Rocksteady Pioneer Alton Ellis Dies Aged 70

Reggae pioneer Alton Ellis has died at the age of 70 after losing a year long battle against cancer. 

The star was often referred to as the 'Godfather of rocksteady', in reference to the chilled out rocksteady style of reggae which took its name from his song of the same name.

He passed away at the Hammersmith Hospital, West London on Friday (October 10) after first being diagnosed with cancer in 2007. Despite his condition he still performed live until August of this year.

In a statement to the BBC, Ellis' manager Trish De Rosa described him as "my guiding star and my inspiration".

She added:  "His life was the music and the stage. He was getting a tremendous amount of work right up to the end - it was very difficult to get him to slow down."

Ellis was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1938 and emigrated to the UK in the 1970's. His biggest hits included 'Dance Crasher' and 'I'm Still In Love'.

Ellis is survived by his wife and over 20 children.

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