Roy Ellis was borned in Kingston, Jamaica, from mother Jamaican and American father. He was already brilliant as a ten-years old solo singer in the Children Gospel choir in the Baptist Church in Kingston-Jamaica. In his school-days he developed a strong friendship with Jimmy Cliff, and also Bob Marley belonged to his circle of friends.

Later in the 60 's in England & in central Europe he made himself with his giant voice an international name in the Ska, Reggae, Gospel, Blues, Soul scene. Roy Ellis was also the lead singer from one of the most famous British-Ska, Reggae, Gospel, Blues, Soul, funk Band: The Pyramids / Symarip. During the 60’s he was one of the pioneers for the Ska and Reggae music in England and Middle Europe.

In 1966 He was discovered by the "Godfather of Ska", Laurel Aitken, who wrote 2 songs: ‘Jesse James Rides Again’, and ‘Because I Love You’, and also produced a bunch of other hits for them. In 1970 The documentary flim "REGGAE" was flimed in the Wembley-stadium.

Roy Ellis interpreted the Ska & Reggae Music and also Gospel songs in Reggae style. And in 1971 sang Roy Ellis his blues-characteristic compositions See you later, and To father, in the film ‘Warm December’, the star performer was the magnificent film actor Sidney Poitier.

Since 1980 Roy Ellis lived in Switzerland and, in 1988 he became a holder of the Swiss nationality.Out of his highlights in Switzerland. In 1994 Roy Ellis was a guest singer by the Bo Katzmann Choir Christmas tour, that was transmitted also by the Swiss TV. In 1995 Roy Ellis appeard on the Swiss TV ‘Music & Quiz’ program Megaheart with his own composition Switzerland is beautiful.

In 1999 Roy Ellis with his Gospelchoir, The Angel-Singers, accompany Tina Turner, PhillCollins, FrancinJordi, in the popular Swiss TV family program ‘Benissimo’.

In 2004 Roy Ellis appeard with Phill Collins, on the Swiss family TV program Benissimo.

The return of Symarip's lead singer Roy Ellis to the reggae / ska scene after being involved on his gospel and soul projects in Switzerland for years has been supported with his brand new album titled 'The Skinheads Dem A Come'. It is a classic jamaican album, a brilliant recording with Roy Ellis musicians and the great voice of a master. The cover shows a crew of skinheads chasing him for autographs. The artwork has been done by Pedro Ramirez.

- Discography -

·Over 25 singles con los sellos Treasure Isle, Attack, Trojan, Creole, Rhino y Blue Beat.
·Symarip, The Pyramids, LP 1969.
·Symarip, Skinhead Moonstomp, LP 1969.
·Roy Ellis, Different Faces, CD 1993.
·Roy Ellis, It Is No Secret, CD 1994.
·Roy Ellis, Good News, CD 1996.
·Roy Ellis, You Got To Move, CD 1993.