Mr. Symarip

Born in Kingston, Jamaica Mother Jamaican, Father American from Jamaica over America to Europe Roy Ellis (aka Mr. Symarip) already brilliant as a ten-year old solo singer in the Children's Gospel choir in the Baptist Church in Kingston, Jamaica. In his school-days he developed a strong friendship with Jimmy Cliff, and also Bob Marley belonged to his circle of friends. Later in the 60s in England & in Europe, he made himself with his giant voice an international name in the Ska, Reggae, Gospel, Blues, Soul scene. Roy Ellis was also the lead singer from one of the most famous British-Ska, Reggae, Gospel, Blues, Soul, funk Band: The Pyramids/Symarip. In the 60s he was one of the pioneers for the Ska and Reggae music in England and Europe. 1966: He was discovered by the "Godfather of Ska", Laurel Aitken , who wrote and produced 2 songs -- "Jesse James Rides Again", and "Because I Love You". 1968: He sang himself into the English and German hit parade with: "Train Tour to Rainbow City" "All Change on the Bakerloo Line" (both titles was written by Eddie Grant) "Mexican Moonlight" "Moonstomp" (was written by Roy Ellis and Monty Neysmith) 1970: The documentary film "REGGAE" was filmed in the Wembley Stadium. Roy Ellis interpreted the Ska & Reggae Music and also Gospel songs in Reggae style. 1971: Roy Ellis sang his blues-characteristic compositions "See You Later", and "To Father", in the film "WARM DECEMBER". The star performer was the magnificent film actor Sidney Poitier. Throughout Europe Roy Ellis is a celebrated singer and entertainer. Roy Ellis is known as one of the best impersonator of James Brown and Barry White. 1973: Roy Ellis is one of the first Ska, Reggae, Gospel & Soul singer in Switzerland. Since 1980 Roy Ellis lived in Switzerland and, in 1988 he became a holder of the Swiss nationality. Out of his highlights in Switzerland: 1994: Roy Ellis was a guest singer for the Bo Katzmann Choir Christmas tour, that was transmitted also by Swiss TV. 1995: Roy Ellis appeared on the Swiss TV music & quiz program Megaheart with his own composition "Switzerland Is Beautiful". 1997: Roy Ellis appeared with Bo Katzmann in the Swiss TV Music program "Takito" and also as a guest Gospel singer on the Celine Dion Swiss tour. 1998: Roy Ellis sang in the background choir of the Swedish mega stars Ace of Base in the Swiss TV Music & Quiz program Megaheart. 1999: Roy Ellis with his Gospel choir, The Angel-Singers who accompany Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Francine Jordi, in the popular Swiss TV family program Benissimo. 2003: Roy Ellis sang together in a duet with the South Africa mega star Tina Lebea in Swiss-Place Hotel in Montruex. 2004: Roy Ellis appeared with Phil Collins, on the Swiss family TV program Benissimo. Plus many local TV and radio interviews. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.