World’s longest working DJ retires after 70-year career

The world’s longest working DJ has retired, bringing a 70-year-career to an end. 

Ray Cordeiro decided to hang up his headphones last month, aged-96. The Hong Kong radio veteran started out on his path into the industry during childhood, with early inspiration coming from his older brother’s record collection. 

After working a number of different jobs, including a clerk at HSBC bank, he secured a position at Radio Hong Kong, now known as Radio Television Hong Kong. In 1964, he relocated to the UK for a three-month study course in London. During this time he secured the opportunity to interview The Beatles after showing up unannounced at record label EMI’s offices. The firm even lent him a tape recorder for the job. 

Cordeiro would speak with the Fab Four again further down the line, when the band were on tour and visiting Hong Kong. That conversation formed part of an interview series that helped launch the broadcaster’s career properly. In 1970, he was given his own show, ‘All The Way With Ray’, which continued until 2021.

In an interview with ABC News, the host explained his love for the work and lack of regrets. “I fulfilled my work as a DJ, did what I had to do and the audience followed me, grew up with me, and they’re all over the world now,” said Cordeiro, before being asked if he would make the same career choices again. “I don’t think I actually have to think about it, the answer is yes.” 

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