The world’s longest working DJ, Ray Cordeiro, has died on the age of 98.
Cordeiro was confirmed to have handed away in hospital on Friday, January 13. No explanation for dying has been disclosed.
Cordeiro was born in 1924 in Hong Kong and span data for six a long time. He entered broadcasting in 1949 after having labored as a jail warden and clean clerk and joined Hong Kong’s public broadcaster in 1960. He was recognised by the Guinness E-book of Data because the world’s longest working DJ. His straightforward listening present, All The Approach With Ray, was broadcast for 51 years till his retirement in 2021.
Talking following his retirement, he mentioned: “The viewers adopted me, grew up with me, and so they’re everywhere in the world now. They nonetheless listened to me on the web.”
Cordeiro interviewed The Beatles on the peak of their fame in 1964 whereas he was within the UK doing a coaching course on the BBC. Within the interview, John Lennon recounted their early days in Hamburg, Germany, the place they lived in relative poverty. They later signed {a magazine} cowl for Cordeiro, which he mentioned was “most likely value a fortune”. The next broadcast of the interview in Hong Kong secured the DJ a star standing.
He additionally interviewed the likes of Elvis Presley, Sir Elton John and Tony Bennett and was recognised by Elvis Presley Enterprises for sometimes enjoying his songs on his radio present, notably in its latter years.
“Dr Cordeiro (Uncle Ray) made vital contributions to the broadcasting business prior to now 70 years and was held in excessive regard within the sector. He was the host of the longest-running radio program in Hong Kong, ‘All of the Approach with Ray’, with nice success. I wish to specific my honest because of Dr Cordeiro for his lifelong contributions to the broadcasting business, and prolong my deepest condolences to his household,” mentioned Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Financial Improvement, Algernon Yau [via Variety]. “We’ll fondly bear in mind him.”
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, additionally paid tribute. “Uncle Ray guided us in appreciating music along with his sound skilled abilities, broad expertise and pleasant voice over many a long time. He was a outstanding determine in Hong Kong fashionable tradition and our type senior, making appreciable contributions to the Hong Kong music scene. We’re saddened by his passing and he will likely be remembered fondly.”