NYC Radio: Dennis Elsas Reaches 50-Year Milestone

Dennis Elsas

Dennis Elsas marks 50 years on New York radio this month, celebrating a colorful career that has stretched from his first overnight shift at WNEW-FM in July 1971 to his present gigs at WFUV and Sirius/XM, reports Patch.

On Monday, July 12, 2021 at 2 p.m. ET, Elsas will note that landmark anniversary during his afternoon FUV show with a four-hour, all-star special that includes highlights of favorite interviews with artists such as John Lennon, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell as well as songs that define the soundtrack of Dennis's radio career.

"I have been very fortunate to do what I love to do for 50 years, playing rock records on the radio," says Elsas. "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."

Elsas and Friend

In August 2020, Elsas reached his 20-year milestone as a WFUV host, where he continues his daily shift from 2-6 p.m. ET weekdays. He's also on Sirius/XM, anchoring weekends on Classic Vinyl and co-hosting the weekly "Beatles Fab Fourum" on The Beatles Channel. In addition to chats with John Lennon, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell, Elsas's 50th anniversary show on WFUV on July 12 will include some of his favorite conversations from the past five decades with folks like Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, Jerry Garcia, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Mel Brooks, Julian Lennon, Clarence Clemons, Grace Slick, Gregg Allman, and many others.

"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.

Back in April 1971, Elsas sent a letter and demo tape to WNEW-FM program director and DJ Scott Muni, inquiring about openings at that radio station. Although Dennis counts his subsequent first overnight shift on WNEW-FM in July 1971 as his official debut in New York City, he's been on the air far longer. As a student at Queens College in the mid-Sixties, Elsas was one of the founders of the college's station, WQMC. His first professional radio job was at WVOX, a small New Rochelle station, with a weekend evening show he created called "Something Else Again."