BSSC Lounge, PGCLL M07
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: BSSC Lounge, PGCLL M07
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Food: Light refreshments will be provided
About the Event
The Black Student Success Centre proudly welcomes legendary soul artist John Ellison as part of our distinguished In Conversation series. A musical pioneer and the creative force behind the R&B standard “Some Kind of Wonderful,” John Ellison’s journey from a small coal mining town in West Virginia to international acclaim exemplifies perseverance, artistic brilliance, and cultural impact through a time of profound social change.
Event Overview
Join us for an intimate conversation with one of the few remaining soul and blues legends who has shaped the landscape of blues, gospel, soul, and funk music. With seven lifetime BMI achievement awards and induction into both the West Virginia and Rochester Music Halls of Fame, John Ellison’s legacy spans decades of musical innovation and social transformation. His iconic song “Some Kind of Wonderful” has achieved over 6 million airplays and has been recorded by more than 70 different artists worldwide.
Event Highlights
- Engage in an intimate dialogue with a living legend who has performed alongside music icons including Nina Simone, James Brown, and The Temptations
- Hear firsthand accounts of Ellison’s remarkable journey through the music industry and his experiences during the civil rights era
- Gain insights into the creative process behind some of soul music’s most enduring compositions
- Experience the wisdom and perspective of an artist whose work has influenced generations
Why Attend
This rare opportunity allows students to connect with a pioneering figure in Black music history whose contributions continue to resonate today. As a Canadian citizen since 2006 with deep connections to Hamilton, John Ellison brings a unique perspective on both the historical significance of soul music and its contemporary relevance. This conversation promises to be both educational and inspiring, offering attendees a chance to learn from an artist who has lived through and contributed to pivotal moments in musical and social history.
Register Now
Space in the BSSC lounge is limited. Click the registration button to RSVP and secure your spot for this exclusive opportunity to engage with a true legend of soul music.
Note: For those interested in experiencing John Ellison’s musical performance, don’t miss his concert “Some Kind of Wonderful” at the McMaster LIVELab on March 1st, 2025.