James T. Ellis Dead: The Trammps Singer Dies At 74

ROCK HILL, S.C. -- James T. "Jimmy" Ellis, who belted out the refrain "Burn, baby burn!" in a 1970s-era disco hit that's still replayed in modern sports arenas, has died. He was 74.

David Turner of Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home in Rock Hill, S.C., said the frontman for The Trammps died Thursday at a nursing home in the city. A cause of death was not immediately known.

The Trammps released "Disco Inferno" – the song with the popular refrain – in 1976. The song was featured in the iconic movie "Saturday Night Fever," its soundtrack winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978. "Disco Inferno" soared up to No. 11 on Billboard's Hot 100 on May 27, 1978.

Turner said a memorial service will be held Friday in Charlotte, N.C.

Comments

[chris428]

09:21 PM on 03/12/2012

May you RIP James....I still listen to that song on my ipod, great voice.

[HexonT3]

06:47 AM on 03/12/2012

Great song and great memories. RIP James T. Ellis.

[crabbyguy75]

05:58 PM on 03/11/2012

When I added 70's jams to my ipod last year of course Disco Inferno had to be on there! Grew up with that song. Thanks for great memories.

[EndTimesApostasy]

05:44 PM on 03/11/2012

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.

[Leon Holston Sr]

09:29 AM on 03/11/2012

GREAT LEAD SINGER.R.I.P.

[beverleybak]

09:02 AM on 03/11/2012

how many nights did i spend on the floor with that song. you know everyone who said disco sucked.did not know how to have a good time. that's all it was about just pure fun.
BURN THAT MOTHER DOWN!!!!!!!

[BruntLIVE]

10:42 PM on 03/10/2012

He lives forever through his music

[brianmouland]

06:30 PM on 03/10/2012

So sad that song takes me back to my white leisure suit and four inch lifts.RIP JTE

[mick e]

02:21 PM on 03/10/2012

"Burn That Mother Down". R.I.P.

[PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS]

10:37 AM on 03/10/2012

many in their polyester leisure suits and platform shoes are weeping.............

RIP

[hjo4]

09:27 AM on 03/10/2012

My condolences to the family of Mr Ellis,his friends and many fans globally. Thank you for leading on one of the world best changing songs in our history. And it still is HOT. Rest in Peace James T Ellis.

[MsG7]

07:05 AM on 03/10/2012

Awww dang..how I remember this song...my disco days, wow...I'm feeling my age here...but anywho, I pray that God comfort the family. I hope he was treated right in that nursing home. If the family was there on regular basis, then he may have gotten good treatment. I don't trust nursing homes....family have to show up regularly to keep an eye on their loved one and and the other eye on that staff....believe me, I know.......

"Burn, baby, burn disco infernoooooooooooo"..I can hear his voice now....that was real singing.

[alnc]

01:57 AM on 03/10/2012

Loved another song by them called.... Hold Back the Night........they never got that big....until Disco Inferno kinda hit with that inclusion on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

[michelleobamaok]

11:56 PM on 03/09/2012

LOVE, PEACE, & SOUL! Today that would be called n-words, bytches, and hoes. See how far this generation has fallen?

Anyway, thanks for the good times, bro. Rest in peace.

[BlindChance]

01:20 PM on 03/10/2012

Your last nine words were the only necessary ones. Out of all the music out there, "n-words, bytches, and hoes" is the only thing that catches your attention? It's time for you to expand your cultural exposure.

[Lucille]

10:43 PM on 03/09/2012

May he rest in peace and condolences to his family.