Steve Ellis, Voice Behind “Everlasting Love,” Dies at 76
Steve Ellis, the frontman of 1960s pop‑rock group Love Affair, passed away on 30 October after complications from a chronic illness.
Death and Announcement
Steve Ellis, best known as the singer who fronted 1960s pop‑rock outfit Love Affair, died “peacefully” on 30 October following “complications from a chronic illness,” a notice posted on social media confirmed.
Early Life and Formation of Love Affair
Born in Edgware, north‑west London, in 1950, Ellis formed the band Soul Survivors at age 15, drawing inspiration from Black US soul and R&B acts such as James Brown, whose live performance he later recalled as “phenomenal.” The group later evolved into Love Affair in the mid‑1960s and secured a contract with Decca.
Breakthrough with “Everlasting Love”
Love Affair’s debut single “She Smiled Sweetly” failed to chart, but the follow‑up cover of “Everlasting Love” became a massive hit. Recorded by Ellis between shifts on a building site, the song—originally written by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden and first recorded by Robert Knight—spent two weeks at No 1 on the UK chart in 1968. The track remains the most streamed version and a wedding‑ceremony staple.
Further Success and Decline
Buoyed by lush symphonic arrangements, Love Affair delivered three more UK Top 10 hits within two years. “Rainbow Valley,” another Cason‑Gayden composition, lingered in the Top 40 for eleven weeks, followed by “A Day Without Love” and “Bringing on Back the Good Times.” Ellis grew disillusioned as the band’s direction shifted toward progressive rock, a style he said did not suit his “soul‑boy” roots. He also cited the overwhelming screaming of fans as a factor in the group’s breakup.
Post‑Love Affair Ventures
In 1972 Ellis formed a new band named Ellis, whose debut album was produced by Roger Daltrey. He later joined Widowmaker, featuring ex‑Hawkwind guitarist Huw Lloyd Langton, and recorded a self‑titled debut in 1976. Solo releases followed: The Last Angry Man in 1977 and Basement Days in 1983. A 2008 album, Best of Days, reunited him with Daltrey on two tracks.
Collaboration with Paul Weller
The 2008 record also sparked a lasting partnership with Paul Weller, who appeared on two songs, including an acoustic rendition of “Everlasting Love.” The duo reconvened for the 2018 album Boom! Bang! Twang!, with Weller co‑writing and co‑producing two tracks, and later co‑wrote the 2022 single “Just to Simplify.” Ellis’s most recent release, Baby Faced Assassin, arrived in September and features three additional Weller collaborations.
Tributes
Paul Weller honored Ellis on Instagram, writing, “God bless ya Stevie safe travels everlasting love for sure.”
