Two years before she had begun a novel about a musical superstar, Orion, who faked his own death to find much-needed peace and privacy, based on the circumstances surrounding Elvis death. Read about his childhood, reaching for the music scene, chasing his dream and finally his tragic end. Production costs turned out to be too high compared to the demand on the box set, making the release too economically challenging to make. Cover/label scans wanted of any of the following: Cover scans of discs issued on the unofficial Jack Daniels label. Bobby D.: The gimmick of Orion lasted about 3 years. Orion to recieve Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas! Bobby D: Jimmy Ellis was actually the same off stage as he was on stage. In 1962, Ellis entered the Orrville (Alabama) High School talent show. 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. It was issued on Sun without an artist name, and created a furor because Ellis bore such an uncanny vocal resemblance to Elvis. Did Jimmy ever comment to you about the cover? 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. The Dan Lentino Management Group in Las Vegas is honoring Orion / Jimmy Ellis posthumously with a lifetime achievement award. Ellis made a public confession in 1983 admitting he was Orion. Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! We only index and link to content provided on other servers. The King is gone.Long live the King!.Jimmy's mortal life ended tragically when, on 12 December 1998, he was fatally shot in his Alabama pawn and package shop during a robbery gone bad. Death 12 Dec 1998 (aged 53) . Scans of sleeves and labels would be of real interest as would track listings of further foreign releases. Ellis's Orion character claimed to have been managed by one Colonel Mac Weiman, and have been born in Ribbonsville, Tennessee on December 31, 1931. "He just opened fire in seconds and hit Mr. Ellis in the side.". I finished college with a BBA while my wife worked, and I got the GI Bill. ): I continued with my Human Resources career for many years and retired in the mountains of NC two years ago. The crew had also made a pretty decent copy of the blue mask Orion wore on the Reborn album. 15 November 1937 Died 8 March 2012 (aged 74) There are at least four artists called Jimmy Ellis: 1) Jimmy Ellis. Instead of listing Ellis' first album on the label, Singleton printed a question mark. The film tells the story of Jimmy Ellis, an unknown singer plucked from obscurity and thrust into the spotlight as part of a crazy scheme that had him masquerade as Elvis back from the grave. So who is this person a performer whose sad end is one we normally expect from a fabricated and dramatically intensified Hollywood film? For almost 5 years the Orion phenomenon captivated its natural audience, not only in the US where fans had easy access to Orion, but also overseas - somewhat surprisingly given it was a snail mail, pre-tabloid, pre-Internet era. It is written by myself (Kenneth Dokkeberg), Steve Kelley (Orions road manager) and Bobby Dillard (personal friends since College). Bobby Smith, owner of Boblo Records once told his engineer, Chet Bennett: take him in the studio and record different songs. Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site Welcome!! 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. In 1979 Jimmy Ellis finally merged with an identity, but it still wasn't himself. ORION: The Man Who Would Be King, a film by Jeanie Finlay tells the story of Jimmy Ellis - an unknown singer plucked from obscurity and thrust into the spotlight as part of a crazy scheme that had him masquerade as Elvis back from the grave. Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. To see the film clip andmake a donation, pleaseclick on the link below. He said: man you may make it before I do. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. He released the Country, Rockabilly, and Glory albums in 1980, along with Trio Plus, which featured Orions voice overdubbed on old cuts with Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Charlie Rich. Wonder how in the world the producer picked an Orion album?? He then left the store and caught up with his two young friends waiting down the road in a car. 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. EIN: Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? Please tell our readers about this and how they can order. This is the definitive book on a man with the voice of a King. Excitement - Orion (Jimmy Ellis) was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, and a great personality. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/orion-the-man-who-would-be-king, 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. [6] His album Reborn, showing the singer emerging from a coffin, was released on gold-colored vinyl on the Sun label in 1978. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. How many Elvis tribute artists have had any unofficial album releases let alone 150 bootleg albums released? In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! As they say all PR is good PR! I could not believe what I was hearing. Jimmy continued, commmenting on the frustration he felt when he would have to stop the recording session because Shelby Singleton had arranged for a tour group to come through the studio: Now, what's the priority. Add your masked portrait to I Am Orion, THE ROLLERCOASTER RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF THE We have just received an intro and preview clip of the up coming documentary "Orion The Movie". Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. HEARTBREAK HOTEL By the time he was a teenager, it was clear that Jimmy Ellis had two talents: singing, and inadvertently sounding almost exactly like Elvis Presley. 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. The answer.Jimmy Ellis aka the masked man, Orion. The Jimmy Ellis/Orion story is one of great potential, qualified success, ongoing disappointment and ultimately, tragedy! Scan of New Zealand release of the JERRY LEE LEWIS - DUETS album (Sun L27036). Website. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRx7ice15YY, Backed by the Jordanaires and opening act Sherry Carlisle, Orion sang to a packed house on August 12, 1997 at Nashville's Nightlife Theater. He used to say: you can sound like other artists and make it but if you sound like Elvis they dont want to play your records. 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. 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. '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. Bobby D: My recollection is that on Saturday, December 12, 1998, Jimmy was getting ready to go on a duck hunting trip on Sunday with his son, a doctor friend and others. After the first blast, which left the 53-year-old Ellis mortally wounded and crawling for safety, the gunman turned his weapon on the singer's 44-year-old ex-wife, Elaine Thompson, who was on a stool behind the counter. How did that come about and what can fans expect to find on the site? I miss him a lot! I couldnt quite make out the voice. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Adios till we meet again! 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. So I said: come on, thats Elvis I have the album. Sung By . When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Explore. He has appeared with Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Skaggs, Lee Greenwood, Gary Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys and many many others. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! http://www.elvisinfonet.com/spotlight-orion-2014.html, The Tonight Show from NY with Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy was an accomplished songwriter who could write uptempo, slow and country songs as recordings such as the rockin' Washing Machine, poignant ballad It Ain't No Mystery and catchy, toe tapping Some You Win, Some You Lose, attest to. Jimmy Fallon goes "Orion" - Fallon does segment on worst albums he says doNOT buy. Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. EIN: Listening to My Special Angel and Hes Got You it is apparent that you also have a singing voice very similar Elvis. Is that your natural singing voice? EIN:Bobby D. its been great talking with you. We are told that the documentary is moving along but, as with many projects, monetary donations would be appreciated to help get to completion. I miss him a lot! (Orion) Jimmy Ellis He Has A Great Voice And We Loved All Of His Music. I hope people will remember that some of the masters are owned by us and others over in Norway/Denmark. EIN:Jimmy Ellis, the personaway from the stage or recording studio. [1], At the start of his music career, Ellis sang in nightclubs and, in 1964, released a single, "Dont Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch," for a small Georgia label, Dradco. He left Sun Records, never again appearing to the public as Orion. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presleys label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Bobby D.: It was a pleasure. New 2016 DVD release of the award winning documentary on the life and career of Jimmy Ellis. [3], Singleton tore off his mask at a performance in 1983, saying he would not wear it again. Scan of the 8 track cassette release ORION 20 ALL TIME FAVORITES. Artefact from Shelby Singleton's personal collection.conspiracy theorists, note the date! He fired once into her face, killing her instantly and hitting another worker, Helen King, in the hand. Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Directed by Jeanie Finlay. Jimmy Ellis (with mask) as Orion (note his hair color), Orion (sans mask) as Jimmy Ellis (note his natural hair color), Above images sourced from the official "Orion-Jimmy Ellis" website. He also had a great personality with a quick wit. Ellis appeared with many artists, including Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Skaggs, Lee Greenwood, Gary Morris, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Actually, I think it made him more determined to try to be accepted by radio and the music industry as Jimmy Ellis, even though he sounded like EP. It has hundreds of unseen photos, interviews with musicians and other people close to Jimmy. The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. Bobby D.: Jimmy Ellis and I met in college at age 18 in 1963. This is thebookthat started the Orion legend created by Shelby Singleton at Sun Records. