Rocksteady star and reggae pioneer Alton Ellis passed away in London on Friday. He was 70 years-old. Ellis had been in the care of Hammersmith hospital in the weeks leading up to his death, although his family wished for the details to remain quiet, respectfully.

Ellis first enjoyed breakout success in his homeland of Jamaica in the late '50s and early '60s, during the country's ska phase (which, soon after, gave rise to Bob Marley and the Wailers). However, Ellis found his true calling with reggae's rocksteady movement, arguably even inventing the subgenre with his hit, 'Get Ready -- Rock Steady.'

Disillusioned by the notoriously corrupt Jamaican music business, and perhaps tired of having his early success overshadowed by Bob Marley, Ellis relocated to England in 1973. It was in England where he formed his Alltone label, and where he continued to record, produce and even repackage.

Although his family kept details scarce, Ellis had been battling lymphatic cancer and had collapsed onstage in August. While many young reggae fans may not know Ellis as a legend, certainly the reggae world will forever remember him as the "Godfather of Rocksteady."