Ray Ramsay was a primo representative for Quality Records, RCA, and BMG in our market. He would rush the new releases to radio stations and dream up promotional ideas for his artists throughout the decades. He was always generous with us radio mooches. This was the era of radio personalities and record promoters. We worked together on many, many promotions. Ray was greatly responsible for getting the annual B.C. Country Awards show up and running. He was responsible for getting exposure for local talent and he certainly had an ear for music. He launched the career of country singer Ray McAuley and others. Ray and I were big fans of one of his RCA artists, Waylon Jennings.

When I was the morning host on CKWX “Supercountry” Ray would pop in from time to time with new releases. I remember one instance in particular when he brought me a song by country singer Dolly Parton. Jolene became a big seller and helped Dolly to the next step in her illustrious career.

RCA honoured me with a double platinum album in 1978. I helped RCA Toronto put together Elvis – A Canadian Tribute working with Vice-President Ed Preston. It went double platinum in sales in Canada and gold in the U.S. and Australia. Ray presented me with the double discs beautifully framed in the CKWX lobby. Later Ray presented me with the #1 pressing of the CD version in a gorgeous frame. Imagine the thrill it brought me to see it on the wall in Graceland.

Today marks the 37th anniversary of Ray’s hiring at RCA. This dedicated industry professional had a passion for the business and is admired and respected by all of us on the broadcast side and those in the record industry.