Orlando, Fla. (April 2, 2026) — For more than three decades, Kayonne Riley has been the voice guiding Central Florida through the world of jazz, a trusted companion for listeners and someone who has devoted her career to the music she loves. From the first note on air to the final encore in the studio, she has built deep connections with audiences and helped create a lasting home for jazz in the region.
This April, during Jazz Appreciation Month, WUCF is honoring Riley as she retires, inviting the community to celebrate her career and support the station’s next chapter.
To celebrate her impact, WUCF has launched the Kayonne Riley Legacy Fund, giving listeners a chance to honor her decades of work while supporting jazz programming for the future. Those who wish to honor Riley’s legacy and support the future of jazz on WUCF can make a gift at wucf.org/legacyfund.
Every contribution helps ensure that the music, stories and connection she has championed for decades continue to inspire and bring our community together.
Riley’s journey in public radio began in 1986 at KAMU-FM in College Station, Texas, where she directed programming, hosted jazz and classical shows, and produced local arts features.
When she arrived at WUCF in 1994, she quickly left her mark. She transformed 89.9 FM into a full-time straight-ahead jazz station, launched a Latin Jazz HD2 channel to reflect Central Florida’s growing communities, and guided major initiatives, from constructing WUCF's broadcast tower to leading the station's digital transition.
In the studio, she brought audiences closer to the music through Live From Studio A, producing more than 200 concerts with jazz greats including Arturo Sandoval, Sam Rivers and Larry Coryell. In addition to hosting on air, she serves as WUCF-FM’s music director and digital and podcast productions director.
Riley was namedJazzWeek’s Programmer of the Year in 2019, and under her leadership WUCF has become one of the most-listened-to jazz broadcast stations in the world. Beyond the station, she performs locally as a guitarist and singer and has taught broadcasting at the University of Central Florida.
"Kayonne doesn't just play jazz, she embodies the spirit of jazz,” said Jennifer Cook, WUCF executive director. “Her vision and creativity have shaped this station and inspired everyone who has worked with her. We are endlessly grateful for her dedication and the legacy she has created here at WUCF."
The spring fund drive, April 6–12, will feature Riley's reflections, special guests and a public challenge match. Contributions will strengthen programming and support local content.
Riley shared her own thoughts: "I feel incredibly lucky to have enjoyed such a long career doing what I love alongside a delightful cast of characters at this remarkable university. Being a part of this community's days, drives and lives has meant everything to me, and I'll be forever grateful for the memories."
As WUCF looks ahead, the station remains committed to keeping WUCF Jazz strong for years to come, with continued focus on its team, programming and service to the community.
Listeners can join in celebrating Riley's legacy through special programming, open house events and on-air tributes leading up to her final broadcast on Friday, May 1 — marking not only the close of an extraordinary career, but a celebration of the jazz community she helped build.
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About WUCF Jazz: With a legacy of 46 years, WUCF Jazz is a listener-supported station broadcasting from the University of Central Florida. WUCF-FM connects audiences with jazz from around the world, highlights local artists and supports the region’s cultural community. To support the Kayonne Riley Legacy Fund or learn more about the spring fund drive, visit wucf.org/listen.
Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199