Music in the blood - Ellis's legacy continues with daughter Lovella

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON livingstonc@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, July 17, 2011

GROWING up in South London, Lovella Ellis, daughter of the late Jamaican rocksteady star Alton Ellis, never thought of making it as a singer.

Although her father was a popular singer, Lovella had other 'girlish stuff' on her mind. However, all that changed as she grew older and realised that she hadn't eluded the music bug after all.

"I truly fell in love with the music business in my mid-teens after listening to acts like Joe, SWV and Brandy. But the turning point came after I performed with Dad in 2001 at the Catford Theatre and the Metropolitan Hotel on Edgware Road," she told the Sunday Observer.

As much as she loved singing, taking it up as a career was cemented for her when she headlined a show in memory of her father, with supporting artistes Dennis Alcapone and Winston Reedy, among others.

Although she has now embraced the music profession, Ellis says she doesn't see it as walking in her father's footsteps.

"I could never walk in my dad's footsteps, let alone my auntie's. I am still young, and I know that it takes time to achieve that level of wisdom and greatness. Dad used to say, 'humble calf drinks the most milk', and I do believe that," said the Ellis offspring.

As a young woman coming up in the music business, Ellis says there are many things she likes and dislikes about the industry, but chief among her concerns is the negative attitude that "one has to 'sexploit' oneself to make it".

"I personally find that part of it quite degrading as a woman, but, as you can see, there are a lot of desperate women out there who are easily manipulated into undressing to make it, and I find that sad," the budding singer commented.

Although Ellis is steadily making a name for herself in London, she is yet to make any real impact on the Jamaican stage. In fact, it is her dream to showcase her talent to the Jamaican people as, according to her, the only time she has ever sung on Jamaican soil was at her father's funeral.

"I was honoured to meet Marcia Griffiths, who was a long-time friend of my father. She gave me some sound advice and a little insight into the business after her performance at the Hammersmith Apollo.

"I also enjoyed working with Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's finest, at the Coronet in London. So you see, I've had a little bit of Jamaica come to me, so I'd love to return the favour by coming to Jamaica," she explained.

Born in South London, Ellis has always enjoyed singing, her primary interest being R&B. As a child she was very self-conscious regarding her voice, even around immediate family. However, this anxiety would soon be overcome.

At the age of 16, Ellis and friends formed the group Ladies with Vibes. The girls entered and won their first talent competition and not long thereafter, she was introduced to J Thompson of MFW Artiste Management.

He reportedly loved her voice and recognised her potential, so much so that he enrolled her for vocal lessons the same day. Together, they recorded a variety of songs from different genres, including new and original material, and, to date, are working with a number of producers to inject different styles, most notable among them being Patrick Boothe (cousin of Ken Boothe) and Lambert Pitter.

Ellis's last moments that she recalls of her father were a very emotional. While holding onto her father's hand, she could not hold back the tears as he whispered in a feeble voice, "Don't cry no more." This was what inspired her to record the song Willow Tree and added the lyrics, 'Don't cry no more', in January 2010 as a tribute to her beloved father.

Ellis, who is now finalising her album and organising a European tour, says life for her is very hectic. She has co-written most of the songs recorded on her debut album, Love On Top, which is soon to be released. The album, according to her bio, speaks directly to the people, thus allowing them to relate to her.

In February of this year, Ellis released her debut single, Get To Know, on ITunes, and she says she has been receiving rave reviews.

Her advice to upcoming artistes is to "be proactive, believe in yourself, invest in yourself and seek good management, like I did with 'MFW' aka Jaycee Thompson".

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COMMENTS (2)

miluvyuh luvyuh
7/28/2011

RIP Cousin.

Clara Brooks
7/18/2011

Hortense Ellis and Alton were Jamaica's duo at one point, 'Remember that Sunday' came to memory. Now we can follow the Ellis's family tracks into entertainment, we are still waiting to see Aston's dancing skills, Noel's aka sobers DJ skills, and Georgia's beauty saloon in hair and fashion designs. Hopefully all will be present on stage one fine day. Alton and Money will remembered, may their souls rest in eternal peace. We love the legacy of Alton, all were hits and pace setters. Christmas comin

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Music in the blood - Ellis's legacy continues with daughter Lovella