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But the relentless touring and recording with the James Brown band was tiring, and as the 1960s ended, Mr. Ellis decided to return to jazz. In the 1970s he arranged and directed the music for the full albums of George Benson and Johnny Hammond; he also recorded Esther Phillips, Leon Thomas, Hank Crawford, Shirley Scott, Sonny Stitt and Dave Liebman. He released his first full album as a leader, “Home in the Country” in 1977.
Mr. Ellis was invited to arrange horns for Van Morrison’s 1979 album “Into the Music”. lasting relationship. He appeared on Mr. Morrison’s albums for the next 20 years and was the music director. Mr. Morrison in the 1980s and 1990s.
In the ’90s and 2000s, Mr. Ellis thanked his bandmates from his years with Mr. Brown, saxophonist Maceo Parker and trombonist Fred Wesley, to perform and record albums under various names, including JB Horns and JB’s Reunion. rejoined.
He led his own group, Pee Wee Ellis Assemblyand made more than a dozen jazz albums as a leader. His touring projects include a quartet led by Mr. Baker, drummer of the band Cream, and a measure and “Still Black Still Proud” A James Brown tribute featuring African musicians.
He also gave concerts with names such as De La Soul, 10,000 Maniacs, Walter Wolfman Washington, Poncho Sanchez, Oumou Sangaré, Toumani Diabaté, Cheikh Lo and Ali Farka Touré. (Information about his survivors was not immediately available.)
Mr. Ellis told The American that he was happiest collaborating. “Part of the magic,” he said, “is to join forces and make something happen all at once.”
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