Jimmy Ellis Dies at 74
Jimmy Ellis
The Herald/AP
Ellis died of complications from Alzheimer's Disease, his daughter told theNew York Times.
Ellis was the lead singer of Philadelphia-based funk band The Trammps, which released several R&B singles in the 1970s, including their Top 10 hit "Disco Inferno."
The song – with its infectious "burn, baby, burn" refrain – helped propel sales of theSaturday Night Fever soundtrack to 15 million, making it the second highest selling soundtrack of all time (behindThe Bodyguard).
The band toured together until 2010, according to the Times.
In addition to his daughter, Erika Stinson, Ellis is survived by his wife, Beverly, son James III, three brothers, a sister, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held next week in Charlotte, N.C.