Elsas Marks 50th Radio Anniversary
• Renowned air personality Dennis Elsas celebrates 50 years on New York radio this month, celebrating a colorful half-century career that has stretched from his first overnight shift at the legendary WNEW-FM/New York back in July 1971 to his present gigs — afternoon drive at Fordham University’s WFUV, where he marks his 21st anniversary next month, and SiriusXM, where he anchors weekends on Classic Vinyl and co-hosts the weekly Beatles Fab Fourum on The Beatles Channel.
On Monday, July 12, at 2pm ET, Elsas will note that landmark anniversary during his WFUV show with a four-hour, all-star special that includes highlights of favorite interviews with John Lennon, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, Jerry Garcia, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Mel Brooks, Julian Lennon, Clarence Clemons, Grace Slick, Gregg Allman, and many others, as well as songs that define the soundtrack of Elsas’ radio career.
“I have been very fortunate to do what I love to do for 50 years, playing rock records on the radio,” Elsas said. “I didn’t know anything about the business of radio when I started out, but I knew I loved rock music. I listened closely to the pioneering New York DJs who brought me my favorite songs and told me about the artists behind them. I’m proud to continue that legacy.”
“Rock and roll never forgets a legendary disc jockey celebrating 50 years on New York radio, and neither does WFUV,” says WFUV Program Director Rich McLaughlin. “Everyone at the station sends Dennis their warmest congratulations on his anniversary. We’re grateful Dennis has called WFUV his radio home for more than two decades (and counting) of that time. On behalf of the millions of New York radio listeners you’ve reached and inspired over 50 years, thank you, Dennis, for sharing your passion and knowledge of rock music; for championing rock artists that changed our lives; and for connecting with us in an enduring, authentic, and meaningful way.” [Dennis Elsas photo by Gus Philippas for WFUV]
