Reinaldo “Uncle Ray” Cordeiro, a popular Hong Kong radio personality, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023 at the age of 98. On Saturday, the funeral committee announced the death of DJ. They said he was at CHUK Medical Center with friends and family, and was told goodbye with a version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
According to the statement:
“We regret to inform you that Reinaldo Maria Cordeiro, also known as Uncle Ray, passed away on January 13, 2023 at CUHK Medical Center, aged 98. His closest relatives and friends said goodbye to the You’ll Never Walk Alone version.”
Uncle Ray began his broadcasting career in 1949, and in 1960 he joined Radio Hong Kong, later renamed RTHK, where he remained until his retirement in 2021. His late-night show “All the Way with Ray,” which premiered in 1970, made him a household name and won him countless fans for generations. The Guinness World Records awarded Uncle Ray the title of “World’s Most Enduring DJ” in 2000.
Uncle Ray Cordeiro, 1924-2023 https://t.co/UQ5kQ0yPbn pic.twitter.com/u37Z6EIADj
— RTHK Hong Kong (@RTHKEnglish) January 14, 2023
Uncle Ray’s “All the Way with Ray” is Hong Kong’s longest running radio program.
Ray Cordeiro was born on December 12, 1924 in Hong Kong to a family of Portuguese immigrants. He attended the College of St. Joseph before becoming a warden at Stanley Prison and working as a clerk at his father’s bank. His first job in radio was as a copywriter for Radio Rediffusion, and later as a radio host for Progressive Jazz. Uncle Ray joined RTHK in 1960 as a light band leader, having interviewed countless legends and launched the careers of several new Hong Kong bands during his seven decades with the station.
“All the Way with Ray,” hosted by Cordeiro until 2021, is Hong Kong’s longest running radio show. Among others, Uncle Ray interviewed The Beatles, the Bee Gees, the Rolling Stones, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Cliff Richard, Elton John and Don McLean. Elvis Presley was the one who left because Cordeiro could never sit with him.
The presenter was easily recognized by his calm voice and his usual flat hat, glasses, and beard. Many condolences were sent after his death, as fans recognized his efforts and shared their memories of the radio character. Algernon Yau Ying, Hong Kong’s Minister of Trade and Economic Development, said that the radio personality has made great contributions to the broadcasting industry and is highly regarded:
He continued:
“I would like to thank Dr. Cordeiro for his lifetime achievements in the broadcasting business and extend my sincerest condolences to his family. We will remember him warmly.
Kevin Yeung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, commented that Uncle Ray will be remembered as a guide with a kind voice, saying:
“He is a well-known figure in Hong Kong pop culture and a generous senior who has made significant contributions to the Hong Kong music scene. We are heartbroken by his death, and he will be fondly remembered.”
Ray Cordeiro was a former drummer, wrote an autobiography in English and Chinese, and appeared in two concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum as well as TVB shows.
Categories: Biography
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
