After spending over 70 years on air with his beloved music and listeners, Radio Television Hong Kong’s (RTHK) veteran disc jockeyRay CORDEIRO (best known as “Uncle Ray”) today (6May) announced his plan to retire.

“As a DJ, I have a very strong bond with my listeners and have long been unwilling to say goodbye to them.” Uncle Ray said, “I have put off this moment for as long as possible, but the situation created by the pandemic has now made it unavoidable.”

96-year-old Uncle Ray has taken a break from his radio programme “All The Way with Ray” because of the pandemic since December 2020. “I have found working these past many months in the presence of Covid-19 difficult, especially knowing that I am in the high-risk demographic, both for the virus and the vaccination.”

Born in 1924 in Hong Kong, Uncle Ray has devoted his life to the development of local radio broadcasting and music scene. He began his career as a DJ and hosted his first programme “Progressive Jazz” at Rediffusion in 1949. In 1960, Uncle Ray joined RTHK as Head of Light Music. He then started his acclaimed late-night live show “All The Way with Ray” in 1970.

During his career, Uncle Ray has been enthusiastic in promoting music culture both in Hong Kong and overseas. Besides introducing fine pieces of English songs in different decades, he also helped in nurturing local young pop musicians and groups, including Joe Junior,Teddy Robin & The Playboys, Sam HUI & the Lotus and many others. He has also interviewed a number of famous international artistes, including The Beatles, Cliff RICHARD and Tony BENNETT and Hong Kong’s own music celebrities.

Uncle Ray recalled his first milestone in the career happened in 1964 when he interviewed The Beatles in London by accident after his BBC training course. “I have been lucky to have had a career that has brought me so much joy: a career which I have mostly spent playing music and mixing with renowned local and international artists.” Uncle Ray mentioned in his retirement announcement.

Uncle Ray’s passion for and contributions to the broadcast industry are well-received. He has been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) (1987), the RTHK Life-Time Achievement in Broadcasting Award (1997), the World’s Most Durable DJ in Guinness World Records (2000), HKSAR’s Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) (2008) and Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2012).Director of Broadcasting Patrick LI appreciates Uncle Ray’s devotion to the broadcast industry. “Uncle Ray has been serving the public as a radio presenter over the years and has been engaged in promoting pop music culture. His achievements are widely-recognized. RTHK wishes Uncle Ray a wonderful retirement filled with prosperity, health, and happiness.”

Before hanging up his headphones, Uncle Way will host the last few episodes of “All The Way with Ray” on Radio 3 from 10 to 14 May. He will also be the guest and share about his newly-released autobiography on Radio 2’s “Reunion” on 16 May, Teddy Robin,Joe Junior and Norman CHENG will join the programme to salute Uncle Ray through music performances.

“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.” Said Uncle Ray.

After Uncle Ray’s retirement and starting 17 May, Radio 3 will bring to listeners a new music programme “Pete’s Magical Mystery Tour” presented by Peter KING, who is a very experienced presenter and has stood in for Uncle Ray on previous occasions. In recent years, Peter has been presenting his own live weekday evening show “Peter King”, as well as “Pete’s Private Collection” on Sunday nights on Radio 3.

Programme details

RTHK Radio 3 “All The Way with Ray” *

Presenter:        Ray CORDEIRO

Date:               10 – 14 May 2021 (Mon– Fri)

Time:               10pm - 1am

Website:          rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/alltheway

RTHK Radio 2 “Reunion” *

Presenter:        Albert AU

Date:               16 May 2021 (Sun)

Time:               9pm – 12am

Website:          rthk.hk/radio/radio2/programme/reunion

RTHK Radio 3 “Pete’s Magical Mystery Tour” *

Presenter:        Peter KING  

Date:               Mon– Fri (from 17 May 2021)         

Time:               10pm – 1am

Website:          rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/pete_magical_mystery_tour

* Programmes are also broadcast and archived on RTHK website and mobile app, RTHK Mine.

Annex: Uncle Ray’s Retirement Announcement