Hortense Ellis was a pioneering Jamaican singer whose soulful voice and radiant presence made her one of the island’s most beloved vocalists. Emerging in the late 1950s, she blended ska, rocksteady, and early reggae with a natural emotional depth that earned her the title “First Lady of Song.” Sister to reggae legend Alton Ellis, she recorded enduring hits for producers like Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid, leaving a legacy defined by heartfelt performances and a timeless contribution to Jamaica’s rich musical heritage.