Ray Lane, Beloved Voice of Detroit Sports, Dies at 95

Detroit has lost a legend. Ray Lane, the iconic broadcaster whose voice became part of the Motor City’s soundtrack, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the age of 95. According to his family, Lane’s death followed complications after a recent fall at his Farmington Hills home.

A Voice That Defined Detroit

For many Detroiters, sports weren’t just about the games—they were about the voices that carried those games into living rooms, garages, and car radios. Lane’s smooth delivery and encyclopedic knowledge made him one of those trusted voices.

Most fans first remember him alongside Ernie Harwell on Detroit Tigers broadcasts from 1967 to 1972, where he painted the picture of summer nights at the ballpark. But baseball was just one chapter of his story.

Beyond Baseball

Lane’s versatility made him a rare gem. He brought Lions football to life on the radio, covered Michigan and Michigan State college games, and was even behind the mic for the Cincinnati Reds. In basketball, his presence was felt in Pistons pre- and postgame shows. And for hockey fans? Lane was the on-air host for Detroit Red Wings coverage from 1985 for 16 seasons, earning him the affectionate nickname “Razor.”

A Career That Endured

Even as the decades rolled on, Lane never truly stepped away from the booth. In the late ’90s and early 2000s, he returned to fill in on Tigers broadcasts, reminding fans why his voice felt like home. His ability to move seamlessly between sports was a testament to both his talent and his deep love for Detroit athletics.

Remembering a Detroit Icon

Ray Lane wasn’t just a broadcaster—he was a part of the fabric of Detroit sports. Whether it was a Tigers pennant race, a Sunday with the Lions, or a Red Wings playoff push, his voice made fans feel like they were right there in the action.

At 95, Lane leaves behind a career and legacy that spanned more than six decades. His passing leaves a void, but his impact will continue to echo through generations of Detroit fans.

Rest easy, Razor. Detroit will never forget your voice.