Alton Ellis

Alton Ellis (1938–2008) is universally celebrated as the "Godfather of Rocksteady," playing a pivotal role in the evolution of Jamaican music during the 1960s. Working heavily with Studio One and Treasure Isle, his smooth, soulful vocal style helped transition the island's musical focus from the fast-paced, upbeat rhythms of ska to the slower, more romantic pace of rocksteady.

With enduring classics like "I'm Still In Love With You," "Rock Steady," and "Girl I've Got a Date," Ellis's influence on reggae cannot be overstated. His songs became foundational riddims, endlessly covered and sampled by subsequent generations of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop artists, cementing his legacy as one of Jamaica's greatest vocalists.