Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis (born 1941 in Bradenton, Florida) is an American jazz-funk saxophonist, composer and arranger. He was an important member of James Brown's band in the 1960s and appeared on many of Brown's most notable recordings. He also worked closely with Van Morrison. After resuming a solo career in 1992, he is currently (2006) living in the town of Frome in the county of Somerset, United Kingdom. ...show more

Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis (born 1941 in Bradenton, Florida) is an American jazz-funk saxophonist, composer and arranger. He was an important member of James Brown's band in the 1960s and appeared on many of Brown's most notable recordings. He also worked closely with Van Morrison. After resuming a solo career in 1992, he is currently (2006) living in the town of Frome in the county of Somerset, United Kingdom.

In 1949 Ellis's family moved to Lubbock, Texas, where he was given his nickname "Pee Wee". He gave his first public performance in 1954 at Dunbar Junior High School. In 1955 he moved with his family to Rochester, New York. While attending Madison High School he played professionally with jazz musicians like Ron Carter and Chuck Mangione.

In 1957 he moved to New York City, where he had regular lessons with Sonny Rollins. In 1960 he moved back to Florida working as a bandleader, musical director and writer. Ellis played with the James Brown Revue from 1965 to 1969. While with Brown he arranged and co-wrote hits like "Cold Sweat" and "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud". ...show less