From singing soul to producing it

As with any remarkable music maker, Savoy’s current work is a strong reflection of his previous influences, experiences and moods. From his family, Savoy inherited a deep background in jazz, gospel and soul music. His mother played piano, while singing in the church choir, and his father, also a vocalist, briefly pursued a career as a recording artist before later becoming a music executive. In addition, Savoy’s musically gifted uncles boasted resumes that included some of the biggest jazz acts of the 50s. With this family pedigree, it was only a matter of time before music would find its way into his heart.

Not surprisingly, his early introduction to music came through the church. Even before birth, the impact on young Savoy could be felt. While attending church and enjoying her husband’s performance in a gospel play, his pregnant mother, according to family lore, felt the throbbing kicks of the family’s latest addition. Years later, Savoy would laugh that he’d “kick so hard they had to take her out of the church away from the music.”

Both mother and son would be back. By age four he’d become an experienced gospel vocalist, accompanying his father as he practiced is their living room. He soon expanded his taste in genres after hearing the Beatles song ‘I want to Hold Your Hand’ which became an early favorite.

After a brief period of ‘stepping away’ from music to indulge in basketball, he’d return once again to music after hearing a mystery song that sparked his curiosity, creativity and imagination in a way he never before thought possible. He later learned the song was ‘Dreaming about You’ by the Blackbyrds. Its rich, evocative dreamscape laid the foundations for Savoy’s desire to create music. 

From there, the path to a career as a soulful music producer was unshakable, but not without its detours. At 16, After viewing a Ken Burns documentary, he decided that the jazz life was for him. But intentionally flunking all classes wasn’t the wisest idea, especially if it meant getting kicked off the track team. Thankfully, brighter ideas prevailed and so did Savoy. 

After graduating from Hampton University and later shifting focus from vocals to production, Savoy’s determination seems to have intensified and matured since his days of dreaming of a career as a renegade jazz star. Today he’s come to understand himself as a ‘hands on’ producer who loves to get into the studio with someone to vibe. He insists that what makes a good session is “being there with someone who understands your vision and is excited to be a part of it.”

He spent time auditioning, working with producers, and searching (and struggling) to find “his sound”. This ultimately led to him transitioning from singing into producing and songwriting. He dove into producing, experimenting with ideas, soundscapes, and structures. This tidal wave of experience culminated in ‘The Love Album’, Ellis’s ambitious debut album features 12 tracks that explore the full spectrum of love, from heartbreak to euphoria. B-Side Guys praised the album for its “narrative coherence, fostering an evocative atmosphere that grabs your heartstrings from the opening track and refuses to let go until the very end.” The review highlighted Ellis’s “immense versatility in production toolkit” and his “ability to reimagine genres,” concluding that “he has sculpted an experience, a journey through the vast terrains of love.” The album showcases his collaborative approach, featuring dynamic partnerships with vocalists including Derran Day, Natasha Shantel, Johnny Thomas Jr., Anna Moore, Blaze Johnson, Kafeeno, Remey Williams, and Breland. Standout tracks include “Where Are You Love,” “Sunset Daydream,” “Over and Over Again,” “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Favorite Song,” and “Forever.”

A few years later, he returned with ‘What Had Happened Was’, an 8-track instrumental album featuring beats including “All My Love,” “Falling In Love,” “Sundress,” “The Chief,” and “The Journey”. The album shows his array of influences and growing production style.

After taking some time to work on a follow-up to ‘The Love Album’, Ellis is embarking on a new focus, with the start of a release of a series of singles he calls ‘The Love Singles’. The emphasis on singles, grants him a freedom to release music as he’s inspired and to flood the world with love through music. The first single, ‘Only to Love you Baby,’ featuring Kafeeno, is a feel good love song that combines Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Soft Rock, and Afro-beats, a perfect display of Ellis’ genre bending style.

With more new music on the horizon, one thing is clear: Savoy has established himself as a soulful R&B/soul music producer and artist who seamlessly bridges classic soul traditions with contemporary production. His signature sound has been described as “soul, sultry, and feel good,” with critics praising him as “not merely a producer but a storyteller” who tackles the emotional spectrum of love with “audacious confidence.” As both a student of the soul music masters of the past, and an innovator in his own right, Ellis represents a new generation of artist keeping the genre's authentic spirit alive.