Alton Ellis Passed Away
We are saddened with the news that rocksteady legend Alton Ellis passed away last week.He was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 2007 and under went chemotherapy before returning to the stage. He spent this last year doing what he did best, performing . Right up until August of this year his schedule was filled and it was hard to slow him down.
Born in Kingston Jamaica, he was raised in a musically inclined family. He was one of the first vocalist to enter the Jamaican music business and became known for his pure moving soulful voice which was recorded on a series of ska singles for Studio One and revered as "The Godfather Of Rocksteady" with signature tunes such as "Girl I've Got a Date", "Cry Tough" and "Get Ready - Rock Steady". When he covered American R&B hits he made those tunes his own, like it was an all new song.
Every tune he sung you can hear the man pouring out his heart. Alton recorded for some of Jamaica's top producers and even formed his own Alltone label in England where he recorded and produced.
Alton Ellis died on Friday October 10th at Hammersmith Hospital, West London.
He was 70 years old.
His music will not be forgotten and his voice will continue to inspire generations.
His music will always be in our hearts. I remember very well the first time i heard his voice. I think it was the very time i understood what rocksteady trully means.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Mr. Rocksteady
Yeah I know what you mean.
ReplyDeleteI remember thinking yeah thats what its all about right there. He really knew how to capture the moment.
A great guy, a king passed away....
ReplyDeleteBut if I can notice something (just a little mistake), Alton wasn't born in 1944, but the 1st September 1938.
Yes, he was 70.
R.I.P Mister Alton.