Lets hope this music finds a way out at some other point. * Released After Jimmy Ellis's death in 1999. Very soon after Jimmy entered the store, a young black guy came in carrying a sawed off shotgun and demanded money. He was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States on February 26, 1945. EIN: What is Bobby D. doing, musically, these days? Charlie Rich sang along with Lewis on two other songs. is the only Elvis stylist to have had bootleg material released more than a dozen labels have released around 150 albums of his studio and live material! On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. Many fans will not be aware of this circumstances. It was (at least initially) a win-win-win situation as all three parties benefitted: Jimmy became an international star, Gail Brewer-Giorgio sold hundreds of thousands of copies of her "Orion" novel and Shelby Singleton sold truckloads of "Orion" records.. I miss him a lot! On Orion's 1979 debut album, Reborn (Sun 1912). This is thebookthat started the Orion legend created by Shelby Singleton at Sun Records. It was obviously a terrible tragedy, and I will never forget the call I got at 11:00 pm on that Saturday night December 12 from Shirley telling me Jimmy was dead. [6] His album Reborn, showing the singer emerging from a coffin, was released on gold-colored vinyl on the Sun label in 1978. Jimmy then met with Phil Walden, owner of Capricorn Records (the Almond Brothers Band and others) in Macon and was offered a contract, but since Jimmy was under age at the time his parents wouldnt let him sign.another huge mistake. 1 1953-56'In Depth Book Review: 'Aloha From Hawaii' 40th Anniv LEGACY CD Review: Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive Review: 'Prince From Another Planet In-Depth Review: Once Upon A Time: Elvis and Anita (Memories of My Mother) - Book Review: 'A Boy From Tupelo' special In-depth Review: 'The Elvis Files Vol. His voice was similar to Elvis Presley's, a fact which he and his record company played upon, making some believe that some of his recordings were by Presley, or even that Presley had not died in 1977. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! December 1998. I have to say I was floored. is the only Elvis stylist to have merchandise and memorabilia released (still sold online in 2014! James Burton Interview - Rick Nelson & Elvis: Elvis Drummer Jerome "Stump" Monroe EIN Interview: Elvis in 1969 - Ann Moses & Ray ConnollyInterviews: Ernst Jorgensen interview about 'On Stage' and Elvis' Legacy in 2010: 'The Nation's Favourite Elvis Song' Spotlight. Then he started the tape recorder and put the little microphone down by the record player and sang with the song overlaying Elvis voice with his. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. An album featuring the duet came out and the controversy really heated up when Good Morning America had the Friends voice scientifically scanned and analyzed and concluded that it could be no one but Presley. Later, we met a guy named Jimmy Youmans also a student. All trademarks, labels, covers and logos shown on this website are the sole property of the companies concerned and are included here for reference purposes only. Low prices on Jimmy Ellis discography of music albums at CD Universe, with top rated service, Jimmy Ellis songs, discography, biography, cover art pictures, sound samples, albums, etc. 6 1971-1973' Book Review: 'Elvis - The Man & His Music'#100 review: 'Elvis - Aloha Via Satellite: A 40th Anniv Release' Book Review: 'The Elvis Files Vol. The sale is temporary to offer fans who missed these CDs the first time around a real deal. It is the story of Jimmy Ellis, a singer from Alabama who was cursed with having a voice identical to that of . Shelby Singleton of Sun International decided to disguise Ellis' identity on his first Sun single, "That's All Right (Mama)"/"Blue Moon of Kentucky" (Sun 1129), leaving listeners to speculate that the songs might be alternate takes of Elvis' first first two songs. Scan of the 8 track cassette release ORION 20 ALL TIME FAVORITES. Fittingly, his legend lives on, and quite ironically, both as Jimmy Ellis and Orion! The story of Orion, the singer whose voice bears an incredible likeness to that of Elvis Presley, is an interesting and unusual one to say the least. Read More #MyOrion "If Elvis is alive, he wears as mask and goes by the name Orion" Youmans formed a small group and had Jimmy sing at a few local schools. EIN:Jimmy Ellis, the personaway from the stage or recording studio. Copyright the Elvis Information Network. The mysterious phone call came from a stranger with a Presley-like voice, claiming to be Orion. Could you clarify who was working with him that day? Police later found Lee holed up in a motel about 30 miles outside Atlanta. This dynamic performer differentiates himself from all others for a number of reasons. 17 Comments / It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. We only index and link to content provided on other servers. Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? Scan of the German cassette release COUNTRY & WESTERN CLASSICS VOL.1 on the Sun/Bellaphon label. That's not a career. His voice was similar to Elvis Presley's, a fact which he and his record company played upon, making some believe that some of his recordings were by Presley, or even that Presley had not died in 1977. The album disc was on the record player. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. He then dropped the gun, fled the store and drove off in a car with two accomplices, authorities said. Bobby D.: A few months before Jimmy passed away, I had suggested we put a web site together to sell his CDs. Bobby D.: Jimmy never commented about the LP coffin cover to me, but he was not hot on the mask gimmick from the start. His hectic touring schedule as Orion also restricted Jimmy's time to write songs and this must have also added to the frustration with his career. Elaine was sitting on a stool behind the counter top to the left of the entrance door and Jimmy was standing some feet away also behind the counter. This is the definitive book on a man with the voice of a King. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. . These Classic LP Albums from Sun Records are new and sealed and will never be made again. Who was he? Unfortunately, despite the fact that most of the songs he recorded were not covers of Elvis songs, he could not escape the uncanny similarities between their natural voices. Spotlight article by Nigel Patterson, June 2014, (for the purposes of this article I will use the term Elvis stylist in reference to the person in question). The film is being produced by Jeanie Finlay, a British artist and filmaker. He and I were alike in that respect. For unofficial publicity purposes Orion continued to strike a favorite pose for the cover of: (one of nearly 150 'unofficial' Jimmy Ellis/Orion/Ellis James albums - with a striking but obvious graphically altered 'rip-off' cover design/image of the "reborn" Sun Records "Reborn" LP - as with its origination - Orion's facial expression on the cover nicely reflects the album title), The Comeback.While Jimmy probably never wanted to resurrect the Orion character, there was an inevitable comeback. As the Orion story unfolded, it was clear these forces played straight to the hearts and deep-seated psychological needs of many Elvis fans! We let Bobby hear the record and he liked it but he said that it was too much like Presley, and he didnt think he could do anything with Jimmy.a huge mistake. Official site; Kenneth Dokkeberg's Jimmy Ellis / Orion website; Musiclovers - Discography, audio samples and a lot more! Bobby D.: I loved music but needed to use my education to pay the bills. Thanks for your help! The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club. Learn more about merges. And, you wonder if helistened to "Ebony Eyes" and the rest of the LP. Artist of the Year Theme by Foxhound Band Themes. Apparently, it was just a few seconds after the guy entered that he fatally shot Jimmy in his left side and then swung the gun around shooting Elaine in the face killing her instantly. [8], In 2015, film-maker Jeanie Finlay released a documentary film, after pitching it at Sheffield Doc/Fest's 2013 MeetMarket, about Ellis' life and career, Orion: The Man Who Would Be King. It's the story of a masked. EIN: Jimmys first Orion album, Reborn. The book that started it all (in classic conspiracy fashion, its 'first edition' featured two 'author' names!!). Shipping is at the media rate in the U.S. [3], On December 12, 1998, Ellis was murdered during a robbery in his store, Jimmy's Pawn Shop. iTunes, Amazon) and not physical discs. James Hodges Ellis (born James Hughes Bell, February 26, 1945 - December 12, 1998), who used the stage name Orion at times in his career, was an American singer. This site is very much a "work in progress" and is being updated all the time. These titles and their eye catching specially made front covers would appear to be exclusively for internet downloads (eg. The guys in the room were mostly the colleges basketball players. He left Sun Records, never again appearing to the public as Orion. Bobby D.: I suppose I just want to continue to help get Jimmys name and talent out there for people to enjoy what was missed. He was very generous and good-hearted. Bobby had recorded Otis Redding and Wayne Cochran plus many local bands. The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. Little is known about Jimmy's life before becoming a recording artist - what is known is that he was raised by traditional but loving parents who ensured he was able to receive a good education. [3], In 1978, writer Gail Brewer-Giorgio published a novel, Orion, about a leading popular singer based on Presley who faked his death. Please tell our readers about this and how they can order. Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. Backed by the Jordanaires and opening act Sherry Carlisle, Orion sang to a packed house on August 12, 1997 at Nashville's Nightlife Theater. Scans of the orange label version of the CD single SUNDAY FATHER on the Lanier Records label. All three men were apprehended. 6 1971-1973' Book Review: 'Elvis - The Man & His Music'#100 review: 'Elvis - Aloha Via Satellite: A 40th Anniv Release' Book Review: 'The Elvis Files Vol. 