Alton Ellis
Alton Ellis (1938–2008), widely known as the "Godfather of Rocksteady," was a pioneering Jamaican singer and songwriter whose soulful tenor voice defined the transition from ska to reggae.
Born Alton Nehemiah Ellis on September 1, 1938, in the Trenchtown area of Kingston, Jamaica. He grew up in a talented family; his younger sister Hortense Ellis became a famous reggae singer, and his brothers were also involved in music.
Initially a competitive dancer, he transitioned to singing and formed the duo Alton & Eddy with Eddy Parkins in 1959. Their first hit, "Muriel," was recorded for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One.
In the mid-1960s, Ellis moved to Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label and formed the group The Flames. He is credited with releasing what many consider the first rocksteady song, "Get Ready – Rock Steady" (1967).
The rocksteady sound emerged when a session bassist failed to show up, forcing keyboardist Jackie Mittoo to play the bass line at a slower, choppier tempo, which perfectly complemented Ellis's soulful delivery. His signature tracks include "Girl I've Got a Date," "I’m Still in Love with You," "Cry Tough," and "Dance Crasher".
Seeking better financial opportunities, he lived in Toronto, Canada, from 1969 to 1971 before settling permanently in London in 1973. In London, he founded the Alltone record label and store. He was instrumental in launching the Lovers Rock genre and mentored legendary artists like Dennis Brown.
The Jamaican government awarded him the Order of Distinction (OD) in 1994 (some sources say 2004) for his cultural contributions. He was inducted into the International Reggae and World Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2006.
Alton Ellis died of cancer on October 10, 2008, at Hammersmith Hospital in London. His music remains a cornerstone of Jamaican culture; his song "I'm Still in Love with You" was notably sampled by Sean Paul in 2004, reaching worldwide charts decades after its original release. Several of his children, including Christopher Ellis and Noel Ellis, have continued his musical legacy as reggae singers.
Love To Share
A2 Pain In My Heart
A3 Never Before
A4 I Love You True
A5 Goodnight Sweetheart
B1 You, I Adore
B2 Love To Share
B3 Let Him Try
B4 If You Love Me Still
B5 Moments Of Sadness
Label: Third World – TDWD 6
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1979
Genre: Reggae, Funk, Soul
Style: Lovers Rock
Alton Ellis’s Love To Share, originally released in 1979, is widely regarded by critics and listeners as a "lesser-known classic" that bridges the gap between Lovers Rock and Roots Reggae.
Critics often note that the album leans heavily into "Jamaican Soul" rather than traditional reggae, with some suggesting it could have easily fit on legendary soul labels like Stax or Volt.
Ellis’s voice is frequently described as emotional and "A-1 nick," capable of wringing deep feeling out of tracks like "If You Love Me Still".
Listeners have compared the track "Never Before" to the smooth, serious mood of Marvin Gaye, noting how it blends perfectly with Ellis’s natural tone.
The album was arranged by the iconic Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo and produced by Junior Lincoln, founder of the London Bamboo label.
Highlight Songs:
"You, I Adore": Praised for its evocative piano intro and 1970s soul setting.
"Let Him Try": A remake of his earlier Studio One rocksteady hit, featuring a different arrangement with echoing female backing vocals.
"Love To Share": The title track expands the album's romantic themes to a broader social context of "one love, one inspiration".
Some reviews of the more recent reissues (such as the CD and vinyl re-releases) warn of low-quality "vinyl rips" featuring phase issues and flutter. Collectors often recommend seeking out original pressings or high-quality remasters for the best audio experience.
The album is often described as a "supremely romantic and relaxed session" ideal for unwinding. On platforms like Discogs, it maintains high average ratings (frequently 5/5) from a small but dedicated group of fans.