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. To use this website you must enable JavaScript. Huffman said King, who played dead, was treated and released from a hospital for her hand wound. The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. How many Elvis tribute artists are still remembered nearly 20 years after their death? This blog is for preview purposes only and all music downloaded should be deleted within 24 hours. 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. [12] It was released theatrically in the US by Sundance Selects on December 4, 2015. These books arevintage - new and are a collector's item. '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 . Scans of any Jimmy Ellis/Orion release or alternate versions not included on this website would be greatly appreciated. I'm Leavin'.Despite an initially (somewhat) artistically and (somewhat) financially beneficial arrangement for Jimmy Ellis, eventually the combination of an increasingly unfulfilling and unwanted masked career as an Elvis sound-a-like confronted his primal burning desire to be recognised and appreciated as "himself". Learn more about merges. We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.com together three months before his tragic death in December 1998. We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.comtogether three months before his tragic death in December 1998. More recently, one of the few remaining groups in the once prolific and infamous (so-called) 'Elvis Underground' has stated that Jesse (aka the 'still alive' Elvis) believes some of the Orion/Jimmy Ellis recordings are actually him (Jesse) singing. Thats the special since the regular price is $12.95. These Classic LP Albums from Sun Records are new and sealed and will never be made again. EIN: Jimmy Ellis, the person.away from the stage or recording studio. Ellis appeared with many . Ellis entered Middle Georgia College on an athletic scholarship, then transferred to Livingston State University. I am always on the lookout for Orion/Jimmy Ellis concerts that I dont have. In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. I have to say I was floored. What exactly happened? [1] He attended Orrville High School, where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. While performing at the Eastern States Exposition, Ellis took off the mask and swore to never wear it again. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. If you sat in a room with him and heard him sing Happy Birthday, the National Anthem, or Its Now or Never, he sounded exactly the same. Bobby D.: I was born in Macon, GA in 1945. Scans of the unofficial CD titled JIMMY ELLIS THE SINGLES. Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! In 1999, the famed German company, Bear Family Records, released a 4CD box set of 108 Orion recordings: From the pr for the box set: It was Orion Eckley Darnell, keeping the flame of rootsy Southern music alive in the Seventies, and doing it by sounding remarkably like Elvis Aaron Presley. As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. He began by overdubbing him onto recordings by Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Charlie Rich, and then recording solo albums which many fans thought were better than many of Elvis's later LPs. 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. EIN: Bobby, many thanks for taking time to talk to us today. Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. Also like Elvis (surviving twin), he experienced an early life major event when, at the age of 4, he was adopted by Robert and Faye Ellis. Jimmy Hodges Ellis (born Jimmy Hughes Bell, February 26, 1945 - December 12, 1998), who used the stage name Orion at times in his career, was an American singer. Cover scans of any CD's on the unofficial Masked Man label. If you take something from the container, leave something in exchange. However, in the beginning recordings like Save The Last Dance For Me, Ebony Eyes and Honey convinced many Elvis fans that their King was still physically among them. 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. While friends of the singer Jimmy Ellis have speculated that Orion could well have been The King's half-brother. Chet came back and said: Bobby, he sounds the same on all of them. SUBSCRIBE FOR ARTIST + LABEL NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENTS AND MORE. EIN: Jimmys death was tragic! Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . Artist of the Year Theme by Foxhound Band Themes. Orion". 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). We were in the same dorm building on campus at Middle Georgia College in Cochran, GA. Every morning from my room I would hear this loping sound of cowboy boots coming down the hall and some guy humming and singing lowly. 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. [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. Three thugs intent on thievery pulled up outside the pawn shop on Dec. 12, 1998, and one of them Jeffrey Lee walked inside, pulled a sawed-off shotgun hidden in his heavy . We are told that the documentaryis moving along but, as with many projects,monetary donations would be appreciated to help get it to completion.
