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. EIN: The Jimmy Ellis story "lives on". Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. (1945-1998) - Find Find out more about the Orion - Jimmy Ellis story: ***Orion - Jimmy Ellis: The Official Web Site***: (includes news, photo gallery, Books, CDs and DVDs 'For Sale' and 'Free' MP3 downloads), (includes brief Orion biography, worldwide Jimmy Ellis/Orion discography info, bootleg info and gallery of the many different Orion masks), ***Orion Merchandise (available online) from Cafe Press***. Jimmy came from a Christian family and held his belief in God the Father throughout his life. The controversial 'Reborn' album with its "coffin" cover. 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! 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. Explore. To use this website you must enable JavaScript. A few weeks later, some guys asked me to come down to their room where they were playing music so I decided to go. Ellis first album appearance for Sun was as an unidentified singer singing duet with Jerry Lee Lewis on ten tracks of the 1978 album Duets (Sun 1011). Of the thousands who in some way look(ed), perform(ed) or sound(ed) like Elvis there is one performer who stands well apart from the rest. EIN: Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? They are remembered for their hit single "Disco Inferno" (1976). Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . Memorial ID. 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. I had just talked to him on Friday December 11. EIN: Bobby, you currently have a special offer on the site. $4.00 shipping. 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. These titles and their eye catching specially made front covers would appear to be exclusively for internet downloads (eg. He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. If you take something from the container, leave something in exchange. On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. Home Page of OrionDiscs - new Oriondiscs website He is a phenomenon in his own right albeit because of his Elvis connection - a connection which figuratively haunted him throughout his tragically, shortened career. Perhaps critically, Jimmy had made a decision that a sporting future wasn't to shape the his story, and in so doing his future would be frustratingly shaped by his vocal chords as Jimmy's singing voice sounded remarkably like Elvis'. I could not believe what I was hearing. ORION (JIMMY ELLIS) A STRANGER IN MY PLACE 6 RADIO STATION SPOTS SUN 1152 MINT-. 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. Bobby then immediately offered Jimmy a recording contract. Bobby D.: Jimmy's story and music is important- he was very talented - and these releases will celebrate his life and career. 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. Feb 6, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Patricia Milligan. 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!!! Bobby D.: As mentioned before, it was Elaine Thompson, Jimmys ex-wife and another lady who normally worked at the store. This is a fan site. )more than 20 items including coffee mugs, beer steins, calendars, mouse pad, t-shirts, sweat shirts and clocks, is the only Elvis stylist who nearly 20 years after his tragic death still elicits interest from his fans, is promoted today by a commercial company operating in his name, has several websites devoted to his life and music, had several of his recordings featured on the soundtrack of a number of films, has featured in a number of documentaries about music in the southern states of the USA, is the subject of a documentary film being released in 2015. That one along with the first original album now on CD - Orion Reborn are offered for $8.95 each. 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. MYSTERY MASKED MAN WITH THE VOICE OF A LEGEND. Two of the many Orion items still being sold in 2014: ----------------------------------------------------------------------. 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. [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. We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.comtogether three months before his tragic death in December 1998. The upcoming Orion documentary being done by Jeanie Finley in England should broaden exposure. Ellis appeared with many . Similarly, there was an incontrovertible and diametrically opposed outcome for each side. Jimmy Ellis 1937-2012 It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of our friend and original lead singer, Jimmy Ellis, on Thursday, March 8, 2012 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was part of a comedy sketch with artists not to play. 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. It has hundreds of unseen photos, interviews with musicians and other people close to Jimmy. This dynamic performer differentiates himself from all others for a number of reasons. To see the film clip andmake a donation, pleaseclick on the link below. : Since Elvis' explosion onto the world stage in the mid 1950s there have been countless Elvis tribute artists, imitators, impersonators, stylists and sound-a-likes offering and emulating a watershed musical icon. Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. Scans of sleeves and labels would be of real interest as would track listings of further foreign releases. Jimmy was a really good guitar player and very musically inclined. I responded: gosh Jimmy what if I did. