Babatunde Tony Ellis was born and spent his childhood in Kingston Jamaica at a time when Reggae music was just begining to spread it..s message to the worldwide audience it has today.
Tony..s earliest musical influences came from the fertile creative environment thats woven into the often turbulent Kingston streets.
As a young man Tony relocated to London, England where his musical influences began to expand rapidly. Even from this early stage his musical tastes were broad and eclectic. They expanded beyond Reggae artists to include many bands that were popular in England at the time such as The Shadows and of course, Jimi Hendrix (whom Tony encountered on a beach in Spain.)
After playing in various bands in London Tony moved to Spain at the time when the infamous dictator General Franco was still in power. Living in Madrid in the winter and Palma de Mallorca in the summer Tony joined an all Jamaican soul band called The Links.
Yes you heard right. Jamaicans playing American soul music.
The band consisted of very talented musicians who could play any kind of music.
The band toured all over Spain to sold out audiences, recording and had several hits in the top Spanish charts.
The band also toured in Portugal, Italy, France, England and Argentina. The lead singer quit the band due to a fear of flying and was replaced by Carl Douglas (who later on had a massive hit with "Kung Fu Fighting".)
After the demise of the band Tony left for Stockholm, Sweden.
Soon after his arrival, local musicians quickly took notice of Tony..s extraordinary talent and he was soon playing with major national acts and became an in-demand session guitarist.
After his time as a sideman, Tony formed his own Reggae band which gave the genre a brand new dimension and firmly established him as an important voice in Reggae music.
Tony was also the first artist to give Reggae local roots in Northern Europe. Tony and the band toured extensively throughout the region during this period and recorded several live & studio albums.
As a performer, Tony gives everything to his audience. It..s much more than just polished virtuoso guitar playing, it..s what he says with his instrument. Tony..s musical voice is a true reflection of what he feels and this is what has always, and still does.....draw people in.
The name Babatunde which is a Nigerian name was given to Tony when he toured in Nigeria it means that his soul returned to the motherland.
Tony is normally hailed by is friends as Baba or Baba T.
Tony still resides in Stockholm where he has three sons and two grandchildren.
He gigs regularly with his band as well as other bands doing club dates and festivals. Plans for a fortcoming studio album is on the way.
Cool Runnings.