News

Alton Ellis Dies of Cancer

The "Godfather of rocksteady," Alton Ellis, died of lymph gland cancer in London last Friday, October 9. According to BBC News, Jamaican authorities are considering a state funeral for the Kingston native, despite the fact that he moved to the UK in 1972.

"His life was the music and the stage," Ellis' agent and manager, Trish De Rosa, said in a statement. "He was getting a tremendous amount of work [done] right up to the end—it was very difficult to get him to slow down."

Ellis' 1967 debut, Mr. Soul of Jamaica, is considered one of rocksteady's most important records. Fan tributes to Ellis can be found at www.myspace.com/comaltonellisod. The rocksteady star is survived by his wife and more than 20 children.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
10.13.08