Remembering Patrick Ellis

WHUR DJ Did More Than Play Music For The Soul

Radio host and DJ Patrick Ellis’ death on July 16 from complications of the coronavirus has legions of fans feeling heartbroken.

His voice filled many homes from 96.3 WHUR-FM radio every Sunday morning between 6 am - 11 am with the Gospel Spirit Show. Since 1979 Ellis spun gospel music - old and new - for his audience. The program was a source of nourishment for the faithful and an introduction to those in search of spiritual guidance. Ellis would come into his listeners’ homes with soul-stirring gospel music and feed them with thoughtful conversation.

But Ellis was not just a host/DJ; his many fans will remember him for other selfless, humanitarian deeds.  This Freedman’s Hospital born, DC native will be remembered for the sense of community he brought to the program. He used his platform for announcements for churches and non-profit events and programs, as well as for raising awareness and providing support for victims of domestic violence.

As an active participant in his community, Ellis worked to provide clothes and food to those in the DC community who were in need and helped care for individuals with cancer.

In an interview with Washingtonian Magazine in 1996, Ellis said, “I’ve come to understand that, like it or not, the Sunday gospel program affects many people. Sometimes people tell me they had walked away from religion, left the church, but came back inspired by some song I played or by something I said. Or they might have heard the experience of another person that I related over the air. They found God again, and again, became active in church…”

Even though the music has ceased to play, Patrick Ellis will be remembered in many hearts and minds as a source of spiritual inspiration.