Milwaukee jazz guitarist has lifelong love affair with making music
Milwaukee jazz guitarist has lifelong love affair with making music
As Milwaukee’s storied jazz history was written, Manty Ellis has remained a crucial character. The guitarist has been called the Godfather of Milwaukee jazz.
MILWAUKEE - On a cold January day, music from a boom box warmed the Milwaukee home of guitarist Manty Ellis. That’s an original tune, Ellis said as he listened to the sound of jazz. It’s the Black art form of our culture.
Ellis, 88, has had a lifelong love affair with making music. He remembers being 9 years old and playing with a big band. His first love was piano, but for decades he has used the guitar to express himself.