The Story of Alton Ellis – The Father of Rocksteady

When we talk about some of the most legendary artists in the Jamaican music industry, we definitely can't miss mentioning Alton Ellis. Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1938, Ellis is known as the Father of Rocksteady and is considered an important pillar of the reggae music movement. Throughout his career, he produced multiple hit albums and his music continues to inspire generations even today. In this post, we'll look at his beginnings, his most famous albums, his influences and popular songs.

Ellis' started his musical career at the age of fourteen when he joined a vocal group named The Cavaliers. The group member split up and Ellis later formed his own band alongside Eddie Perkins, called The Flames. The band released multiple singles, most of them were a great hit however, it was the single ‘Muriel’ that put him under the spotlight. This brought him a contract with Studio One in 1965, followed by multiple successful albums such as Sings Rock and Soul, More Alton Ellis, and Cry Tough. They established Ellis' name in the local music market and expanded his reach to the international stage.

Ellis was an influential figure of Jamaican music, particularly for the Rocksteady sub-genre. Apart from his phenomenal vocal ability, he was an accomplished songwriter and producer as well. His music influences were a blend of American R&B and soul music merged with the Caribbean rhythm. Ellis's music's most notable feature is the ability to convey heartfelt expressions, as prevalent in his lyrics that touched people's hearts.

In 1979, Ellis recorded the album Still In Love with London-based reggae producer J. R. Bailey. Again, this was a huge hit and became one of his most successful albums. The title track Still In Love was the most successful song on the album and has since transcended time to become one of his most iconic songs up to date. It’s one of those songs that continue to resonate with fans of reggae music.

Ellis produced music until the early 2000s when his heart ailment seriously slowed down his career. He passed away in 2008 but his music continues to gain fans worldwide. To date, a lot of his works have been remastered and re-released, and his impact on reggae music is continuously celebrated.

Alton Ellis's legacy is significant and his music continues to serve as inspiration to many musicians even today. His contribution to Jamaican music cannot be understated. Not only was he influential and innovative, but he was also heavily connected to his audience, through his sincerity and his ability to express joy and heartbreak. He has proven to be integral in the development of rocksteady and later reggae, and if you have not had the pleasure of listening to his music before, take the time now to listen and appreciate the outstanding style and talent of Alton Ellis.