Alton Ellis, often hailed as the “Godfather of Rocksteady,” was a pioneering Jamaican singer and songwriter whose soulful voice helped shape the sound of reggae. Emerging in the 1960s, he bridged the upbeat energy of ska with the smoother rhythms of rocksteady, crafting timeless classics that spoke to love, unity, and resilience. Influenced by American R&B and gospel, Ellis’s heartfelt performances and socially conscious lyrics earned him enduring respect across generations, securing his legacy as one of Jamaica’s most influential musical innovators.