Michelle
ALTON NEHEMIAH ELLIS, OD, also known as one of the innovators of rocksteady, was born September 1, 1938, and grew up in the Trench Town District. Alton came from a musical family and learned to play the piano at an early age. In school, he excelled in music and sports.
Alton loved to dance and competed in the Opportunity Hour. Having won many competitions, he turned to sing. In 1959, Alton partnered with Eddy Perkins and formed a duo, Alton & Eddy. That same year they recorded a song that was written by Alton “Muriel” this song became a hit for the pair. After much recognition for their single that was produced by the late Coxsone Dodd, they went on to record a few more songs at Studio One and for Vincent Chin on Randy’s label. After that, Perkins left for the United States, and Alton remained in Jamaica.
When Alton was laid off of his job, he took his music career more seriously and formed a new duo with John Holt. When Holt moved joined The Paragons, Alton formed another group and called them The Flames. The group consisted of his brother Leslie Ellis, David “Baby G” Gordon, and Winston Jarrett. Alton recorded songs for Treasurer Isle, like “Girl I’ve Got a Date,” “Cry Tough,” and “Rock Steady,” which were all big hits.
During the late ’60s and early ’70s, recorded to big hits “Deliver Us” and “Back To Africa.” In 1967 he toured England with Ken Boothe and Studio One’s band called Soul Vendors. Around this same time, Alton began to produce his records, including “My Time Is The Right Time” and “The Message.”
In 1972, Alton made his base in England. From the 1980s up to the 2000’s he continued to record and perform regularly. 2004, he was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaica government in recognition of his achievements. 2006, he was inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame that was kept in New York at the Apollo Theatre. In December 2007, Alton was admitted to a hospital in London, England for treatment – cancer of the lymph glands. After receiving chemotherapy, Alton returned to performing.
On Wednesday, October 8, 2008, news was circulating saying that Alton was hospitalized, the following day the report then stated that he had passed. Alton died on October 10, 2008, at the Hammersmith Hospital in West London, England of cancer. He was the older brother of the late Hortense Ellis and the father of more than twenty children, including Lovella Ellis and Christopher Ellis, who are both reggae singers in the UK. A service was held in the celebration of his life on November 3rd, 2008, in attendance: his family, music industry insiders, fans, and government ministers. Tribute performances came from Ken Boothe, Judy Mowatt, Carlene Davis, George Nooks, and Tinga Stewart, to name a few.
To Lovella, Christopher AND other siblings this one is for you all:
To me, your father, Alton N. Ellis, OD, was a musical giant. He truly touched our hearts in the reggae world. I feel very honored to have known him and thoroughly enjoyed his company whenever he visited the studio while he was here in New York.
To all who loved this man and his music, I say keep the fire burning. Alton might be gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Alton’s work:
Releases
1967
Mr Soul Of Jamaica
Sings Rock and Soul
1969
The Best Of
1970
Sunday Coming
1973
Greatest Hits [aka Cry Tough]
1977
Still In Love
1979
A Love To Share
197X
Showcase
Soul Groover
197X-8X
Slummin’
1980
Mr Ska Bean’a (Alton Ellis & The Heptones)
1983
A New Day
Daydreaming
1984
25th Silver Jubilee
1985
Continuation
Jubilee Volume 2
[Date unknown]
Alton & Hortense Ellis At Studio 1 [Alton & Hortense Ellis]
Compilations
All My Tears [1965-68]
Alton Ellis Sings, Heptones Harmonise [Alton Ellis & The Heptones – 1978-80]
Arise Black Man [1968-78]
Be True To Yourself [196X-7X]
Get Ready For Rock Reggae Steady [1967-74]
Many Moods Of Alton Ellis [1978-80]
My Time Is The Right Time [1966-71]
Reggae Valley Of Decision [197X]
Productions
Alton Ellis – 25th Silver Jubilee [1984]
Alton Ellis – Jubilee Volume 2 [1985]
Alton Ellis & Heptones – Mr Ska Bean’a [1980]
Appears on
14 Carat Gold
I’ll Be Waiting
17 North Parade
Too Late
A Place Called Africa
Going Back To Africa
True Born African
Adventures In Dub
