Patrick Ellis (radio host) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Ellis
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| Born | May 30, 1943 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Died | July 16, 2020 (aged 77) Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation | Radio show host |
| Employer | WHUR-FM |
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Notable work
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"Gospel Spirit" |
| Notes | |
Patrick Connery Ellis (born May 30, 1943 – died July 16, 2020) was an American radio show host. He also worked as a production director. Patrick Ellis was famous for hosting "Gospel Spirit" for over 40 years on WHUR-FM radio. When he passed away, he was the person who had been on the radio for the longest time in Washington, D.C.
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Early Life and Education
Patrick Connery Ellis was born in Washington, D.C. on May 30, 1943. He was born at Freedman's Hospital. His mom, Ida Delaney Ellis, was a teacher. His dad, Roy Alexander Ellis, worked for the government. Patrick had one brother named Roy M. Ellis.
Patrick went to public schools when he was young. Later, he attended Westminster School in Connecticut. He grew up in the Episcopalian church.
Discovering Gospel Music
Patrick first heard gospel music when he was a boy. He walked past a church and heard "drums and tambourines and people singing and shouting." His relatives took him to see Shirley Caesar and the Caravans perform. This show at the Apollo Theater made him truly love gospel music. As a child, Patrick also listened to a local radio host named DJ Lord Fauntleroy Bandy.
College Years
After finishing Westminster, Patrick went to Howard University. He studied communications there. In 1971, he started volunteering at WHUR-FM. This was Howard University's own radio station. He became a full-time staff member at the station in 1975. In 1977, he earned his bachelor's degree from Howard.
Radio Career Highlights
In 1979, Patrick Ellis was asked to host a gospel show. The program director, Jesse Fax, gave him this opportunity. He started hosting "Sunday Morning Gospel." This was a four-hour gospel music show that aired every Sunday.
To learn more about gospel music, Patrick visited local stores. He went to religious record stores and bookstores. He would listen to customers talk about music to learn what was popular.
The "Gospel Spirit" Show
Patrick said his show offered a "spiritual transfusion" during the week. He wanted to help churchgoers feel uplifted. During the show, he also shared his own faith journey. He made announcements for local charities and churches. He also hosted fundraisers to help people. These fundraisers supported efforts to feed the hungry and care for cancer patients.
In 1986, Patrick became the production director for WHUR-FM. By 1989, his radio show was called "Gospel Spirit." It had about 64,000 listeners each week. It was often the most popular show at the station. That year, a special party celebrated the show's anniversary. Famous gospel artists like BeBe and CeCe Winans performed. Important people like Jesse Jackson also attended.
In 1999, Prince George's County, Maryland honored Patrick Ellis. They gave him a special award for his work.
In June 2020, Patrick finished building a radio studio at his home in Annapolis. He hosted his last "Gospel Spirit" shows from this new home studio. One of his favorite gospel songs was "Take Away" by Yolanda Adams. He also loved a song by Luther Barnes.
Personal Life and Passing
Patrick Ellis was married and had two daughters. His daughters were named Susan Cooper and Adina Ellis Cato. In 1999, he married Angela Green. They lived in Mitchellville, Maryland.
In June 2020, Patrick Ellis was hospitalized. He had COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. He passed away from complications of the virus. He died at an Annapolis hospital on July 16, 2020.
