Raymond Christopher Cokes, a notable individual, came into this world on February 24, 1958. His father, an esteemed officer in the Royal Navy, played a significant role in the family's life, as they were frequently relocated to various naval bases around the globe.
As Cokes entered his teenage years, the family made the decision to return to Britain, permanently settling down when he was just 15 years old.
At the tender age of twenty, Cokes made the bold decision to relocate to the culturally rich and vibrant nation of Belgium, where he embarked on a series of diverse employment ventures, including the role of a disc jockey on a local radio station. This stint as a DJ on the radio station proved to be a pivotal moment in Cokes' professional journey, as it ultimately led to a coveted position as a music presenter on the esteemed Belgian national television channel, RTBF. In 1982, Cokes had the privilege of presenting the popular television show Rox Box, a program that no doubt showcased his exceptional presenting skills and passion for music.
As Cokes' fame continued to escalate, they began to make appearances on various music video platforms, including Sky Channel and Music Box. This surge in popularity ultimately led to a coveted opportunity when MTV Europe launched in 1987, allowing Cokes to take on the esteemed role of video jockey, frequently co-presenting alongside the charismatic Marcel Vanthilt.
Between the years of 1992 and 1995, Cokes had the privilege of hosting a truly exceptional television series, MTV Europe's live broadcast, aptly titled "MTV's Most Wanted". This daily show, which garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards, soon rose to become the most popular program on the channel, thanks to its innovative and captivating "zoo TV" format.
Following a two-month hiatus, MTV made the bold decision to invest in a grand, one-time-only extravaganza, dubbed X Ray Vision, in an effort to revive their programming and captivate their audience. This ambitious project took the crew on location to the vibrant city of Hamburg, Germany, where a local journalist had hinted that the renowned punk band Die Toten Hosen would be performing a live set. However, the excitement and anticipation of the fans were left unfulfilled, as the band instead made a surprise appearance on screen, leaving a trail of disappointment and anger in their wake.
Notably, the illustrious career of Ray Cokes was brought to a premature close by a decision made in the interest of crew safety, resulting in a nine-year stint at MTV coming to an abrupt end. Subsequently, the European arm of MTV underwent a significant restructuring, with localized versions emerging. In the following year, 1994, Cokes took to the music scene once more, releasing a single under the moniker Ray Cokes & the Sex Gods, aptly titled "Simply Sexy!".
Chris Cokes' professional journey began with a serendipitous encounter with Chris Evans while working on the popular MTV program, Most Wanted. This chance meeting led to an opportunity for Cokes to join the original Virgin 1215 radio station in the UK, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Subsequently, he took on the role of presenter for the second series of Channel Four's highly acclaimed TV show, Wanted. His impressive performance in this capacity laid the groundwork for future endeavors.
From 2005 to 2009, Cokes went on to present the French television station France 4's program, En Direct. This notable achievement not only showcased his versatility as a presenter but also his ability to adapt to different formats and audiences.
Cokes played a pivotal role as the master of ceremonies for the White Concert, a live music extravaganza that took place in Horsens, Denmark, in November 2008. This extraordinary event was staged to commemorate the 40-year anniversary of the Beatles' iconic White Album, a groundbreaking album that has left an indelible mark on the music world.
