It turned out to be a bigger day than I ever could have imagined. July 5, 2005 – seventeen years ago today – Streamingoldies stopped being a dream and became a reality.
None of what has happened on this site could ever have 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 – has been an expensive proposition but well worth it even though it wound up costing me thousands in royalty payments for the music I play 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” was the way to go.
I owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone who takes the time to listen to the music or read the history columns, but I must mention several people in particular for their unwavering support; Wendy Plante, Fred Guilmette, Sandy Gaither, Erron Carey, Rose Thow, Donna Parfitt, Jim Waters, Pat Kelley, Nancy McCullough, Lee Gould, Pat Conant, Mary Helen Hawthorne, Penny Capron, Nancy Garbati, Marty Morse, Jane Lemire, Donna Tillson-Bass, Don Doyle, Pete Means, Eileen Corrie, and Jackie Sargent.
And so, seventeen years – and over 14 million hits – later, I remain dedicated to the plan Bob Skold and I brought to life. Rock On!
You are truly a dedicated soul, Ray. The time and effort that you have put into this must truly be rewarding. Bravo! and Thank you!
Jim, it is very rewarding. Thank you for your endless support!
Streamingoldies is a true classic, Ray! Thank you for the hard work and dedication it has taken to provide such a wonderful break from the issues of the day. I truly look forward to the great music of our past that you put together. Many of these songs bring me back to my childhood and a more innocent time. Keep ’em comin’ pal!
Thank you, Pat. I have always appreciated the wonderful support you have given me over the years!
Happy birthday streamingoldies!! Without the dedication and the hard work and all of those many efforts you would’ve never achieved what you set out to do initially, and for that we are so very grateful! Is one of the very few things that I look forward to each time! I’m sure for you 17 years has gone by rapidly in some ways in other ways you’re wondering oh my gosh how could it be 17 years? So does this mean that it’s barely a teenager and that’s why it does such a darn good job? I love it, and I’m so happy to be one of your supporters! Ray, you’re the best! Many more celebrations to come. 🎂🎂❤️
Thank you, Sandy ❤️
Your never ending enthusiasm is one of the things that motivates me. I appreciate so much the way you have responded to my efforts. YOU are the best!
Ray you know how much this site means to me!! Your time and expense has been worth every cent!! This site is you Ray and I love every post you have done!! You have kept the oldies alive and the History lessons are so damn good!! You have always had a love for music and you believe in keeping our History alive in this world not many would do what you have done!! I think back over the years when I would listen to you on the radio and would wonder where that voice of yours came from!! Back from the days of Wall Street til now we have been friends and I will wish you and Streamingoldies a Happy Birthday!! It seems like yesterday Ray!! Thank you for such a great show and you will always be The King of the DJ”S!! Happy Birthday!!
love ya!!
Fred, we have a relationship that has existed for over 60 years. Wall Street was just the beginning! Your upbeat song commentaries have added so much to this site. I love them and clearly, so do so many others. Your support means more than you will ever know.
Love Ya!
Ray, I want to say thank you, for all that you put into this site! It is a wonderful thing that you do, and have devoted to your listeners, I for one always enjoy the music. And have learned along the way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Streamingoldies!
Thank you, Donna ❤️
Your constant support has meant so much to me.
How do you thank a person that has brought music and history into your life on a regular basis, not just music, but our music and all the stories that back it up?
Hoping appreciation is enough of a tribute.
The memories you gave us or reminded us of are ours forever!
And the memories bring back you
Cheers ❤️
Mary Helen, the fact that you are part of all of this is more than enough of a thank you. I have sincerely appreciated every comment, each one of them so eloquent.
Cheers ❤️
Happy Birthday Streamingoldies! I hope you realize how much enjoyment you have provided for so many of us Ray. Your personal and financial commitment continues to bring us to so many memorable times. Today I invited several more friends to share in your gift.
Listing from the Midwest for the rest of July, then from Florida.
Marty, I can’t begin to adequately tell you how much I appreciate your support and the fact that have invited so many people to join! It just seems so much to me!
woohoo .. what a great birthday to celebrate!! Your dedication and time to spread joy thru music is mind blowing ……… not only do you bring so much joy to all of us with all the fabulous music BUT you also make sure the greatest music ever is NOT forgotten! Your medley’s have inspired me, made me laugh, brought back fond memories and most importantly for me has helped me get through some rough periods over the years! Thank you for all you do seems so inadequate but it is all I have so THANK YOU RAY … YOU ROCK!!
Happy Birthday Streamingoldies!!!!!! and to many more …… 🙂
Penny, “thank you” is more than enough. 🥰
We have traveled some rough roads together and if I have ever been a source of a smile or a laugh during those tough moments, I am grateful. You are one hell of a courageous woman! Don’t ever forget that! ❤️
Happy Birthday 🙂 I love this dream of yours that came true !
You are much appreciated….even when I don’t take the time to tell you…I’m here reading and listening 🙂
AS always THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Thank you, Eileen 🥰
Even when you’re silent, I know you’re there. You have ALWAYS been there and I want you to know how much I appreciate it!
It amazes me how dedicated you are! All of the work you do, the money you spend just to help us relive magic moments in our lives! Thank you and Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Donna 🥰
I have said it many times before but it really has been a labor of love. ❤️
Happy Birthday Streamingoldies. I’ve been away for a few days, with inadequate wifi, so started reading your latest post. So happy to have become friends with you, Ray. Love all the music and history lessons and enjoy reading all the comments. Hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation. We have a lot of medleys to listen to while you are away but will miss your comments for sure!
Thank you, Pat 🥰
After reading all the wonderful comments (and more than a few private FB messages), there is no way I am going to stick to my vacation plans. I may pull back on the history lessons but the music medleys are going to keep rolling along. They are who I am and what I do.
You have been a blessing to me.
Wow, so happy to hear this, Ray!!