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Alton Ellis was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, producer, and promoter, born on September 1, 1938, in Kingston, Jamaica. He grew up in a musical family in Trenchtown, Kingston, and was the older brother of another reggae singer. Throughout his life, he fathered 20 children. Ellis began his musical journey in 1959 and initially performed with a partner, recording for various producers, including Coxsone Dodd at Studio One. He gained popularity with hits until his partner left for the U.S., prompting him to work as a painter while seeking a new collaborator. Eventually, he formed a group that included his brother Leslie Ellis and others, initially intended as a backing band but soon releasing singles as a trio. In 1967, he joined a band to tour the U.K. and released the first recognized rocksteady song, "Get Ready - Rocksteady," which emerged from a unique recording session. After leaving Studio One due to payment issues, he signed with a rival label, which helped distribute his music in the U.K. Ellis moved to London in 1973 after spending time in Toronto, Canada, where he established a record store that later became a label. He recorded with British producers and continued to tour until his passing. In 2007, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Alton Ellis passed away on October 10, 2008

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