Grange remembers ‘outstanding’ Bobby Ellis

Kingston, October 20, 2016 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange has paid tribute to the late trumpeter Bobby Ellis, describing him as one of Jamaica’s “outstanding and gifted musicians.”

Bobby Ellis passed on Tuesday at the age of 84.

According to Minister Grange, while Ellis may not have been a household name many Jamaicans readily recognise his work.

“One only has to listen to Bob Andy’s ‘I’ve Got To Go Back Home’ to experience Bobby Ellis’ excellent and outstanding work. He demonstrated such mastery and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.”

Bobby Ellis also played on several well-known Jamaican recordings including Bunny Wailer’s ‘Blackheart Man’ and Burning Spear’s ‘Marcus Garvey’.

Minister Grange has expressed condolences to Bobby Ellis’ family and friends.

Commentary

We express our sadness to learn that Trumpeter Bobby Ellis has passed.

See release attached from Oliver Watt of Culture Minister Grange’s office.

Commentary by Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie who is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.