| Big Chief Ellis | |
| Birth Name: | Wilbert Thirkield Ellis |
| Birth Date: | 10 November 1914 |
| Birth Place: | Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Instrument: | Vocals, piano |
Wilbert Thirkield "Big Chief" Ellis[1] (November 10, 1914 – December 20, 1977) was an American blues pianist and vocalist.
Ellis was born in Birmingham, Alabama, United States,[2] and was an autodidact at piano. He played at local parties and dances in the late 1920s before leaving Alabama, traveling the United States and working odd jobs.[1] He served in the Army from 1939 to 1942, then moved to New York City, where he accompanied touring blues performers for their concerts there.[1] He recorded with Lenox Records in 1945, and recorded for Capitol Records with Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee in the 1950s.[3]
In 1972, Ellis moved to Washington, D.C., where he operated a liquor store. Towards the end of his life, Ellis began recording for Trix Records,[1] where he played again with McGhee as well as Tarheel Slim and John Cephas.[2]
Ellis died in Birmingham, Alabama, of heart failure aged 63.[4]