Pee Wee Ellis (1941–2021), bandleader for James Brown, Van Morrison
Pee Wee Ellis was a saxophone player who led James Brown’s (1933–2006) and Van Morrison’s bands as well as co-writing songs such as “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.”Ellis joined James Brown’s band in 1965, soon becoming his bandleader. During the four years he was with Brown’s band, Ellis, helped write and arrange songs including “Cold Sweat” and “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” Ellis’ arrangements for Brown’s band were highly influential in the development of funk music.