Alton Ellis RIP - tribute from Count Skylarkin’

In the wake of this tragic news, I thought I’d share this insight into Count Skylarkin’s experiences and memories of one of Jamaica’s all-time favourite and much loved Rocksteady legends.  Sadly, Alton Eliss passed away recently but it’s clear that he had a very strong effect on those fortunate enough to either listen to his music or see him live.

A message from Count Skylarkin’

‘Last Friday my friend Tom asked me what was the show I’d put on that I was most proud of. I answered without hesitation. Alton Ellis. That night, Alton finally lost his year-long battle with lymphatic cancer, aged 70. I found out about 7pm on Saturday night. I hadn’t known he’d been ill. I was about to start packing records for my regular set at the Hi-Lo in Oxford. This became a painful job, as all I wanted to do was listen to Alton Ellis tunes. Breaking Up, You Make Me So Very Happy, Duke Of Earl, Too Late To Turn Back, Girl I’ve Got A Date, Dance Crasher, I’m Just A Guy, the seminal Rocksteady… In the end I shoved them all in and half-ran the short distance to the restaurant. Andy, the owner, didn’t know that Alton had died. He had tears in his eyes as I told him the news.

Alton Ellis was one of the most important, most revered figures in the history of reggae and Caribbean music. To my mind, he was the greatest, most expressive Jamaican singer there ever was. I can even remember where I was the first time I ever heard an Alton Ellis tune, My Willow Tree, on the radio. It was a privilege to have seen him play and an honour to have known him.

Earlier today a journalist called me to ask for a quote for an obituary he was writing. Apparently Alton had said in an interview that last year’s Oxford show was among the best he’d ever played. I was stunned. I bumbled out a few lines, hung up and promptly burst into tears.

It had been nothing short of a lifelong dream to have Alton Ellis perform at Skylarkin’. He’d rung me himself, in September 2006, to inquire about playing. At first I thought someone was winding me up, but no. We set a date there and then for the following February and I went about trying to find him a backing band. I was struck immediately by his humbleness and humility. On meeting him for the first time on the evening of the gig (five minutes before doors opened, head leaning out of the passenger seat of his wife’s car, three grown-up children squeezed in the back, asking if there’d be time for a rehearsal!), the legend didn’t disappoint. He was a true gentleman. Later that night he would invite each of his children to join him onstage in singing Rocksteady, bursting with pride as he watched on, mouthing the words. I glanced to my left, and saw a look of adoration in his wife Judith’s eyes that I’ll never forget.

I last saw Alton Ellis live at the Secret Garden Festival in July. He was sensational as ever – you’d never have known that he was suffering from ill-health. He acknowledged me from the stage and I felt ten feet tall. Walking away after his performance with some dear friends, all of us grinning from ear to ear, was perhaps the best memory I’ll take away from this summer. I’m devastated by the news of Alton Ellis’ passing, but treasuring the wonderful way in which he affected my life, just as he affected so many thousands the world over.

Skylarkin’ Soundsystem pays tribute to Alton Ellis all this month, every Thursday night at The Zodiac, Oxford.

Featuring:

• October 16th - Mr Benn & Souls Liberation (Daddy G’s Bristol Hi-Fi)
• October 23rd - DJ Andy Smith (Portishead / Trojan Records / The Document)
• October 30th - DJ Derek (Trojan Records)

Rest in peace, Alton’

Other related entries:

1. Skylarkin’ Vs Blunted this Saturday!