Re-broadcast, originally aired May 8, 2026.

Jared pays tribute to beloved friend and fellow WGXC programmer Ray Palmer aka DJ Rockin' Ray, who passed on April 27 just short of his 72nd birthday. From 2013 through 2025 Ray hosted at least 25 radio specials on WGXC, right by Jared's side. Ray's shows featured hundreds of call-ins from friends and family locally and around the country, all demonstrating the power of love, radio, music and togetherness. Ray drew us all into his orbit and elevated us with his personality and purity of spirit and he will be dearly missed.

This tribute program is a hybrid retrospective and live call-in show: It features many magic moments from throughout the years as well as live call-ins remembering Ray. It also includes a previously unaired 2014 interview with Ray and a 2026 song written and performed for Ray by his grandnephew Gabriel Giovanniello.

Ray's obituary: https://ajcunninghamfh.com/tribute/details/3297

After the news at noon, "The Sugar Shack Jukebox" brings decades of funk, R&B, rock, pop, psych, soul, reggae, hip hop, worldwide jams, and more; studio and live cuts, instrumentals, rarities, and album tracks alongside well-loved classics. "The Sugar Shack Jukebox’s" spontaneous and musical bent caters to the heads while keeping it fun for casual listeners of all ages. Call-ins and guests welcome! Live from the Catskill studio. Call in at (518) 622-2598 ext. 3.

Noted enthusiast Jared Widjeskog was locally grown in Stuyvesant, where he lives with his wife and two children. With a deep love for people, music, and the great outdoors, Jared is grateful for the vital role WGXC plays in shaping the future of Columbia and Greene counties through its support of free speech, justice, community connections, and access. He strongly encourages all listeners to support WGXC by clicking Donate and thanks everyone for their participation!

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