Cliff Ellis 

94.9 the Surf welcomes Cliff Ellis to the Grand Strand!

The newly hired coach of the mens basketball team at Coastal Carolina University, Cliff brings a wealth of experience to the program. After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in physical education in 1968, Cliff started his coaching career in the high school realm. Four years later, he went to Cumberland University, followed by a term at South Alabama from 1975-84. He served as head coach at Clemson from 1984-94 followed by another decade at Auburn. He brought great successes to all these positions and amassed winning records and personal awards, including Conference Coach of the Year five times, along the way.

Cliff also has an interesting history of beach music! Born in Marianna, Florida, Cliff was introduced to music at an early age. His grandfather owned a record store and he often took Cliff with him to check on jukeboxes that he had placed throughout the area. The rhythm and blues recordings intrigued Cliff. In 1964 he joined his first band named The Villagers as lead singer. The Villagers recorded a lot of music and had quite a following throughout his college years at Florida State. They traveled and performed extensively throughout the Southeast. Cliff recalls opening for Roy Orbison as a highlight. He wrote a book entitled THE WINNING EDGE that chronicled the history of The Villagers, including their hit records "Laugh It Off," "Where Have You Been All My Life" and "Thank You Baby." He put his music career aside upon graduation to pursue his coaching career.

In 1984, while at Clemson, Cliff met with Marion Carter (Ripete Records). As a result of this encounter, Cliff picked up the microphone again and recorded 2 cd’s, "Cliff Ellis & Friends…Then and Now"(1994) and "People Get Ready"(2001). His duet with Oscar Toney, Jr. named "Meet Me (at Mary’s Place)" is currently being played on 94.9 the Surf. It is the title track of a cd that hopefully will be released in 2008.

The Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina are welcoming Coach Ellis to their program. 94.9 the Surf and beach music fans are thrilled he has relocated to the heart of beach music land. While the basketball court will take up most of his time, don’t be surprised if you see him jump onstage and join in a concert one day. Cliff Ellis has proven he has the winning edge!

Please visit our "Photo Gallery" to see pictures of Coach Ellis at 94.9 The Surf Studios.