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Manty Ellis’ Lifelong Love of Music Making
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
Music has always thrived inside of legendary jazz musician, Manty Ellis. Born and raised on North 5th Street, Manty Ellis threw himself into the Milwaukee music scene. He quickly became the Godfather of Milwaukee Jazz with his expertise on the guitar. Ellis gave back to his community, along with pianist and educator Tony King, with the gift of music by co-founding the first accredited Jazz Institute at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in 1971.
Manty Ellis recently invited FOX6 News Milwaukee into his home to discuss the freedom his music has given him over the years, and why his commitment to the survival of jazz in Milwaukee is so strong.
WCM’s own Jazz & Contemporary Music department chair Mitch Shiner makes a cameo to speak on the rich history that Manty has forged at the Conservatory.