'The Wedding' Elvis & Priscilla EIN special Spotlight: 'Elvis In Ottawa' Spotlight & Elvis Interview: 'Elvis: Live at the International' Book Review: Elvis By Special Request '71 At 40 (Book Review): "Kissed By Elvis" Janet Fulton Interview: "ReBooked At The International'- in-depth Review: 'The Elvis Files Vol. How many Elvis tribute artists made a living without singing Elvis songs for most of their career? So I said: come on, thats Elvis I have the album. Ellis continued recording and performing through 1983 as Orion, and scored only one more minor hit before trying to break his Sun contract to become a recognized performer in his own right. Jimmy grinned sleeplessly and said: Ill show you how this works. He didnt know anything about computers and web sites so I had a company in Raleigh, NC develop the original site for us. By the late 1980s, Jimmy was again performing on stage in his Orion persona and while not enjoying the buoyant career he had between 1978 and the early 1980s he had regular bookings, including in Europe where he was especially sought after. http://www.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3. I couldnt quite make out the voice. Real Name: James Hughes Bell Profile: James Hughes Bell (February 26, 1945 - December 12, 1998), stage name Orion (based on the character from the same-titled book by Gail Brewer-Giorgio ), was an American singer. Ellis hair and long sideburns were dyed black, and he dressed in a loud, bejeweled polyester jumpsuit, with a mask to protect him from crazed fans. Just before noon, he decided to go by his pawn shop to check on things. At one point he even released the single Im Trying Not to Sound Like Elvis. During his time with Sun, Ellis/Orion cut over 11 albums and toured with the Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other stars like Dionne Warwick. EIN: Your friendship with Jimmy Ellis. The story of Jimmy "Orion" Ellis is either one of the greatest cons to be forged in the history of American music or it's one of its greatest unsolved mysteries. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. I had just talked to him on Friday December 11. He makes a mistake and some asshole over here says don't worry about it, it will be alright. Scan of the 8 track cassette release TRUCKS, TRAINS & AIRPLANES on Gusto Records. His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky.". For the musician also known as Orion, see, "Jimmie Ellis and the Appolos: Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch", "U.S. Supreme Court won't review cases of two Alabama death row inmates", "Orion: The Man Who Would Be King review wonderfully weird | Film", "Orion: The Man Who Would Be King (2015)", "British Independent Film Awards 2015: the winners in full", "Sundance Selects acquires 'Orion: The Man Who Would Be King' for US Theatrical release", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jimmy_%22Orion%22_Ellis&oldid=1135156032, This page was last edited on 23 January 2023, at 00:00. 3. Scan of New Zealand release of the JERRY LEE LEWIS - DUETS album (Sun L27036). He then dragged the cash register off the counter and got about $135.00 out of it. A lot of the people traveled many miles to see himsome were on a tour of Nashville from England andGermany andhad made the trip to see Orion. He loved to have a good time, loved to sing and entertain. I love music too and do some song leading at church. Running time: 86 minutes in full colour. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: fanoscoatings.com, +62218463662, +62218463274, +622189841479, +62231320713, +623185584958 Home - FANOS ASIA He was professionally known as Orion, and his double-edged claim to fame was that his natural speaking and singing voice sounded almost exactly like that of Elvis Presley. Bobby D.: Not very much except recording at home when the mood strikes. Jim Highley. Orion to recieve Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas! You can make comments on the tab provided, or on the Orion Facebook Fan Club. The music industry is filled with many strange tales of artists whose lives took unexpected turns on the winding road to success, but the saga of singer Jimmy Ellis is perhaps one of the weirdest of them all. Then, shortly after Elvis's death, legendary producer Shelby Singleton reconnected with Ellis, signing him to Sun, and creating the myth of Orion, the hero of a book, in which a famous star fakes his own death, and takes himself and his music back the roots. Given Jimmy's keen sense of humor he must be looking down and smiling! The book is also available along withtheReborn CD (the first LP on Sun by Orion). Well, Jimmy finally had enough and took the mask off at a New Years show in the Atlanta area in 1981. Production costs turned out to be too high compared to the demand on the box set, making the release too economically challenging to make. Leave a comment or question, Jimmy Fallon made a mention of Orion and played snippets of Washing Machine on his show Monday, April 7, 2014. His voice was similar to Elvis Presley's, a fact which he and his record company played upon, making some believe that some of his recordings were by Presley, or even that Presley had not died in 1977. Their fascinating book, True Disbelievers The Elvis Contagion, featured excerpts from several interviews with Jimmy Ellis which shed further light on his frustration with his musical direction, including: On working in the recording studio with Shelby Singleton, Jimmy stated: We'd play it back, you know, in Shelby's office, and I'd say, "That's not right." In high school his teachers encouraged him to sing for the school's "Religious Emphasis Week," leading him to enter his first talent contest in 1963. was blessed with a natural singing voice remarkably similar to Elvis. