Remembering Ray Naylor

Remembering Ray Naylor

This month, PhillyCAM shares news of a great loss in our community. In early November, our friend and WPPM radio host Ray Naylor passed away, leaving behind an invaluable legacy. Ray brought incredible live performances, interviews and musical selections to WPPM with his show "Philly Folk Scene" (Thursdays 3-5pm) from March 2018 until his last episode on October 28th, 2021. He was also known at PhillyCAM for producing his TV and YouTube show, "The Performing Songwriter". As a station, we will hold Ray’s memory always and remember his dedication to PhillyCAM, support of local songwriters, and kindness. Friends and fellow songwriters Rusty and Jan will continue “Philly Folk Scene” on WPPM, carrying his spirit forward.

In memory of Ray, from Rusty and Jan:

Ray Naylor was a musician and a life-long advocate for other musicians -- many of whom have gone on to achieve greatness in this unpredictable world of singer-song writing. He was a trail-blazer and always had some new and interesting project that he was working on. When he moved into the world of the internet, he listed all the open mics in the area which was a help to all of us. He also instructed fellow musicians on proper etiquette for performers at open mics.

He was always supportive of Rusty and Jan as he moved into the world of video and eventually radio. He often had us as guests on his shows and when he interviewed us for the Philly Folk Scene on WPPM, we would never have believed that some day he would have the confidence to entrust us with his mission. We would not be where we are today without our friend Ray and while it is a great personal loss to us, it is also a profound loss to the many other musicians within our community who are pursuing their own dreams. He was never full of ego but was still ambitious. He was a kind and gentle mentor and we’ll continue to learn as we remember his example.

Ray's mission lives on in "Philly Folk Scene" with Rusty and Jan on WPPM 106.5 FM, Thursdays 3-5pm.