All Genres
    Reggae
    Rock Steady

Alton Ellis

  • Overview
  • Albums
  • Tracks
  • Similar Artists
Options
Alton Ellis Radio
Play
Options

Play All Top Tracks
More

  • Play
    1
    Options
    2:27
    Breaking Up is Hard to Do
  • Play
    2
    Options
    2:35
    Rain From the Skies
  • Play
    3
    Options
    2:49
    You Make Me So Very Happy
  • Play
    4
    Options
    4:28
    I'm Still in Love

Latest Albums

More
thumbnail
Play
Options

The Pama Years: Alton Ellis, The Godfather of Rocksteady

Aug 2020
thumbnail
Play
Options

Reggae Greats: Alton Ellis, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown & John Holt

Jul 2020

Biography

Working back and forth between rival producers Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid, Ellis became a prolific and extremely popular Rock Steady singer, gracing hundreds of recordings with his unmatched smooth, soulful voice. Unafraid to change with the times, Ellis moved to England in the '70s and slowed down the tempo, recording slick Reggae hits and forging a romantic style that became known as Lovers Rock. His sound has a lot in common with American Soul singers, free of rasp with a gutsy power. In turn, Ellis influenced many singers to come, including Dennis Brown and later Dancehall artists -- all impressed by his vital delivery.

Similar Artists

More
  • Derrick Morgan
  • Desmond Dekker
  • Ken Boothe