Bobby Ellis, Jamaican trumpeter, Died at 84

Bobby Ellis was born on July 2, 1932, in Kingston and died on October 18, 2016.

He was a Jamaican trumpet player.

Ellis worked with many reggae artists including Peter Tosh, Burning Spear and The Revolutionaries.

He attended the Alpha Boys School which is famous for its musical alumni.

During his schooling Ellis received tuition on the trumpet and flugelhorn.

His old school’s music curriculum consisted of marches, waltzes and classical pieces which gave Ellis an extensive knowledge of timing, harmony and form.

Which has contributed to his work as a horn arranger for the Studio One.

Bobby also acted as arranger for producer Jack Ruby and was part of Ruby’s studio band the Black Disciples, playing on Burning Spear’s Marcus Garvey album and going on to tour as part of Spear’s band for twelve years.

During August 2014 it was announced that Ellis would receive the Order of Distinction in October that year.

He died at the University Hospital of the West Indies from a pneumonia-related illness.

Bobby Ellis passed away at 84 years old.