PEE WEE ELLIS
Genres: RnB, Soul Jazz, Funk Jazz, Swing, Pop, Art Song, Folk, Hard Bop • United States

Alfred Ellis (born April 21, 1941, Bradenton, Florida, USA - died September 23, 2021) was an American saxophonist, composer, arranger, producer, and band leader. Pee Wee was the leader of the James Brown band from 1965 to 1969. He wrote the instrumental song "The Chicken" later popularized by Jaco Pastorius. May appear as Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, Alfred Ellis, Alfred James Ellis and combinations and misspellings of these. from discogs Saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis was the architect of James Brown's era-defining soul classics of the late '60s, introducing the dynamic arrangements and punishing rhythms that would define the emerging language of funk. Born Alfred Ellis in Bradenton, FL, on April 21, 1941, he was raised in Lubbock, TX, and was playing professionally by the time he reached middle school. In 1955, his family relocated to Rochester, NY, where he collaborated with classmates (and fledgling jazzmen) Chuck Mangione and Ron Carter. Ellis spent the read more...