TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo’s music community is mourning the loss of one of their own this week.
47-year-old Andrew Ellis suddenly passed away on January 12, surprising most in the community who heard the unexpected news.
For decades, Ellis was a one-man-band in the area playing his Blues and Americana music for people across the region.
Ellis was a fixture at local establishments, sitting behind his big bass drum while singing, strumming his guitar and blowing his harmonica.
In fact, Ellis was scheduled to play at the Manhattan's Pub and Cheer in the Adams St. corridor in uptown Toledo on the day he died.
The Manhattan's owner Zach Lahey called Ellis irreplaceable.
“He was just an immediate hit. It was the sound of Manhattan's, it was the sound of Adams Street, and uptown. It was just an immediate fit. And we just loved having him," said Lahey.
And Ellis won’t be missed just for his earthy music, he was also a gregarious friend and family man whose personality shone through when he played.
"Unlike so many musicians, he knew how to connect with each and every person as if he were performing directly to him, and especially for them," said Lahey.
From the moment, news of Ellis’ passing began to filter down on social media. Countless local musicians, bars, and others with a connection to Toledo’s music scene began offering tributes, recalling stories about words of encouragement he gave to them or songs he helped them write.
To honor his friend, local ice sculptor and fellow musician Ryan Roth decided to make an ice carving for Andrew in front of Rosaria's on Third Street in Perrrysburg.
Roth said his creation came from the heart.
"It's a good representation of life. It's here. It's gone, and you appreciate it while it's here," said Roth about the sculpture.
The carving used four 250 lb. blocks of ice and took about 2 hours of Roth's time.
Roth said Ellis was "bigger than life" and a "good man, good father, good friend."
On Sunday, the life of Andrew Michael Ellis was celebrated with a gathering at 201 Morris St. in downtown Toledo.
There are sure to be lots of hugs, tears, and of course music.
You can hear some of Andrew Ellis’ music HERE.
Click HERE to contribute to the family fund of Andrew Michael Ellis.
MORE FROM WTOL 11: