Composer, Pianist, Singer. A native of Houston, Texas, Ellis is best remembered for his recording, "You're All I Want For Christmas." The tune, a Christmas classic, would go onto be recorded by the likes of Frankie Laine, Bing Crosby, and Al Martino. Educated at the University of Virginia, Ellis began his interest in music as a young boy. He began playing the keyboard, and was soon discovered by a talent scout that worked for the Victor Record Label. He became a radio performer in Texas in the 1920s, but later moved to New York City to write music. After moving to New York, Ellis became involved in local vocal talents. In 1928, he toured England, and became a popular soloist. He also became the manager of the Mills Brothers singing group, and appeared several times with Paul Whiteman's Orchestra. In 1936, he appeared opposite actress Ida Lupino, in the film, "One Rainy Afternoon." That same year, he also became a member of the Brass Choir, and then assembled his own big-brass band. At the outbreak of World War II, he served in the United States Army for a short time. After the war, he worked in a defense plant. In his later years, Ellis became more of a songwriter then a performer. He continued in music until his death in 1995, at the age of 91. Some of his other memorable recordings are, "You Be You But Let Me Be Me", "No Baby, Nobody But You", "Christmas Will Be Here", "My Beloved Is Rugged", and 'Oilers", which became the official theme song for the Houston Oilers football team.
Composer, Pianist, Singer. A native of Houston, Texas, Ellis is best remembered for his recording, "You're All I Want For Christmas." The tune, a Christmas classic, would go onto be recorded by the likes of Frankie Laine, Bing Crosby, and Al Martino. Educated at the University of Virginia, Ellis began his interest in music as a young boy. He began playing the keyboard, and was soon discovered by a talent scout that worked for the Victor Record Label. He became a radio performer in Texas in the 1920s, but later moved to New York City to write music. After moving to New York, Ellis became involved in local vocal talents. In 1928, he toured England, and became a popular soloist. He also became the manager of the Mills Brothers singing group, and appeared several times with Paul Whiteman's Orchestra. In 1936, he appeared opposite actress Ida Lupino, in the film, "One Rainy Afternoon." That same year, he also became a member of the Brass Choir, and then assembled his own big-brass band. At the outbreak of World War II, he served in the United States Army for a short time. After the war, he worked in a defense plant. In his later years, Ellis became more of a songwriter then a performer. He continued in music until his death in 1995, at the age of 91. Some of his other memorable recordings are, "You Be You But Let Me Be Me", "No Baby, Nobody But You", "Christmas Will Be Here", "My Beloved Is Rugged", and 'Oilers", which became the official theme song for the Houston Oilers football team.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
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