At the age of 15, Ellis started the group Soul Survivors, inspired by American soul and R&B. In the mid-1960s, the band changed its name to Love Affair. The group's 1968 cover of Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden's song "Everlasting Love," with Ellis on vocals, became a huge hit.
When the other band members wanted to play progressive rock, Ellis decided to leave. He went on to start another band and later launched a solo career. The 2008 album "Best of Days" is an example of his long-term collaboration with his friend Paul Weller.
Weller is among those now expressing grief over Ellis's death. On Instagram, he sends "everlasting love" to his collaborator.
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