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Directed by Jeanie Finlay. THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO JIMMY ELLIS "ORION" THE MUSIC & LEGEND OF THE MAN WHO HAD THE VOICE OF A KING. JIMMY ( ORION ) ELLIS - LIVE ON STAGE 70s - YouTube New 2016 DVD release of the award winning documentary on the life and career of Jimmy Ellis. Problem is he doesn't play enough ofthe song for the audience to hear. His birth certificate states the mother was a secretary named Gladys Bell, and the father was Vernon (no surname). 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. She is an accomplished documentary film maker with 6+ well known films. A talented athlete, Jimmy was awarded a two-year athletic scholarship at Middle Georgia Junior College and was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site Michael Stevens ORION Almost ELVIS Official American Singers Orion Elvis The Man Official Jimmy Ellis "Orien" Graham Carpenter Elvis Aaron Presley Waiting In The Wings Apocalypse Ellis Jimmy Interview Some listeners believed that Orion was, in fact, Presley, who had supposedly faked his 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, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Singleton duly took Orion back to Elvis's roots in rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, blues, and gospel. Orion | Sun Records [5] His vocals closely resembled those of Elvis Presley, and in 1969 Shelby Singleton, who had acquired the rights to Sun Records' back catalog, other than Presley's recordings for the label, released a single of Ellis' recordings of Presley's early songs, "That's All Right (Mama)" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky". The guys in the room were mostly the colleges basketball players. Police later found Lee holed up in a motel about 30 miles outside Atlanta. 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. Orion's mystique and allure was so universally popular among fans that Orion singles and albums were released in Europe and "downunder" in Australia. For the soul singer, member of The Trammps, please see Jimmy Ellis (2) Sites: Wikipedia, orionjimmyellis.com, oriondiscs.com Aliases: and goes by the name
Backed by the Jordanaires and opening act Sherry Carlisle, Orion sang to a packed house on August 12, 1997 at Nashville's Nightlife Theater. It is hold together by a stitch in the upper left corner. Scheduled for release next year is Jeanne Finlay's intriguing film, Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, and also due for release in 2015 is a radio documentary about southern USA music which includes a segment about the Jimmy "Orion" Ellis story. With fans more interested in seeing "Kemo Sabe" rather than Jimmy Ellis, he spent the next few years focusing more on his business affairs than his music career. I still record once in a while at home, as the mood strikes. On December 12, 1998, Jimmy Ellis and his ex-wife were both shot and killed by a man who was robbing his pawnshop in Alabama. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. A Tribute to the "Masked Man": Jimmy Ellis aka "Orion". 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 man they thought was Elvis - TV ..replaced with a completely new cover and no coffin! Sun Records legend Orion (Jimmy Ellis) is known internationally for his gifted singing ability and dynamic personal appearances. Think of it as an online flash mob. Join the OrionThunderclap, and you and [], "If Elvis is alive,
had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! In his insightful interview, Bobby D. reveals what (the real) Jimmy Ellis was like off-stage and covers a range of subjects including: Bobby D. operates the official Jimmy Ellis/Orion website and is a singer himself. Scan of the 8 track cassette release TRUCKS, TRAINS & AIRPLANES on Gusto Records. Welcome also would be details of his concert performances in the U.S.A. and Europe. The other lady fell to the floor with blood on her and played dead while Jimmy tried to crawl behind a computer desk. 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. If you can help with any small detail please contact me at: Promotional 8 track tape added for upcoming Dradco release of the album, Updated info on the new CD release of the. He appeared as Orion Eckley Darnell, the character created August 16, 1977, by a Marietta [Georgia], housewife Gail Brewer-Giorgo. Bobby Smith, owner of Boblo Records once told his engineer, Chet Bennett: take him in the studio and record different songs. was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. Directors Statement Who was that masked man? Click on the LP and 45 rpm records page. I hope people will remember that some of the masters are owned by us and others over in Norway/Denmark. ): I continued with my Human Resources career for many years and retired in the mountains of NC two years ago. 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. The world lost a great singer. (Orion) Jimmy Ellis He Has A Great Voice And We Loved All Of His Music. He was NOT an impersonator, as he tried desperately to explain. EIN: Bobby, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and Jimmy Ellis/Orion fans? He didnt know anything about computers and web sites so I had a company in Raleigh, NC develop the original site for us. 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. He travelled to Nashville and tried to break into the music business - but found. And, after I heard Jimmy, I knew I was not.>. The book is also available along withtheReborn CD (the first LP on Sun by Orion). 