Alton Ellis

Alton Ellis, known affectionately as the "Godfather of Rocksteady," is a towering figure in the history of Jamaican music. Born on September 1, 1938, in Kingston, Jamaica, Ellis began his musical journey in the early 1950s, first recording at a time when ska reigned supreme. However, it was during the late 1960s that he truly found his voice and helped shape the mellow sounds of rocksteady, a genre that served as a bridge between ska and reggae. Ellis's smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery turned songs like "Rocksteady," "I'm Still In Love With You," and "Girl I've Got a Date" into classic anthems that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Throughout his career, Alton Ellis released numerous albums and hits, transcending the boundaries of rocksteady to include reggae, and even dabbling in soul. His body of work includes timeless records like "Sunday Coming," "More Alton Ellis," and the impactful "Road to Slavery - EP." Alton's influence on reggae and rocksteady is commemorated in collections like "The Pama Years: Alton Ellis, The Godfather of Rocksteady" and "Reggae Legends: Alton Ellis." Even after his passing on October 10, 2008, Alton Ellis's legacy continues to live on through his music, which remains a staple for fans of the genres and a testament to the profound impact he had on Jamaican music and culture. His recordings, including live performances like "Dance Crasher Live in London," showcase the enduring appeal of his smooth, emotive style and his unique ability to capture the soul of a nation.

Related Artists Spotify Logo
John Holt
Gregory Isaacs
Jimmy Cliff
Horace Andy
Beres Hammond
The Ethiopians
Latest Release
undefined album image
LIVE & LOVE
Single - Released May 10, 2024
Collage of Genre Images

RecentMusic users are tracking Alton Ellis and over 156,300 other artists to know when they release the new music.

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!

Get Started
  1. May 10, 2024
  2. June 2, 2023
  3. May 5
  4. July 22, 2022
  5. July 21
  6. February 4, 2020
  7. August 10, 2018
  8. January 26, 2017
  9. February 27, 2012
  10. February 27