R.I.P. James T. Ellis (Lead Singer of The Trammps) 1937-2012

On Thursday, March 8th of 2012 James T. "Jimmy" Ellis, lead singer of the well-known disco band The Trammps who belted out the tune "Burn, baby burn!" in a 1970s-era disco hit, that's still replayed in modern sports arenas today, has died. He was 74.

Ellis who was a Rock Hill, North Carolina native; while growing up there., Ellis was involved in various gospel groups, and after he graduated high school, moved to Philadelphia, PA, While in Philadelphia, Ellis became involved with the group The Trammps . For more on the lead soul singer and to listen to the classic disco anthem....


The Trammps released "Disco Inferno" – the song with the popular refrain – in 1976. The song was featured in the iconic movie "Saturday Night Fever," its soundtrack winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978. "Disco Inferno" soared up to No. 11 on Billboard's Hot 100 on May 27, 1978.

The cause of death was not immediately known but he suffered from Alzheimers' disease. He is survived by his wife Beverly, his three brothers (Johnny, George Robert and Charles), sister Alice Ruth, his children (James III and Erika Stinson), his eight grandchildren, and his two great grandchildren.