Donald Ellis

1929 ~ 2013

Donald Lee Ellis was born in Illinois on March 8, 1929, lived a wonderful life, and died peacefully at home August 12th. He is survived by his loving wife Jean; two sons, Shawn and Jon; two daughters, Jennifer and Juliet; three grandsons, Skyler, Rhys and Dayne; and many relatives. Don appeared in public as a pianist at age three. As a young man he studied music at the University of Southern Illinois, where he was elected a charter member of Epsilon Kappa Chapter, Sinfonia Fraternity. At the same time he studied voice instruction with Bernard Ferguson, Director of the Municipal Opera in St. Louis, Missouri. While on vacation in Idaho, he heard the Hammond organ played professionally for the first time. It was the beginning of a life-long love, and after further studies at the University of Indiana, he entered the entertainment world. He thrilled audiences in California with his unique keyboard versatility and exciting singing voice. He advanced his professional career in France broadcasting for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers of Europe, which was broadcast over the entire European continent. During the four years he spent abroad, he met Jean Carder, a music teacher who became his life-long love and they married in 1965. His return to California brought many concerts including his sensational appearance at the LA American Theatre Organist Enthusiasts Convention at the Coconut Grove. He captivated the audience of international pipe organ enthusiasts and received a tremendous ovation. In 1972, he was selected as one of the top twenty professional organists in the US to receive the coveted Hammond Award of Excellence at the Chicago Namm. Don was voted best organist-vocalist for two consecutive years in the national poll conducted by 'The Organist Magazine.' He toured three continents which included Europe, Asia - Japan, and the USA - New York, Chicago, and Washington DC. Another one of his career highlights was his performance at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. Don recorded six Hammond Organ albums and one Yamaha album. In 2003 he was appointed Director of Electronic Music at the Bay Theatre in Seal Beach, California. He served as president of the Long Beach Professional Organists' Club for many years where he provided numerous music scholarships to LBCC, CSULB, and the John Tracy Clinic. Don Lee Ellis was one artist who was the same person off stage as he was on it. He was at all times professional, humorous, charming, and a perfect gentleman. Knowing this, one is not at all surprised that he is so loved by his family and friends.