Alton Ellis, Godfather of Rocksteady: 1938-2008

Sad news in the world of Jamaican music: Alton Ellis, the "Godfather of Rocksteady", passed away a few days ago in London at the age of 70. No official cause of death has been released, but it's known that Ellis had been suffering from lymphoma.

Alton Ellis first began recording in Jamaica in 1959. He was initially an R&B singer, who then moved on to ska and ultimately found his niche by easing down the beat and being part of the movement that started rocksteady. His hit song "Rock Steady" (Listen/Download) was the first to name the foundling genre, and he went on to become an essential artist for any fan of the genre. In the early 1970s, he relocated from Jamaica to London, where he remained a popular recording artist, performing artist and producer until his death on October 10, 2008. He leaves behind his wife and over 20 children, as well as a body of work that will be listened to by generations to come.

Alton Ellis: 'Be True To Yourself: Anthology 1965-1973' (Compare Prices) - Album Cover Courtesy Sanctuary Records, 2004