This will be the final article I write for this website. A journey which began almost 15 years ago has run its course. Along the way, there have been hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds) of music medleys created and literally over a thousand articles – including “Daily History Lessons” – written.
None of what happened on this site could have ever happened without two men who changed my life; Bob Skold, the creative genius behind the original site, and John Dolan, the Canadian radio legend whose dedication to Streamingoldies inspired me in ways he could never have imagined.
Both of those gentlemen have passed but they will never be forgotten.
The music – the real reason for this site’s creation – was an expensive proposition but well worth it even though it wound up costing me in excess of $40,000 in royalty payments for the music I played here. I realize I could have helped myself by seeking advertising opportunities, but I decided from the very beginning that listeners were inundated with enough commercials elsewhere so listening to music “commercial free” – during both the medleys and the Streamingoldies Stream – was the way to go.
I eventually realized listeners had many other sources of music – Sirius, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora and others – so continuing to put together and then blast out daily 30-minute “Smile Song Medleys” was an exercise in futility.
In addition, I have been “teaching” history for 15 years, and while I have enjoyed it, I also know this is the time to turn in my keys to the classroom. I have never regretted spending the hours it took to compile each article but it had become very clear that reader interest was waning.
That said, I owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone who took the time to read the history columns, but I must mention several people in particular for their unwavering support; Wendy Plante, Barbara Brill, Donna Parfitt, Larry Coughlin, Rob Goodrich, Nancy McCullough, Lee Gould, Pat Conant, Mary Helen Hawthorne, Penny Capron, Fred Guilmette, Nancy Garbati, Marty Morse, Dan Parker, Janice Gilbert, Sandy Gaither, and Rose Thow (who actually came up with the name for the site).
The question has been asked several times so let me assure you that while I may be retiring, the archives to this site will remain active, meaning you can continue to access them as you choose.
In the end, I am quite proud of the accomplishments: over 13 million hits in 15 years and an unbelievable – to me – listeners from 72 countries during the Streamingoldies Stream days.
I deleted my Twitter account a long time ago and while I’m not deleting my Facebook account, I will be inactive for the next 3-4 months. It is time to clear my head and when I do return, it will be in the role of an infrequent and (mostly) quiet observer.
My wish for all of you – as I said every day at the end of the Heather & Ray Show in my long ago radio days – is “peace, love, happiness, and anything else your heart desires.”
Okay, One Final Song
Good luck, good health, peace and a huge thank you for the music.
Thank you, Aleeta. 🙂
Every time I posted a history article involving Canada, I always thought of you.
And the music was my pleasure. 🙂
Be Safe!
Ray, you have been such a “RAY” (pun intended) of sunshine over the years and have been there for me through some of my darkest moments. The history lessons were great lessons, I don’t think anyone is ever too old to learn something new. Through your history lessons, I did that! I have always said and believe that music is both a window to one’s soul as well as sooth the soul. The music you provided over the years was some of the best music in any time period, was wonderful and brought back so many memories. I still go back time to time to listen to some of your music sets. I do hope you get on FB from time to time, let us all know how you are doing and maybe just say hi. You will be greatly missed with you history and music posts as well as occasional commentaries … LOL I am sure this is true for so many others!! Stay well and safe my friend!
Penny, you are so dear to me. I know how difficult life has been for you in the past few years but whether you realize it or not, you have an inner courage that continues to keep you moving forward. I believe Dennis is so proud of you. I know I am.
I will be back … and who knows what I will be then? 😉
Have a great summer!
Ray, where do I begin? I know that I didn’t learn about you for quite some time, and though I’ve been away from Vermont for many many years, each time I would listen to your medleys, I would like to think that I could visualize them coming out of Vermont or in your case New Hampshire. We’ve never met in person, and we may not, but I feel close as a friend. You have such a vast knowledge, and have spent so many thousands of hours working for all of us and our listening pleasure. I will certainly miss seeing Ray Lemire come up. I wish you a wonderful rest, and a wonderful summer, with no demands. Will look forward to hearing from you on FB in the future. All the luck in the whole wide world! Sandy
Thank you, Sandy.
It is true that we have never met (and yes, we may not ever meet) but reading your posts on FB and your comments on my “stuff” has given me the feeling of spending time with a friend. That is rare on Facebook, at least for me. Your eternal optimism is a joy to behold, and I love and admire the way you embrace every sunrise.
Have a splendiferous summer!
I am listening to George Harrison sing as I write this. I have learned so much from Ray– in so many ways. I learned much more history than I would have ever known without reading your daily lessons. I learned to enjoy and respect music and musicians I had never even heard of before. I learned to listen to the lyrics and found they also told a tale of our history …
You worked to make everything you shared interesting and valuable. the combination of information, videos, and pictures was perfect. And you efforts to share knowledge and teach were successful. I will miss all of that Ray.
Most of all I learned that you are a kind and caring soul that I never got to know in school. I am sad for that but glad that I had a second chance … I will miss seeing Streaming Oldies pop up each day. I hope you enjoy your summer’s rest and return with vigor in the fall. It wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t Ray. Do take care and Rock Each and Every Day!
Barbara, there are times you can almost move me to tears. Today is one of those times. Your eloquent “thank you” is another example of your incredible way with words. You have inspired me in more ways than you can imagine. You came as close as anyone could to make me change my mind and stay. Be proud of that.
