Don Ellis

Don Ellis
Ellis in a 1968 DownBeat advertisement
Ellis in a 1968 DownBeat advertisement
Background information
Birth nameDonald Johnson Ellis
Born(1934-07-25)July 25, 1934
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedDecember 17, 1978(1978-12-17) (aged 44)
Hollywood, California, U.S.
GenresJazz, big band, avant-garde, jazz fusion
Occupation(s)Musician, composer, arranger
Instrument(s)Trumpet, drums
Years active1956–1978
LabelsCBS, Candid, Atlantic, Pacific Jazz, MPS

Donald Johnson Ellis (July 25, 1934 – December 17, 1978) was an American jazz trumpeter, drummer, composer, and bandleader. He is best known for his extensive musical experimentation, particularly in the area of time signatures. Later in his life he worked as a film composer, contributing a score to 1971's The French Connection and 1973's The Seven-Ups.