Drummer Maurice Ellis, an original member of The Cimarons band, died in London on June 10 at age 69. Guitarist Locksley Gichie, his bandmate, said he succumbed to cancer in hospital.
Ellis was originally from rural St. Ann in Jamaica, but migrated to the United Kingdom in 1963. He and Gichie helped start The Cimarons four years later with bassist Franklin Dunn and keyboardist Carl Levy.
Over the years, the band had different lead singers including Winston Reedy.
Ellis recorded and toured with The Cimarons for over 50 years. The band did seven albums for established companies such as Trojan Records, Polydor and Virgin.
The Cimarons are usually recognized as the first reggae band in the UK. They backed all major reggae acts touring that country including Desmond Decker, Jimmy Cliff, Derrick Morgan, Bob Marley, Toots And The Maytals and The Pioneers.
In July, 2014 the Brent Council in northwest London honored them by placing a Blue Plaque at the Tavistock Youth and Community Centre in Harlesden, where they were based in their early years.
Maurice Ellis is survived by two sons and two grandchildren.
Written By Howard Campbell