Alton Ellis Dies

Jamaican reggae star Alton Ellis, 70, known as the “Godfather Of Rocksteady,” died of cancer Oct. 10.

A spokesman for London Hammersmith Hospital said the singer-songwriter, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last year, died peacefully in his sleep.

Ellis, who moved to Britain from Jamaica in the 1970s, had a string of hits in a career spanning more than 50 years, including “I’m Still In Love,” “Dance Crasher” and “I’m Just A Guy.”

He was awarded the Order Of Distinction medal by Jamaica in 1994. His manager and agent Trish De Rosa, of Roots-Rockers Promotions, said he was a key figure in Jamaican music and that Jamaican authorities were considering the possibility of giving him a state funeral.