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind. Bobby D.: Jimmy Ellis and I met in college at age 18 in 1963. He was NOT an impersonator, as he tried desperately to explain. We are told that the documentary is moving along but, as with many projects, monetary donations would be appreciated to help get to completion. Jimmy was, and still is, my favorite Elvis sound-alike singer. $4.00 shipping. EIN: Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? If you want to support the artist or artists that recorded and released this music, please go and purchase their music. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. They wrote both of the songs. Click on the LP and 45 rpm records page. Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights to Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, the feature documentary written and directed by Jeanie Finlay. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. My mom had bought me GI Blues and a new record player when I was only 10 years old and I would try to play some of the songs and sing. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. 'There are many that believe that Elvis is still alive - if he is alive he wears a mask and goes by the name Orion' (Nashville News 1979) ORION's the story of Jimmy Ellis, an unknown singer plucked from obscurity, and thrust into the spotlight as part . A special thanks to Shelby Singleton, Sun Records; Bobby Smith, Boblo Records; Wayne Hodge, Stargem Records;Jim Hardin, Kardina Records; and Jerry Adams, Flatland Records, and Nick "Scott" Pettafor producing all the great Orion-Jimmy Ellis-Ellis Jamesmusic that will last a lifetime..Thank you!!! EIN often receives requests for information on these releases. One of them, a tall guy with a buzzed haircut, was sitting on a single bed by an old record player and a reel-to-reel tape recorder. We join the Ellis family and friends and fans all . Newspaper adverts and reports of his numerous appearances also very much appreciated. This One's For. Take a look at the following table for more information. Cover scans of any CD's on the unofficial Orion Records label. Well, once all the other guys left, Jimmy and I sang until late in the night with me strumming a small red guitar he had borrowed and Jimmy and I singing Elvis and Beatles songs. The music industry is filled with many strange tales of artists whose lives took unexpected turns on the winding road to success, but the saga of singer Jimmy Ellis is perhaps one of the weirdest of them all. As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. Shawn. In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. We have just received an intro and preview clip of the up coming documentary "Orion The Movie". His natural voice was very similar to the voice of Elvis Presley, read more He had perfect pitch, automatic vibrato, and wide range in his voice. Thanks for your help!. Source: www.orionjimmyellis.com & www.lasvegaselvisfestival.com, 1 Comments / Two of the many Orion items still being sold in 2014: ----------------------------------------------------------------------. Problem is he doesn't play enough ofthe song for the audience to hear. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club. When Jimmy Ellis decided to give up the horse business and decided to go after a singing career, he sold his horse equipment and formed a company called Jimmy Ellis Productions, INC. Here he sold stock in himself as he needed money before going to L.A. and pursue singing. (Jimmy Ellis single on the regional Boblo label - released in 1978 - it is viewed by many as the singer's plea for acceptance in his own right rather than because of his uncanny Elvis-like singing voice). Being in a band, we did some Elvis songs, and I was a big fan and knew Elvis voice well. Jimmy Fallon goes "Orion" - Fallon does segment on worst albums he says doNOT buy. It doesnt cost a penny but has great impact! That day, Elaine Thompson, his x-wife was filling in for Shirley Connell who had gone home to Memphis for the weekend. I often wonder what that would have done for Jimmys career since Phil Walden was nationally known. A fine talent in his own right, Ellis recorded the song "I'm Not Trying" (Boblo 536) and the album By Request - Ellis Sings Elvis (Boblo 78-829). In a town steeped in strange success stories, hidden agendas, and dashed dreams, Orion's tale is one of the most curious ever to originate in Music City USA--which is saying something. Singleton duly took Orion back to Elvis's roots in rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, blues, and gospel. Very unfortunately, Jimmy Ellis along with his wife, was killed in December the 12th 1998 by a male robber. Before we talk about your friendship with Jimmy Ellis, who is Bobby D? Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! He said: man you may make it before I do. How many Elvis tribute artists are still remembered nearly 20 years after their death? (much like how each of Elvis' jumpsuits had its own name): ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, Orion (Jimmy Ellis) with (also in character) members of supergroup KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Another regular lady was also working that day. Solve the mystery and then use a smartphone or GPS device to navigate to the solution coordinates. The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. How did that come about and what can fans expect to find on the site? [3], After Presley died in 1977, Singleton revived the hoax by releasing singles that overdubbed Ellis' voice onto known Sun recordings by Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and others, including a version of "Save the Last Dance For Me," [6] on which there was simply a credit to "Friend". The label credited the recordings simply to "? This is a FOUR CD 5" digi-pak, this set features three concerts, Shreveport Louisiana July 1, 1976, Baton Rouge, July 2, 1976 and Elvis' last home-town concert Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis July 5, 1976. What you see is what you get. Orion". Who was that masked man?.Sadly, the convergence of artistic, commercial and greed/fame infused forces which would shape Jimmy's future meant he became a pawn in a multi-faceted promotional campaign involving author Gail Brewer-Giorgio (9 years before her best-selling non-fiction books asking if Elvis really died in 1977) and new Sun Studio owner, Shelby Singleton, when because of his voice Jimmy was marketed as the mysterious, masked singer, Orion. For the next 10 years Jimmy would balance music and his business interests. I thought that was an odd question but I said: sure, its Elvis Presley. Jimmy had the voice and charisma that drew you to him. Singleton then persuaded Ellis to start appearing as "Orion", wearing a small mask with dyed hair and in similar clothing to that worn by Presley. His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky." In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. He could laugh about most anythinghe was alot of fun at home and especially on stage!! Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Ellis entered Middle Georgia College on an athletic scholarship, then transferred to Livingston State University. Among the titles are 'Such A Night', 'Honey', 'Patches', 'Ebony Eyes', 'Rocky', and 'Release Me'; the complete overdubs with Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, and Carl Perkins, plus many previously unissued titles. INTERNET DOWNLOADS. Leave a comment or question. If you can provide any additional info, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to the list of details in the concert section of this site please get in touch. Explore. Around the same time, Ellis released another single under his name, "I'm Not Trying To Be Like Elvis", and an album, By Request Ellis Sings Elvis. ORION FEAT.JIMMY ELLIS.CH About me THE STORY OF ORION BEGAN AS FICTION A Georgia-based writer,Gail Brewer-Giorgio concocted a tale about a charismatic rock 'n'roll singer,Orion Eckley Darnell,who came to be called 'King' because of his enormous popularity across the world.However How many Elvis tribute artists have a fan club with more than 15,000 members? A real EP story. Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. He once said: you cant make it on someone elses coattail. The album featured some excellent songs including "Ebony Eyes", "Honey", and "Washing Machine". Love For A Lovely Girl.What A Great Song.BY Lester Brown/ Bob Gibson/ Johdn D Loudermilk. A WARM WELCOME TO ORIONDISCS This website is a tribute to the U.S. recording artist Jimmy Ellis, and focuses on his many record releases. Sundance Selects plans Dec 4 release theatrically and on demand. EIN:Bobby D. its been great talking with you. Above images sourced from the official "Orion-Jimmy Ellis" website Genesis.. Jimmy Hughes Bell was born on 26 February 1945 to a single mother (named) Gladys. You tell your friends who tell their friends who tell their friends WHAT IS THUNDERCLAP? We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.com together three months before his tragic death in December 1998. I am looking for information concerning Orion's many concert appearances in the USA and several countries in Europe where he performed. February 1945 - 13th. He tells in great detail the story of Jimmy Ellis, a successful horse farmer who took over the family business in the small town of Orrville, Alabama. We hope that thisweb site will in some way bring to light thetalent of Jimmy Ellis (Orion) and that it will bring you, as fans, or as new comers, joy through the love of his music and his short life on this earth. 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