I will return in some form in the fall; perhaps a quiet visitor or maybe, just maybe, I will reinvent myself again!
Rock It!
I second everything the ladies above said. I have enjoyed the history lessons, and especially the music medleys. I am so glad we will still be able to access them, because I lost my ear buds & have not listened much this winter(no privacy). Anyhow, hope you have a wonderful summer. Stay safe & healthy.
Thank you, Pat. You have been a treasured follower of everything I have attempted to do on this site. I will never forget your many kindnesses.
Stay safe and have a lovely summer.
It is with sadness that I hear you need to retire from this overwhelming challenge that you poured your heart into over these past many years.
The music is and has been like no other and the history lessons so full of reminders of past and present.
We appreciate all you have shared with us and know you will always be available for a history question or a much needed tune.
Good luck, stay safe and well and remember your readers and listeners are always here for you. 😥🧡🙂
Thank you, Patty. 🙂
We have been friends for so long (64 years!) and I have always cherished that. You are an incredibly strong woman and you possess such a such strong faith. Your parents, God bless them both, raised you well.
Stay safe, my dear friend.
All the different things you’ve done on this site over the last 15 years have one thing in common….they all have a piece of your heart and soul behind them. I’m proud and feel fortunate to have been present for all of it! 15 years of history lessons, trivia, games, dots 🙂 , and of course, the music. All the smiles, so many smiles 🙂 ! The Streamingoldies Stream was fantastically incredible and I’ll always admire how you stayed true to your ideals for how to present it. The countless and amazingly smooth medleys will be another thing I come back for along with keeping my history sharp. I’ve enjoyed “meeting” others through this site over the years too 🙂 . 13 MILLION hit from 72 COUNTRIES!!!! Never doubt the impact Streamingoldies has made around the WORLD!!!! We all wish the same wish for you: peace, love, happiness, and anything else your heart desires! You are so worthy of all the good things! I don’t think you could have picked a better song as you say farewell. It’s been an amazing ride…there really are no words to describe just how much so…I’ve loved all of it and I love you SO MUCH! So proud of your accomplishments and dedication, as well as being your daughter (and #1 fan!)! With that, I will use my original Streamingoldies user name as I, too, sign off. 🙂 XOXOXOXO
When I saw that Daddy’s Girl, it hit me like a ton of bricks. What a wonderful memory!
Dots! Another fantastic memory. 🙂
It has been an amazing (and very long) ride. Thanks for sharing it with me.
XOXOXOXO
Well done Ray! You are awesome!! Proud to call you my friend. Miss those radio days with you. Stay well
Thank you, David.
I have always been proud to count you among my closest friends.
That won’t change.
What can I possibly say that hasn’t been said? You are an inspiration. The fact that you kept giving us music at your own expense never occurred to me. Giving with no reward except knowing those that listened were enriched and enlightened. The time you spent researching and relaying history to remind us as mankind and Americans who we are, where we came from and how we have survived . That is dedication again with little reward except knowing that we who read and listened became wiser, more empathetic and grateful for those who died to help us live in a better world. Thank you for being you. Thank you for smiles and tears and memories.
I wish I had known you in high school…I missed out on knowing a truly unique and gifted person.
I wish you love, peace and joy. Enjoy your time, don’t be too serious and keep singing.
God Bless you and your loved ones. I will look for you on FB and will enjoy anything you post.
Donna, thank you for those humbling words. It has all been my pleasure..
As I said to Barbara recently, we all missed opportunities in high school, but thankfully we have made the most of the second chances given to us.
God Bless You
Ray, it has all already been said, all that is left is to say thank you for all you have done and for being the amazing teacher…I learned more from you than in school. I have and will continue to enjoy your music medleys. Please relax, enjoy your time away and please be safe. Hugs!!
Thank you, Nancy. 🙂
You (and the birds) have been another one of my blessings throughout this journey. I have received so many “thank you” comments when in reality I am the one who should be thanking all of you for the encouragement and the many blog comments (over 3,000 in just the past five years) all of you have left. The fact that so many people took the time to express their opinion meant SO MUCH to me!
Be Safe (and Hugs Back At You) 🙂
Ray there comes a time in life when it’s time for a change . Your dedication to giving us readers such fantastic history lessons will be missed!! The journey has been fun and reconected some friends we may have forgotten about!! It seems like yesterday we would listen to the Heather and Ray show on the radio!! I must say I will miss your wit and knowing the right songs to play!! I have no problem saying I love you and have been a great friend!! “peace, love, happiness and anything else your heart desires.”
I love you, too, Fred. We go back a long, long way. I don’t suppose either one of us had, at that time, any idea we would both turn out to be so damn good looking! 😉
Be well, Mr. G.
It’s May 5. It’s 2:53 in the afternoon … First Day of Retirement.
Uh Oh
I. Am. Bored. 🙂
I have to confess Ray that I haven’t listened to much of your work, but I know it comes from a place of love. I think I pretty much stopped listening to current “music” after the ’80s. I guess I have become an old fogey.
Thank you for all you have done to maintain a balance.
Take care, be safe and we’ll my Friend.
George, thank you so very much.
By the way, I’m an “old fogey” too. 🙂
Stay Safe, my friend.