Big Bad Boy (Version)
All My Tears
Can’t Stand It
All Shook Up
Love Letters
Alton & Hortense Ellis At Studio 1
I’m Still In Love With You
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Lord Deliver Us
Can’t Get Used To Losing You
When I’m Down
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Live And Learn (Extended Mix)
You Said It Again
The Picture Was You
Can’t Get Used To Losing You
I’ll Be Waiting
I’ll Be Waiting
Wide World
Wide World
The Picture Was You
Lord Deliver Us
You Said It Again
When I’m Down
Am I Black Enough For You
Black Man’s Word
Aquarius Rock
Alton’s Official Daughter (Version 1)
Alton’s Official Daughter (Version 2)
Arise Rootsman
Black Man’s Pride
At Randy’s
Rum Bumper’s
Ba Ba Boom Duke Reid
Willow Tree
Breaking Up
Baba Boom Time
How Can I
Babylon Burning
Ain’t That Loving
Ballistic Sureshots
Im Still In Love With You
Best Of Studio 1
Can I Change My Mind
Can I Change My Mind
Best Of Vintage
Get Ready, Rock Steady (New Style)
Blue Beat Special
Let Him Try
Boom Shaka Lacka
Remember That Sunday
Burning Up Vol 1
Telephone Line
I Love You
Catch This Beat
Shake It
Chi Chi Run
Since I Fell For You
Christmas Greetings From Studio 1
Praise Jah It’s Christmas
Clancy Eccles Presents His Reggae Revue
Bye Bye Love
Feeling Inside
Come Back Darling
Soul Groover
I’ll Be Waiting
It’s Your Thing
Come Rock With Me In Jamaica
Willow Tree
I Can’t Stand It
Love Letters
Creation Rockers
Dance Crasher
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Current Artists At Studio 1 Vol 1
Keep On Shining
Dance Crasher
Dance Crasher
Darker Than Blue
It’s A Shame
DJ Andy Smith Presents Trojan Document
Rock Steady
Drifting With Mudies All Stars & The Rhythm Rulers
I’m Hoping
Duke Reid Rock’s Steady
Rock Steady
Girl I’ve Got A Date
Cry Tough
All My Tears (Come Rolling)
Duke Of Earl
Why Birds Follow Spring
Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
Duke Reid’s Treasure Chest
Can’t Stand It
Lala Means I Love You
Cry Tough
Girl I’ve Got A Date (Alt. Vers.)
Fire Down Below
What Does It Take
For Lovers And Rockers Vol 1
I’m Still In Love With You
Gay Jamaica Independence Time
Puping In
What Does It Take
Gems From Treasure Isle
Rock Steady
Get Ready To Rock Steady
Never Love Again
Golden Rockers
Room Full Of Tears
Good Times Skank
All We Need Is Love
Heptones & Friends Vol 2
Knock On Wood
Here Comes The Duke
Laba Laba Reggae
Hidden Treasures Vol 2
Still Trying
History Of Trojan Records 1972-95
All That We Need Is Love
Hot Bomb
Loving Mood
Lend Me An Hear
Hottest Hits
Cry Tough
Hottest Hits Vol 2
Girl I’ve Got A Date
La La Means I Love You
Hottest Hits Vol 3
Remember That Sunday
In Memoriam
Knock On Wood
Jamaica Today The Seventies
The People
Can’t Get Used To Losing You
Jamaican Memories
A Fool
Jump Jamaica Way
Yours
Just My Imagination Vol 4
What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)
Lee’s Gold Vol 1
Can I Change My Mind
Love Is All I Had
Love Letter
Remember That Sunday
Love Is All I Had
Why Did You Leave Me
Love Letters
Remember That Sunday
Mark Lamarr Presents Nuclear Weapon
Chickeroo
We’re Going Rollin’
Midnight Confessions
Why Did You Leave
Remember That Sunday
Love Letters
Mojo Rocksteady
Whipping The Prince
Moonwalk
Remember That Sunday
More Souled On Reggae
What Does It Take To Win Your Love
Natural Reggae
Can I Change My Mind
Nice Up The Dance
Can I Change My Mind
Nu-Beat’s Greatest Hits
La La Means I Love You
Oldies But Goodies
Muriel
Oldies But Goodies Vol 2
I Know It All
Oldies Greatest Hits
Can I Change My Mind
Original Club Ska
Yakety Yak
Original Jamaican Classics vol 3
Can I Change My Mind
Dance Crasher
Pablo & Friends
Someday
Party Time At Studio 1
Can I Change My Mind
Pirates Choice
A Fool
R. Zee Jackson Presents ”The People’s Showcase”
Jamaican Daughter
Randy’s 50th Anniversary
Like A Dream
Mouth A Massy
Rum Bumpers
Too Late To Turn Back Now
Ranking Miss P Presents Sweet Harmony
Rock Steady
Ready Steady Go Rock Steady
My Time Is The Right Time
The Message
Rebel Music Vol 2
I’ll Be Waiting
Reggae Classics – Serious Selections Vol 1
Mr Ska Beena
Reggae Jamboree
I’m Hoping
Reggae Love Songs
Telephone Line
Reggae Love Songs Vol 2
And I Love Her
Reggae Revolution
No Man Is Perfect
Respect To Studio 1
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Revolution Rock
