A listener to my afternoon show on Star 96.7 recently asked about TV legend Ray Rayner. Ray worked in Chicago television, beginning in the 1950’s, but his biggest influence would be to all of us kids growing up in the 60’s and 70’s. Ray was the one who woke us up every weekday as the host of “Ray Rayner & Friends” from 1962 through 1981 on WGN-TV Channel 9.

Ray with Chelveston the Duck and Cuddly Duddly

I was fortunate enough to have met Ray when he was a guest on Fox Thing In The Morning On Channel 32, where I was traffic anchor. What a thrill it was! I still have the picture up in my office.

 Ray passed away from complications caused by pneumonia in 2004.