About this episode

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the life and impact of Alton Ellis, the godfather of rocksteady music.

The full Alton Ellis story. Trenchtown 1938 to Hammersmith 2008. Federal, Studio One, Treasure Isle, Pama London, All-Tone Brixton. Three hundred recordings. The bridge from ska to reggae. The voice that outlived every contract. The godfather of rocksteady. Definitive single-sitting documentary.

People in this episode

Hosts: Joe, Kevin

Topics covered

• Reggae
• Dancehall
• Music History
• Cultural Influence
• Alton Ellis
• Rocksteady

Keywords

• Alton Ellis
• rocksteady
• ska
• reggae
• music history
• Trenchtown
• Hammersmith

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Federal, Studio One, Treasure Isle, Pama London, All-Tone Brixton

Places: Trenchtown, Hammersmith

More episodes of History of the Caribbeans | Exploring Resilience and Culture

• JAMAICAN GANGSTER: MOB ISLAND | Season One Episode Eight | Eleven Months · June 13, 2026 · 21 min
• JAMAICAN GANGSTER: My Son - A Mother Killed, A Son Jailed, A Father's Final Choice · June 12, 2026 · 36 min
• JAMAICAN GANGSTER: MOB ISLAND | Season One Episode Seven | Twelve Months · June 12, 2026 · 25 min
• He Left His Wife's Birthday Dinner and Never Came Home · June 7, 2026 · 46 min
• THE HISTORY BEHIND JAMAICAN FOOD: ACKEE AND SALTFISH · June 7, 2026 · 9 min
• JAMAICAN GANGSTER: Dog Paw — The Church Boy Who Became a Warlord · June 6, 2026 · 14 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the History of the Caribbeans | Exploring Resilience and Culture podcast page.