Alton Ellis laid to rest

Jamaicans turned out today in record numbers at the St Andrew\'s Scots Kirk United Church in Kingston to pay tribute to the life of rocksteady singer, Alton Ellis.



Christopher and Keecia Ellis, two of the singer\'s 20 children, paid tribute to him by performing Willow Tree, one of his biggest hits.



His nephew, comedian Owen \'Blacka\' Ellis, who delivered the eulogy said his uncle lived a life about love, life, passion, decency and was a strong moral compass.



Officiating Minister Reverend Marjorie Lewis, charged members of the congregation that as they shared in the grief of the Ellis family, to remember Jamaica\'s escalating violence.



Lewis further appealed to Jamaicans to hold steadfast and maintain hope through the times of grief and trauma, where women and children are increasingly falling victims to heinous crimes.



Ellis known as the God father of Rocksteady, died on October 10 in London, succumbing to a 10-month battle with lymphatic cancer.



He is also survived by his wife Judith. Born in west Kingston, Ellis was one of the leading pioneers of lover\'s rock.



He recorded a string of hits in the 1960s, which included Dancecrasher, Girl I\'ve Got a Date, I\'m Just a Guy and I\'m Still in Love.



He immigrated to the United Kingdom in the early 1970s touring Europe and remaining active up until this summer.



In 1994 he was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in recognition of his achievements.