Alton Ellis

Jamaican singer from Kingston (1938-2008). 'The Godfather of Rocksteady.' 'Girl I've Got a Date' (1966, marking the shift from ska to rocksteady), 'Rock Steady' (1967, named the genre), 'I'm Still in Love with You' (1977, Marcia Aitken reggae version). The voice that slowed ska down into rocksteady. Crucial transitional figure.