Wilbert Thirkield "Big Chief" Ellis[1] (November 10, 1914 – December 20, 1977)[2] was an American blues pianist and vocalist.

Ellis was born in Birmingham, Alabama, United States,[3] 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.

[3] Ellis died in Birmingham, Alabama, of heart failure aged 63.