Last week I announced I had discovered that “pigs could fly” and several people wondered what in hell I was talking about. The announcement involves two recent decisions but before I say what they are, perhaps a bit of background will help.
I left WCFR in Springfield twelve years ago – and I will admit retiring at 57 was incredibly stupid – and ever since then, people have wondered if I would ever go back to radio.
My standard answer has always been I would return “when pigs fly,” obviously believing they can’t.
Turns out I was wrong.
There have been several opportunities to go back in the last twelve years, but I never took any of them too seriously. I had no interest in starting over at a new station – I’ve already worked at four of them – so I was content to continue working on my blog/website.
Okay, I have stalled long enough. Here’s what has transpired in the last few weeks.
Three weeks ago, I returned to WCFR/Rewind 106.5 with the intention of covering my hometown Springfield Cosmos throughout the football playoffs. Unfortunately they lost in the first round and I grabbed my gear and went home, believing that was it.
Since then I have been asked to broadcast the Cosmos’ basketball teams this year – both girls and boys. My initial reaction was to decline but after several lengthy discussions with station management, I accepted the offer.
That’s Part 1.
Last Friday, I was back at the station to discuss the basketball schedule and the conversation turned to what “hometown radio” should be.
I offered my thoughts on the subject and while not all of my suggestions were openly embraced, there was enough agreement – combined with what ownership called my “obvious passion for Springfield” – that I was asked to return to broadcasting a morning show again.
We mutually agreed that starting out as a Saturday morning show would be best, and if that goes over well (and enough people listen), I will become the “morning guy” Monday-through-Friday again.
I’ll be the first to admit this is going to be a daunting task. There is a lot of work to be done before I flip on the microphone again, but I’m confident it will all work out because if “pigs can fly,” anything is possible.
Congratulations Ray. Take it one step at a time, but you’ll be fine. Yes, pigs canfly, but there are times when you should NOT look up.
Thanks, Tim. Yes indeed, this will be taken in “baby steps”.
This is wonderful news! Is the morning show going to include Heather?
Thank you, Dan. Heather’s participation will be entirely up to her. As of now, she hasn’t expressed a desire to return (but that makes sense because she already has a full-time job.)
Wishing you the best Ray. Starting with basketball games and Saturdays sounds prudent, and a lot of work and travel. Take care of yourself above all!
Thank you, Marty. It will all be a challenge but I hope it turns out to be a lot of fun (for everyone).
That is wonderful news Ray — on so many levels. Your broadcasting background and knowledge will make listening to the games so much more like being there for those who can’t physically attend – you will be their eyes … and your love for music will definitely shine through on the Saturday morning show — can’t wait to listen in – so hope you enjoy every minute of it — let us know when you are set to go….. you will definitely rock the day !
Thank you, Barbara. I have no idea how this is going to all turn out but having the opportunity to try it was too good to pass up. I’ll let you know when it’s time to Rock The Day!
Wishing all the very best Ray! I think we all need to have a challenge now and then, and I actually retired twice so go for it!!
Thank you, Sandy! I’m going to give it my best shot!
Well! That is awesome news for all who have missed you Ray! On both counts. However, 🙁 I won’t be able to hear your Morning show as I don’t believe it will be able to tune in..as the frequency isn’t available this far north!
Thanks, Suzanne. Anyone from outside the area will be able to listen online. 🙂
Awesome….so happy for you and the people of the surrounding area to be able to listen to you…so wish we could. Congrats and knock em dead. <3 <3
Thank you, Nancy. You WILL be able to listen online and I will explain how to do that before I start.
Congratulations Ray. It we’ll be great hearing your sweet voice on the radio again!!!! Take care of you first and foremost to… Love you
Thank you, Karleen. You were one of the first people I thought about when the position was offered to me … and I Love You, too.
That is great news Ray, so excited for you .. congrats!!! If they are online, I will definitely listen to your show!!! And when you catch those damn flying pigs .. I wanna see a pic!! 😂
Thank you, Penny. People will be able to listen online and I will make the details on how to do that available when I start.
This is great news, Ray. Never had the pleasure of listening to you on the radio, but looking forward to the on line version.
Thank you, Pat. I hope it will be something you enjoy. 🙂
I KNEW it had something to do with being on the air! (See? I haven’t totally lost it.) How wonderful, Ray, for both you and the town!
Thank you, Mary. I hope this doesn’t end up disappointing everyone! 😉
WOW!! How cool is that?? You know if you do something you love, you never work a day in your life! That you are so awesome at what you love and are receiving recognition has to feel amazing! Your fans will be thrilled!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks, Donna. I should never have left.
Congratulations Ray!!
This news makes me smile since I know it’s like your best medicine! And your listeners will smile too!
Good for you🎧
Nancy, thank you.
You have ALWAYS been behind everything I’ve ever attempted. I will never be able to repay you!
How wonderful. You have one of the best radio voices I’ve ever heard (and I’ve been around for awhile) plus you “know a thing or two about a thing or two” to quote a current commercial.
Best of everything to you and your listeners.
Liz, thank you so very much.
The voice may not be quite what it was but getting the chance to use it on the air (to talk about things that matter) is going to be a joy!
So very happy for you Ray. It is pretty clear up here even where the surf breaks that this is awesome for you and your listening audience. Will you be playing oldies? Enjoy my friend.
Thanks, Coach. You will be able to listen online. 🙂
Right now, playing “oldies” is the final bone of contention. The station owner says music from the 60s and 70s doesn’t fit his format so he would prefer I stick to songs from the 80s and 90s. I have managed to get him to concede (at least a little) on the subject but I still have a long way to go.
Congratulations Ray.
I’m thinking I understand your questioning all of us about our music of choice…I think we proved most enjoyed 60’s and 70’s. 80’s were fine but I don’t recall anyone saying they preferred the 90’s…of course I could be wrong…perhaps the station owner put in his 2 cents…tee hee 😉
I hope you enjoy your on air times again.
Eileen … My question was an attempt to show the station owner that by playing just the late 80s and the 90s, he was missing a huge chunk of listeners. The results did show him that the 60s and 70s were still viable so when “Heather & Ray” return in January (on Saturday mornings), we will be playing music from those two incredible decades (and we might even sneak in some tunes from the 50s, too) 🙂
Awesome!You can do this…”Dare to dream…and believe”
Thank you, Donna. It has been a dream to return for the last 12 years. It is going to be a blast again! 🙂