Celebrate the legacy of ‘The Godfather of Rocksteady’ at Bristol Beacon

Celebrate the legacy of ‘The Godfather of Rocksteady’ at Bristol Beacon

Posted on: 09 Nov 2023

This vibrant tribute to Alton Ellis O.D will feature performances from the legendary singer-songwriter’s son Troy Ellis and other friends along with the Hail Jamaica band.

 

Bristol Beacon’s tribute to Alton Ellis O.D will take place at Lantern Hall on Friday 9 February 2024.

 

Big T and Kulture Konnek have joined forces with Ujima Radio CIC to present a tribute to the Jamaican innovator that will feature performances from Troy Ellis and close friends and collaborators accompanied by Hail Jamaica Band as well as support from some of the UK’s top lovers rock artists.

 

Tickets for this special event go on sale at 10 AM on Friday 10 November 2023.

 

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

 

Widely regarded as Jamaica’s greatest-ever singer (other than Bob Marley, of course), Alton Ellis first broke through as a prominent ska act. However, his biggest imprint on music is arguably as the most important act of the rocksteady era, celebrated for his smooth and emotional style.

 

The Kingston native released both Jamaican originals and reggae-style covers of classic R&B hits from the US. Ellis was at his prime in the mid-1960s, collaborating with fellow rocksteady icon Phyllis Dillon and scoring successes with singles such as ‘Dance Crasher’, ‘Get Ready – Rock Steady’ and ‘Cry Tough’, however, his biggest hit was 19966’s ‘Girl I’ve Got a Date’.

 

Ellis has been widely acclaimed for his innovative work, in 2004 he was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaica Government in recognition of his achievements and, in 2006, he was inducted into the International Reggae and World Music Awards Hall of Fame. A permanent resident, Alton Ellis passed away in 2008, aged 70.

 

Organised by Big T, Kulture Konnek and Ujima Radio CIC, this exciting tribute event will see performances from Alton’s son Troy Ellis and other friends of ‘The Godfather of Rocksteady’, all accompanied by the Hail Jamaica Band.

 

Support will come from some of the UK’s leading lovers rock artists Peter Spence, Tenna Star, Rafeelya, Winsome Moncrieffe-Mitchell and Papa Crooks with dance-ready DJ sets from the likes of Qualitex Sound, Countryman and DJ Styles - you do not want to miss this vibrant tribute to one of Jamaica's most innovative artists.

 

 

This tribute to Alton Ellis O.D will take place at Bristol Beacon’s Lantern Hall on Friday 9 February 2024 – secure tickets HERE.

Read more:

 

Article by:

Stanley Gray

Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.