Pee Wee Ellis is the stage name of Alfred James Ellis, an American jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger from Bradenton, Florida. Born in 1941, he dies in 2021.

Early life and education

Ellis grows up in Florida before his family moves to Lubbock, Texas, in 1949, where he receives the nickname “Pee Wee”. He gives his first public performance at Dunbar Junior High School in 1954. The following year, he moves with his family to Rochester, New York. While attending Madison High School, he plays professionally with jazz musicians including Ron Carter and Chuck Mangione. In 1957 he moves to New York City, where he takes regular lessons with Sonny Rollins. In 1960 he returns to Florida and works as a bandleader, musical director and writer.

James Brown and the development of jazz-funk

Ellis plays with the James Brown Revue from 1965 to 1969 and becomes an important member of James Brown’s band in the 1960s. He appears on many of Brown’s key recordings and helps write hits including “Cold Sweat” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”. His work in this period helps shape a distinctive jazz-funk style.

Later work and collaborations

In 1969 Ellis returns to New York City and works as an arranger and musical director for CTI Records’ Kudu label. During this period he collaborates with George Benson, Hank Crawford and Esther Phillips. In the late 1970s he moves to San Francisco and forms a band with former Miles Davis sideman David Liebman. His composition “The Chicken” later becomes widely known through Jaco Pastorius, who records it on his album Invitation.

Van Morrison, the JB Horns and later projects

Ellis works closely with Van Morrison from 1979 to 2006, serving as an arranger and musical director. In the late 1980s he reunites with musicians from his James Brown years to form the JB Horns with Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker. The group records several albums and tours in Europe. Ellis resumes a solo career in 1992.

Touring projects and final years

Between 2009 and 2011, Ellis tours the African tribute project Still Black Still Proud, which features guests including Vusi Mahlasela, Maceo Parker, Cheikh Lo, the Mahotella Queens and Ghanaian rapper Ty. From 2012 he tours with Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion, a quartet with Ginger Baker, Alec Dankworth and Abass Dodoo. From 2006 he lives in Frome, Somerset, in the United Kingdom.