alton update

[rasadam]

well he didn't want it spread around, but irie fm just announced he's in the hospital being treated for bone cancer. a

[skitter]

What didn't he want spread around? His bone cancer?

Observer

[rasadam]

his personal business like his health.

[kalcidis]

If it was Altons wish to keep the matter rather private couldn't you respect it and not write a whole thread dedicated about it on several fora?

I do not intend to sound disrespectful to you ... but I think this thread would have been better unposted.

[rasadam]

i DID keep it to myself while ones were threading on and on about it. But now it has gone out on the radio and out on his myspace so obviously he has decided to now go public, hence my post to let ones know who didn't catch it on the air or his site to know. a

[Freddy C]

A message from his management:

www.rootsrockers.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=19

[rasadam]

now they say its lymphatic cancer as opposed to bone cancer which
has much better odds of beating. so prayers to bro alteese. a

[rasadam]

Alton Ellis being treated for cancer in London hospital
By Basil Walters Sunday Observer staff reporter [e-mail]
Sunday, December 16, 2007

Alton Ellis, the man acclaimed as 'The Godfather of Rocksteady', has, for several weeks now, been in hospital in London undergoing treatment for cancer of the lymph glands and is scheduled to start chemotherapy soon.
ELLIS. regarded as one of Jamaica's finest musical treasures for almost 50 years

"His kids and wife were keeping vigil at his bedside," said the singer's nephew, comedian Owen 'Blacka' Ellis, in an e-mail to this reporter. "It is looking more hopeful now."

Alton Neamiah Ellis was born 63 years ago and is regarded as one of Jamaica's finest musical treasures for almost 50 years.
Born into an artistic family, he is also uncle to another popular comedian, Ity of Ity and Fancy Cat fame; and brother of the late songstress Hortense Ellis, Leslie Ellis (the father of Blacka & Ity Ellis) who used to be a member of the Flames, as well as pioneer steel pannist Irving Ellis.

The legendary singer/songwriter, who began his artistic life as a dancer, is best known for musical jewels such as Cry Tough, Can't Stand It, All My Tears Come Rolling, Tumbling Tears, Can't Stop Now, and Girl I've Got A Date.

Ellis shares the distinction with Eddie Perkins - with whom he formed the duo Alton and Eddie - of scoring a hit with their first recording, Muriel.

Throughout his career, Ellis has recorded a slew of other hits, among them a cover of Chuck Jackson's smash, Williow Tree, If I Could Rule This World, Why (Birds Follow Spring), Dance Crasher, the sentimental I'm Just A Guy, Ain't That Loving You, La La Means I Love You,This Feeling of Love, Breaking Up Is So Hard To Do, I'm Still In Love With You Girl, Pearl, Christmas Coming, the sequel to Sunday Coming and Lord Deliver Us.

Apart from his smooth, soulful, infectious vocal styling, and his slick stage presence, a signature feature of Ellis's musical career is his ability to put his stamp on the songs of other singers in such a way that they become reggae anthems.

His most profound example of this is his treatment of Let Him Try, originally recorded by Rosco Gordon.

[mse]

winston francis told me on thursday that the intensive treatment had worked for alton's cancer and that his prospects, as of that date, were good

MSE

[Freddy C]

Thanks Toby, that is encouraging.

I was a little surprised to read that he is sixty-three, that puts him at a mere twenty-two years old when rock steady hit in 1966. For some reason I'd always assumed he was a year or two older than his late sister.

It's just nice to hear some more positive news after all the uncertainty.

[mse]

... and therefore about 14 when he cut muriel (Blue Beat 7) with eddy which is about right

MSE