RTHK's 'Uncle Ray' Cordeiro Dies Aged 98

Former RTHK DJ and 'Godfather of Music' in Hong Kong Ray Cordeiro died on Friday at the age of 98.

Known to everyone as 'Uncle Ray', Cordeiro was a pioneer of popular music here for more than seven decades.

"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."

Director of Broadcasting Eddie 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.

"He was a prominent figure in Hong Kong popular culture and our kind senior, making considerable contributions to the Hong Kong music scene. We are saddened by his passing and he will be remembered fondly."

Uncle Ray first joined RTHK as head of light music in 1960 and was best known for his 'All The Way With Ray' show, which ran on RTHK Radio 3 for 51 years before his retirement in 2021. He interviewed many of the world's leading musicians, including the Beatles.

He was honoured with a Silver Bauhinia Star last year and was recognised as the "World's Most Durable DJ" by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000. Other honours 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.

Radio Hong Kong presented Uncle Ray with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

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