Science from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2022.
Tributes Posted
Director of Broadcasting Eddie Posted Cheung expressed his deep sorrow over Uncle Ray’s passing and extended his condolences to his friends and family. He also commended his invaluable lifelong contribution to the broadcasting and music industries.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau said he was saddened by the news, adding: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Cordeiro for his lifelong contributions to the broadcasting industry, and extend my deepest condolences to his family. We will fondly remember him.”
In his tribute, Culture Secretary Kevin Yeung said: “Uncle Ray guided us in appreciating music with his sound professional skills, broad experience, and friendly voice over many decades.
Woke up to hear legendary #HongKong radio presenter Uncle Ray Cordeiro has died. I interviewed him couple of times – his tale of fighting communists with rocknroll records pumped through PA speakers on the radio station roof is eternal. True gent. Vale.https://t.co/OD9jCsx2yE
— Jarrod Watt (@Jay_Watt) January 14, 2023
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