Pee Wee Ellis

Pee Wee Ellis
Ellis in Milan, 2007.
Ellis in Milan, 2007.
Background information
Birth nameAlfred James Ellis
Also known asPee Wee Ellis
Born(1941-04-21)April 21, 1941
Bradenton, Florida, United States
DiedSeptember 23, 2021(2021-09-23) (aged 80)
Somerset, England, United Kingdom[1]
GenresFunk, soul, jazz
Occupation(s)Saxophonist, composer, arranger
Instrumentstenor, soprano, alto and baritone saxophones, keyboards and flute[2]
Years active1954–20??
LabelsSkip Records, Minor Music, Gramavision

Alfred James Ellis (April 21, 1941 – September 23, 2021), known as Pee Wee Ellis, was an American saxophonist, composer, and arranger. He was a member of James Brown's band in the 1960s. He was known for writing "Cold Sweat" and "Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud".

Ellis died on September 23, 2021 at the age of 80.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Michael J. West (2021-09-29). "Pee Wee Ellis 1941–2021". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2023-04-18.
  2. ↑ "Pee Wee Ellis credits". allmusic.com. Retrieved July 22, 2009.
  3. ↑ Schudel, Matt (September 25, 2021). "Pee Wee Ellis, who helped put the funk in James Brown's music, dies at 80". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 28, 2021.