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Alton Ellis Obituary
Officials at Hammersmith Hospital said Ellis died "peacefully" Friday and that his family did not wish to release further details. He had been hospitalized for several weeks.
In a tribute to Ellis posted on its Web site, Trojan Records on Saturday mourned "the passing of a reggae legend" and said Ellis had been suffering lymphatic cancer. He collapsed during a club performance in London in August and never recovered his health, the record company said.
Ellis was known as "the Godfather of rocksteady" and enjoyed a string of hits in Jamaica during the very early days of reggae.
At the beginning of his career, he had several hits while fronting the vocal group "The Flames," including "Dance Crasher," "I'm Just a Guy" and "Sunday Coming."
He began his career in t he late 1950s, before Jamaican music had earned a worldwide following, and recorded for many local producers before launching his own All-tone label.
Ellis moved to Canada and then to England in the 1970s as his career went into decline, but he returned to popularity in the last 15 years because of a rocksteady trend in Jamaica and Europe.
Ellis is survived by his wife and more than 20 children.
Funeral plans were not immediately announced.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
16 Entries
Jen Robinson
July 30, 2016
Good bye my freind
Rasta Girl
May 5, 2016
Never knew rock steady could sound so good. I am now a huge fan of Alton Ellis O D. I have just purchased an album by the great man dated 1970 and can't wait until I receive it in the post. His song willow tree brings years to my eyes. Voice of an angel. I watched his concert with his son Christopher in 2008. It was so moving the way he helped his father knowing he was ill. Christopher if you read this you are a great son and the the respect you have for your dad is pleasing to see. You carry the baton for your da. Respect Alton! I am now a true fan and will be eternally. R.I.P.
November 4, 2014
Rest in peace Alton you were one of true legends .R.Menzies
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Paul McD. Hines
May 23, 2013
I grew up in the 1960's with the magnificent ROCK-STEADY maestro.I still play those great hits in my car nearly a half of a century later.
...Paul McD. Hines
trevor robinson
October 16, 2008
god bless you alton. thanks for the music. i will never forget you.
Michael Mendoza
October 14, 2008
A Great Man and a Great Singer. I only got to see you once, but I had a awesome time at the show in Hollywood. I had Great time drinking and dancing to your music. And I will continue to drink and dance to your music. SHARP for LIFE
Philip Mascoll
October 14, 2008
Sing on forever Alton ... you are only sleeping. I have only to turn on my system or go to a dance and your voice pours out. Your impact on my generation of Jamaicans and Rocksteady lovers cannot be measured. To The World !!
Clark Coleman
October 13, 2008
I am deeply saddened by Alton's passing. There isn't a week that goes by where I do not listen to Alton Ellis. He will truly be missed.
Tom Smith
October 13, 2008
Thanks for the music and the impact on reggae. You leave many dear love ones and fans with wonderful memories. Despite his tragic lost there is still a reason for hope. Jesus said at John 5:28, 29 "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life." What a wonderful time it will be when all families and friends are reunited until perfect conditions.
Henryk Zaleski
October 12, 2008
Rest in peace and thank you for the music.
D. ZIMMERMAN
October 11, 2008
REST IN PEACE ALTON ELLIS
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