Cleveland music fans just learned of the sudden death on March 22 of Ed Skinner a.k.a. Cellis, a mainstay of the area’s reggae scene since the ’80s. After a brief stint in First Light in the mid-’80s, he formed his own band Satta, which spent the next decade recording and touring extensively, doing regular tours of such far-flung areas as Florida and Alaska.
Cellis’ bass playing and vocals provided both the band’s rhythmic underpinning and its distinctive voice. Former First Light frontman Carlos Jones, who now keeps Cleveland’s reggae flame burning with his P.L.U.S. Band, sends word that a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (1349 W. 78th St.), with a reception from 4-9 p.m. the same day at the Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Hts.).
The P.L.U.S. Band will be taking donations for Cellis’ family (and most likely offering words of tribute) at their gig this Saturday at McCarthy’s (16918 Detroit Ave., Lakewood). —Anastasia Pantsios
This article appears in Mar 25-31, 2009.
I was privileged to play in Satta from 1988-1993. It was wild and wonderful ride. Cellis was kind, generous, hilariously funny, and a terrific musician.
To this day, I can hear his voice as several of us sat outside of a chicken restaurant (on Guam, I’m pretty sure–it was definitely that tour). We’d been talking about the old Lawson’s song, “Roll on, Big O” and how hilarious it was that it talked about making the trip from Florida to Ohio in 40 hours. It was a trip we made on a regular basis and we couldn’t imagine it taking 40 hours unless shennanigans were involved. So, we started adding verses to the song to explain the mystery. Things like: “One man sleeps while the other man sleeps, and then they both sleep some more!” Suddenly, Cellis, who had seemed to be paying scant attention, leapt to his feet, earnest expression on his face, and sang, “Oh my God, there’s the Goodyear Blimp, let’s pull over and stop for awhile!” Then he sat back down, like nothing had happened.
It probably doesn’t read as funny as it was, but I promise you, it was hilarious. And it was a quintessential Cellis moment.
I wish I could attend the memorial, but it’s not possible. Instead, I’ll send my love, and gratitude for the years spent traveling the world with a truly unique human.
Much love to his spirit, and support to his family. Tough days ahead.
Alice/Cassan
brother cellis
you will be missed from Alsk….to Cleveland …to the Rocky mountains and on….But we KNOW…You will ALWAYS be with us….
prayers & blessings to all
bush & family
bshfyr@yahoo.com
Cellis was an inspiration to me as a bassist. I’d seen him and Cassan in Anchorage in 1992 and loved their (Satta’s) shows. I now will hold the copy of the live CD I bought with more reverence. Rest in peace my fellow bassist brother.
Satta changed my life.
Cellis was full of life and hilarious. He sang like and an angel and I hear him in my dreams.
That band made you a better person.
You were changed if you listened and you were moved if you participated.
I was married to Buddy and he has passed on also now.
Cellis and Joseph and Buddy are playing somewhere making the right vibe and making ears near know their magic.
One Love.
Cellis & Satta played a private fraternity gig every fall in Ann Arbor & at Ricks Cafe the next night from 87-89/90. Got to know them before, during and after those gigs- funny guys and great musicians. Cellis’ voice was smooth!
I wish I had a copy of the Satta Live CD. Wore out my Light of the World cassette years ago. Hit me up if you know anyone/anywhere I can get one.
Peace to all.