REMEMBERING RAY CHRISTENSEN (1924-2017)
Ray Christensen was a legendary American sportscaster whose voice became synonymous with Minnesota sports, particularly through his five-decade tenure as the play-by-play announcer for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Christensen’s broadcasting career began in 1946 at the university's radio station, KUOM. He started calling Gopher football games in 1951 and basketball games in 1956. In 1963, he joined WCCO Radio, where he expanded his role to include news, interviews, and a daily classical music segment called "Musing on Music." Over his career, he called approximately 510 Gopher football games and 1,309 basketball games, earning him the title "Voice of the Gophers." Beyond college sports, Christensen also broadcast games for professional teams, including the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and Minneapolis Lakers.
In recognition of his contributions, the University of Minnesota honored Christensen with a banner in Williams Arena—the only one for a non-athlete or coach—and established an athletic scholarship in his name.
Christensen passed away in 2017 at the age of 92.
WCCO RADIO - RAY CHRISTENSEN AIRCHECKS:
- 1960s - On The Go
- 1977 - Gopher Football - Gophers Beat Michigan
- 1981 - Gopher Football - Gophers Upset Ohio State
- 1987 - Darrell Thompson's 98 Yard TD Run
- 1990s - Gopher Football - Story of Floyd of Rosedale
- 1990 - Gopher Basketball
- 1991 - Newscast
- 1992 - Gopher Football - Look Back at Gopher Rose Bowl Win
- 1994 - Gopher Basketball - Gophers Beat Iowa
- 1997 - Gopher Basketball - Gophers Clinch Big 10 Title
- 1999 - Gopher Basketball - Gophers Upset Indiana
- 2017 - Ray Christensen Tribute- Dave Lee, Mike Lynch, Former Newsmen, Bruce Hagevik and Steve Murphy, Dave Mona, former Gopher Athletic Director Mark Dienhart and others remember Ray Christensen
WCCO-AM (830): Ray Christensen interviewed about his Golden Memories book by Dave Lee and Ruth Koscielak on November 7, 1993. Ray's co-writer, Stew Thornley, was also in the studio. The recording includes a news update with Telly Mamayek and listener calls. - 16 MB (provided by Keith Schad)
RAY CHRISTENSEN'S LIFE STORY IN HIS OWN WORDS
This recording features Ray Christensen telling his life story in his own words. Released in 1995, it’s the audio version of his Golden Memories autobiography. In this engaging first-person account, Ray reflects on his remarkable life—from his childhood, to his military service in World War II, including landing on Omaha Beach just four days after D-Day. He also discusses his education at the University of Minnesota and his work as music director at KUOM. Highlights include calling his first Gopher football broadcast in 1951, becoming the iconic voice of Gopher Sports, and much more. This recording offers a rare and personal glimpse into the life and career of one of Minnesota broadcasting’s most respected voices. With permission from co-author Stu Thornley, RadioTapes is pleased to make this 60-minute copyrighted recording available.
Ray Christensen interview on Gopher Sports Update produced by the MN Broadcasters Association that aired on May 28, 2008. (provided by Matt Nelson
MANY MORE RAY CHRISTENSEN AIRCHECKS can be heard on the SPORTS page.
COVERAGE OF RAY CHRISTENSEN'S PASSING:
WCCO-TV Report 2/6/2017
KMSP-TV Report 2/6/2017
