Ray Cordeiro: World’s Most Durable DJ, Dies at 98

Ray Cordeiro: World’s Most Durable DJ, Dies at 98: Ray Cordeiro, a mainstay of the Hong Kong music industry for about seven decades, passed away on Friday at the age of 98. His funeral committee said on Saturday local time that Cordeiro, who was better known by his stage name “Uncle Ray,” died on Friday at the CUHK Medical Centre in Hong Kong.

Cordeiro was born Raimundo Maria Cordeiro. The committee claimed that although the reason for his death was not made public, friends and family sent him goodbye with a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Cordeiro, who was born on December 12th, 1924, worked as a bank teller and a jail warder before starting his broadcasting career in 1949 at Radio Rediffusion. He was named the head of light music at Radio Hong Kong in 1960; this station ultimately evolved into RTHK.

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Up until 2021, Cordeiro worked as a presenter on RTHK. He was awarded a Guinness World Record as the world’s most resilient DJ as early as 2000. From 1970 to May 2021, his “With Ray” program on RTHK aired almost without interruption.

He was honored by Elvis Presley Enterprises for his efforts; in later years, the three-hour late-night “All the Way” show would always open with an Elvis song. His early interviews with The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Cliff Richard were remarkable.

Last year, Cordeiro received Hong Kong’s Silver Bauhinia Star. An MBE was given to him in 1987, an honorary fellowship was given to him by the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts in 2012, and in 2022, the Chinese University of Hong Kong will confer an honorary doctorate in social science on him. In 1997, Cordeiro received a lifetime achievement award from RTHK.

“Dr. Cordeiro (Uncle Ray) was highly regarded in the broadcasting industry and made important contributions during the previous 70 years. He enjoyed considerable success as the host of the longest-running radio show in Hong Kong, “With Ray.”

I want to offer my profound gratitude to Dr. Cordeiro for his lifetime of services to the broadcasting business and his family, along with my sincere condolences. Algernon Yau, the secretary for commerce and economic development in Hong Kong, said, “We will remember him with affection.

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“Over many years, Uncle Ray guided us in enjoying music with his sound professional abilities, extensive expertise, and warm voice. He was a well-known character in Hong Kong popular culture and our gracious elder, who significantly influenced the city’s music scene. His departure is deeply regrettable, and we shall remember him warmly, said Kevin Yeung, secretary for culture, sports, and tourism.