Alton Ellis: 1944-2008

Alton Ellis: 1944-2008

Mr. Soul, Alton Ellis, passed away on the morning of October 9th. The world was given this treasure in 1944 when he was born in Trenchtown, Kingston, JA. His career spanned nearly five decades and his ever-lasting impression on the future of Jamaican music came in the mid- to late-sixties as the riddim-laden grooves filled with his soulful melodies permeated the upbeat vibrations of the ska era. The summer of 66 saw the explosion of Rocksteady in the Kingston scene and Alton ruled the dancehalls during this time as he cuts tunes for Studio One and Treasure Isle among others.

His musical longevity persisted for years and years and he enjoyed much-deserved praise from a new generation of listeners as Ska and Rocksteady made a revival in the late nineties.

Boy Kills Man

"I knew I had to kill him"
"I told God that I had stabbed him... I know he understands..."

The 12-year-old boy had finished his homework and was playing a video game when he heard his mother cry out. Rushing to her aid, he found her on the kitchen floor... click on it to read more...



I just had to manipulate the statements to sensationalize the story... I've grown accustomed to the way media creates sound bytes and well being an editor who sometimes has to rephrase speech i wondered how many more visits I would get...

Ellis Chow Lin On passes

Soca music pioneer Ellis Chow Lin On passes

The TrinBagonian entertainment industry was plunged into mourning yesterday with the news that soca music pioneer Ellis Chow Lin On, had died. Chow Lin On died yesterday morning. He was rushed to the St. Clair medical Complex on Wednesday evening, after he fainted while supervising a recording session at Carl "Beaver" Henderson's studio for Shurwayne Winchester, whom he managed.

Referred to as Uncle Ellis by most people within the Caribbean entertainment fraternity, Chow Lin On devoted more than 50 years of his life to the advancement of calypso and soca, as well as development of the artistes. Chow Lin On was famous for having managed the careers of David Rudder and Charlie's Roots during their rising years. Along with managing Winchester, he had also recently begun managing calypsonian Crazy and was also serving as an advisor and virtual booking agent for several other artistes. He underwent bypass surgery three years ago and would have celebrated his 71st birthday on January 27th.