1969 she was awarded the Silver Cup of Jamaica's Top Female Vocalist. Her biggest hit "Unexpected Places" recorded for producer Gussie Clarke.

Albums

Jamaica's First Lady Of Song - Third World (1977)

Reflections - Ballistic (1979)

Let It Be Me 'With Jackie Edwards' - Jamaica Sound (1978)

Lover's Rock + Johnny Clarke & Pat Kelly - Third World (1979)

Feelings - Reggae Sun + Derrick Morgan - Amo/Carrere (France)

With Derrick Morgan - Conflict (GB)

She was the sister of rock steady icon Alton Ellis with whom she recorded a number of collaborations in early years. The mother of 14 children, Hortense Ellis, gave of her best at every Startime event.Hortense Ellis was Jamaica's first local-based female singing star. She was voted Best Female Singer in 1964.

Among the songs which made her popular were "Unexpected Places", "Woman Of The Ghetto", "Superstar", "Down The Aisle" and "Something You Got", which was recorded with Alton Ellis.

Alton Ellis was one of the pioneers who developed ska, rock steady, and early roots reggae, and has one of the sweetest voices in the business. Little is known about his talented sister Hortense, who sings a duet on one track with Alton and carries several tracks on her own. Many of these classic Coxsone Dodd productions from the late '60s and early '70s are previously unreleased in any form. A Studio One album.

Sister of all time legend Alton Ellis, Hortense Ellis was a foundation singer in many ways. Possesing a fabulous voice she recorded first in the late 50's for Coxsone Dodd, Edward Seaga,Duke Reid and Prince Buster. Aside from her solo outings she recorded frequently as backing singer in countless studio sessions in the 60's.

From the 70's onwards her star faded in the public view as the all conquering vocal trio of the I Threes took all the limelight.

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