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]. One of the guys asked me if I knew who that was singing on the tape recorder. Youmans formed a small group and had Jimmy sing at a few local schools. 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. Jimmy Ellis (Orion) - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (live 1989) Super rare memorabilia from the start up of the singing career of Jimmy Ellis! You can make comments on the tab provided, or on Facebook at "Orion Jimmy Ellis Fan Club" or "Orion Jimmy Ellis Group". Offered here is a two sheet info about the partnership which was presented to the stockholder. Many thanks again and all the best for the future. However, after failing to retain his popularity using his real name, he returned to performing as Orion in 1987. Watch the stunning trailer for Orion The Man Who Would Be King. '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. In reality, Orion was the club singer Jimmy Ellis, who was born in Orrville, Alabama, in 1945. Giorgios book had just come out, so Singleton decided to cash in on its popularity and transform Jimmy Ellis into the mysterious Orion who had phoned the author earlier that year. To see the film clip and make a donation, please click on the link below. Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. We only index and link to content provided on other servers. EIN often receives requests for information on these 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 was the one who produced Jimmy Ellis first 45 rpm record Love Is But A Love and Dont Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch recorded at a radio station in Kibbee, GA. 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. Being in a band, we did some Elvis songs, and I was a big fan and knew Elvis voice well. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, A selection of the many colorful Orion masks, each with its own name. Scan of the cassette release BY REQUEST, ELLIS SINGS ELVIS. Orion in Sweden 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. A couple of songs can be heard at the URLs below. I couldnt quite make out the voice. December 1998. 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." Sundance Selects plans Dec 4 release theatrically and on demand. 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. Many years later, I recorded four songs at Stargem Studios in Nashville, the same studio Jimmy had also recorded at earlier. Elvis Presley: Was Jimmy 'Orion' Ellis The King's half-brother? The So I said: come on, thats Elvis I have the album. Oh well, it is publicity!! Bobby Dillard was a close friend of the late Jimmy Ellis.the man who, wearing a mask, became a key part of the 'Elvis is alive' movement, as the mysterious singer, Orion! How many Elvis tribute artists have had any unofficial album releases let alone 150 bootleg albums released? You can see the trailer for the movie and back the project here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/orion-the-man-who-would-be-king. 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. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Just before noon, he decided to go by his pawn shop to check on things. Here is what the website says: ORION: The Man Who Would Be King 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. 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. your own Pins on Pinterest [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. The album disc was on the record player. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Brewer-Giorgio's novel, Jimmy Ellis' career aspirations, and Shelby Singleton's business converged to create Orion, the masked singer who allowed Jimmy to essentially perform as Elvis Presley for those grief-stricken audiences who wanted to believe he was still alive. 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. The mysterious phone call came from a stranger with a Presley-like voice, claiming to be Orion. * Released After Jimmy Ellis's death in 1999. Later that day, sheriff's deputies caught up with the two alleged accomplices, Andre Darren Lee, 19, who is the alleged gunman's brother, and Jerry Dewayne Johnson, 17, who is his cousin. No breach of copyright is intended or should be inferred. Who was he? We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.com together three months before his tragic death in December 1998. Bobby D.: Basically he was very happy to get all the publicity from all the albums and live shows Sun Records provided, but he did not like wearing the mask. Huffman said King, who played dead, was treated and released from a hospital for her hand wound. Another regular lady was also working that day. Orion: The Man Who Would Be King (2015) - IMDb It doesnt cost a penny but has great impact! Watch a fascinating interview in 1979 with both Orion and Gail Brewer-Giorgio promoting his career and Ms Brewer-Giorgio's "Orion" novel, (BTW, the back story to the "Orion" novel, full of dirty dealings, "he says-she says" and legal machinations, is deserving of an article all to itself!). The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. Ellis appeared on the album cover wearing a mask over his eyes. He also had a great personality with a quick wit. Shawn. Genesis.Jimmy Hughes Bell was born on 26 February 1945 to a single mother (named) Gladys. I have to say I was floored. Jimmy had the voice and charisma that drew you to him. But, it was really him. Thank you very much!! On Orion's 1979 debut album, Reborn (Sun 1912). A real EP story. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. Orion Feat.jimmy Ellis.ch