Alton Ellis

Working back and forth between rival producers Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid, Ellis became a prolific and extremely popular Rock Steady singer, gracing hundreds of recordings with his unmatched smooth, soulful voice. Unafraid to change with the times, Ellis moved to England in the '70s and slowed down the tempo, recording slick Reggae hits and forging a romantic style that became known as Lovers Rock. His sound has a lot in common with American Soul singers, free of rasp with a gutsy power. In turn, Ellis influenced many singers to come, including Dennis Brown and later Dancehall artists -- all impressed by his vital delivery.