This past Friday rocksteady pioneer Alton Ellis died of cancer in a London hospital. He was 70.

The innovative singer-songwriter was born in Kingston, Jamacia in 1938, launching a singing career in 1959 as part of a duo with Eddy Perkins and recording at Coxsone Dodd's legendary Studio One. By the mid 60s he was instrumental in the launch of rocksteady, a successor to the earlier ska music and a precursor to reggae. His song "Get Ready - Rock Steady" helped name the fledgling genre. Ellis moved to London, England in the 70s where he became known as the "Godfather of Rocksteady" with a sting of hits.

Alton Ellis lived his final years in Northolt, Middlesex and is survived by more than 20 children. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends, family and fans.