On Thursday, March 8th of 2012, James T. “Jimmy” Ellis, lead singer of the well-known disco band The Trammps died at age 74. Ellis, who was a Rock Hill, North Carolina native, passed away due to complications during his fight with Alzheimer’s disease.
While growing up in Rock Hill, N.C., Ellis was involved in various gospel groups, and after he graduated high school, moved to Philadelphia, PA, While in Philadelphia, Ellis became involved with the group The Trammps in the 1970s, where he became lead singer. During the band’s slow-rising success, The Trammps recorded the song “Disco Inferno” in 1977. “Disco Inferno” became one of the songs included on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack — the second-largest soundtrack ever sold, and known for its Grammy success in 1979.
While Ellis’ battled with Alzheimer’s disease, he survived by his wife Beverly, his three brothers (Johnny, George Robert and Charles), sister Alice Ruth, his children (James III and Erika Stinson), his eight grandchildren, and his two great grandchildren.
The Twitter community have been active in saying their goodbyes to this talented singer, and I have provided a few sentimental tweets below:
RIP Jimmy Ellis- you and the Trammps had the greatest Disco song of all time with Disco Inferno.
U may not have known the name but u KNEW the song! Rest in peace Jimmy “Disco Inferno” Ellis! http://t.co/RjwwXCYW
Trammps Frontman Jimmy Ellis of “Disco Inferno” Fame Dies: His life burned as brightly as the “inferno” he and his bandmates left on …
Jimmy Ellis has gone to the “Disco Inferno” in the sky. R.I.P Jimmy.
#RIP Jimmy Ellis – i know that your disco inferno will continue to burn forever. http://t.co/hRK3cIVU
One of the best singers ever. Jimmy Ellis dies aged 74 http://t.co/J3xVZWHA