Dance Crasher
Rock Steady Cool
Bye Bye Love
La La Means I Love You
Rough And Tough
Dance Crasher
Shades Of Hudson
Bad Boy
Simply Reggae
Willow Tree
La La Means I Love You
Breaking Up
Ska Bonanza
My Heaven
Solid Gold
I’ll Be Waiting
Soul For Sale
Breaking Up
Soul Power
It’s Your Thing
Souled On Reggae
Telephone Line
Sound System Rockers
Play It Cool
Sounds And Pressure Vol 3
Too Late
Sounds Of Jamaica Top Ten
You Make Me Happy
You Said It Again
Sounds Of The Seventies
Too Late To Turn Back Now
Sounds Of Young Jamaica
Im Just A Guy
Im Still In Love
Streets Of Ska
My Heaven
Studio 1 Classics – Roots
African Descendants
Studio 1 Showcase Vol 1
Almost Anything
Studio 1 Showcase vol 3
I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
Studio Kinda Cloudy
Big Bad Boy
Studio One Classics
I’m Just A Guy
Studio One Discomix
You Make Me So Very Happy
Studio One Dub Vol 2
Live & Dub
Studio One Funk
African Descendants
It’s A Shame
Studio One Kings
The Well Run Dry
Studio One Lovers
Let Him Try
Studio One Roots
Blackish White
Studio One Roots Vol 3
Oppression
Studio One Soul
I Don’t Want To Be Right
Studio One Story
I’m Still In Love With You
Sufferer’s Choice
Deliver Us To Africa
Tapper Zukie Presents Proud to Be Black
We A Feel It
The Best Of Studio One Collection
Can I Change My Mind
The Birth Of Trojan
Ain’t That Lovin’ You
Why Birds Follow Spring
The Bunny Lee Rocksteady Years
Loving Mood
The Bunny Striker Lee Story
I’ve Got Love
The Grove Reggae Collection
It’s Hard To Be A Lover
The Heptones & Friends vol 1&2
Knock On Wood
The Hudson Affair
Big Bad Boy
You Are Mine
The Lovely Dozen
Diana
The Park Is Mine
Play It Cool
The Trojan Story
Rock Steady
The Trojan Story Vol 1&2
Rock Steady
Big Bad Boy
(I Don’t Know Why) Truly
This Is Reggae Music
Cry Tough
Rocksteady
This Is Reggae Vol 2
Denver
Back To Africa
Deliver Us
This Is Reggae vol 3
Blackman’s Pride
Tighten Up Vol 1
I Can’t Stand It
Tighten Up Vol 4
Going Back To Africa
Tougher Than Tough
Girl I’ve Got A Date
Treasure Isle Presents Tribute To Peckings
Why Did You Leave
I’m Just A Guy
Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set
And I Love Her
Trojan Christmas Box Set
Merry Merry Christmas
Trojan Jamaican Hits Box Set
Big Bad Boy
Trojan Jamaican Superstars Box Set
Rascal Man
Better Must Come
Baby I Need Your Loving
Pretty Girl
My Baby Is Gone
Living In The Footsteps
It’s A Shame
Soul Groover
Big Bad Boy
You’ve Made Me So Very Happy
Lord Deliver Us
Give Me Your Love
Truly
What Does It Take To Win Your Love
I Am Still In Love With You
Trojan Legends Box Set
Life Is Down In Denver
Trojan Lovers Box Set
I’ll Be Waiting
Trojan Lovers Rock Box Set
Telephone Line
I’m Still In Love With You
Trojan Mod Reggae Box Set Vol 2
Dance Crasher
Trojan Motor City Box Set
You’ve Made Me So Very Happy
What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)
It’s A Shame
Trojan Reggae Brothers Box Set
Room Full Of Tears
Trojan Reggae Chill Out Box Set
Rock Steady
Trojan Reggae Duets Box Set
Why Did You Leave
Remember That Sunday
Trojan Rocksteady Box Set
Rocksteady
All My Tears
Trojan Roots and Culture Box Set
The Children Are Crying
Trojan Rude Boy Box Set
Dance Crasher
The Preacher
Blessings Of Love
Cry Tough
Trojan Selecta Vol 6
Rock Steady
Trojan Selecta Vol 7
Ain’t That Loving You
Trojan Ska Box Set
Blessings Of Love
Girl I’ve Got A Date
Trojan Ska Rarities Box Set
You Are The One To Blame
Trojan Suedehead Reggae Box Set
Play It Cool (Aka Rock On Time)
Version Galore
Girl I’ve Got A Date
Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
Version Studio
Experience
When Rhythm Was King
Mad Mad
Work Your Soul
Girl I’ve Got A Date (Soul Version)
Your Ace From Space
Ain’t That Loving You
As a musician
Vocals
Alton Ellis – 25th Silver Jubilee [1984]
Alton Ellis – A Love To Share [1979]
Alton Ellis – All My Tears [1965-68]
Alton Ellis – Daydreaming [1983]
Alton Ellis – Jubilee Volume 2 [1985]
Alton Ellis – Many Moods Of Alton Ellis [1978-80]
Alton Ellis – My Time Is The Right Time [1966-71]
Alton Ellis & Heptones – Alton Ellis Sings, Heptones Harmonise [1978-80]
Alton & Hortense Ellis – Alton & Hortense Ellis At Studio 1
D. Witter – Mawamba Dub (Warrior) [1978]
Soul Vendors – On Tour
Percussions
Alton Ellis – Many Moods Of Alton Ellis [1978-80]
