Learn About Alton Ellis: Why Was He Called “The Godfather of Rocksteady and Reggae?
Saturday 2 September, 10.00am-8.00pm
Free admission for exhibition, just drop in
Talk, 4.00pm, free admission booking is essential and spaces available are limited

Get a rare chance to see the Alton Ellis pop-up exhibition in our upstairs Learning Centre, featuring key musical moments with memorabilia, unseen photos, newspaper clippings, and awards. Take a trip back down memory lane, in our downstairs café and courtyard, as Rootikal and Gladdy Wax fill the air with the best of Rocksteady and Reggae.

Learn more about how Alton became a musical legend from our panel of experts and industry insiders Karen Gabay, Patrizia ‘’Trish’’ de Rosa, the legend Derrick Morgan, and other special guests.

Karen Gabay is an experienced radio broadcaster and producer, specialising in music and popular culture. She has worked on landmark TV and radio shows including The Nation’s Favourite Motown Song for ITV, Prince: Purple Reign, Queens of Disco & Reggae Britannia for BBC4.

Patrizia “Trish” de Rosa of Roots Reggae Promotion (RRP) based in London, which officially started in 1988 due to the connection with the Great Alton Ellis. Alton Ellis was the first artist represented by RRP, allowing for many other veteran artists to join the roster such as Derrick Morgan, Ken Boothe, Bob Andy, plus many more.

Derrick Morgan, the ska legend from Clarendon Jamaica toured with Alton Ellis for many years and will give his testimonies of times spent on the road together. In 1957, Derrick Morgan entered the Vere Johns opportunity hour and shortly after became a recording artist. Rising to fame with hits like Blazing Fire, Tougher than Tough, Forward March and Moon Hop.