We only index and link to content provided on other servers. Jim Highley. I do miss playing live. Thank you very much!! 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. EIN: Did the Orion experience change Jimmy as a person? Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. The label credited the recordings simply to "? You can make comments on the tab provided, or on Facebook at "Orion Jimmy Ellis Fan Club" or "Orion Jimmy Ellis Group". It is old and worn just like it should be. Besides, I had childhood issues that I was not good enough. Are they still available in 2014? 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. Kenneth Dokkeberg. This blog is for preview purposes only and all music downloaded should be deleted within 24 hours. Im on the upper deck of our cabin in the picture here (see photo above). It's like an artist painting a picture. . Bobby D.: A few months before Jimmy passed away, I had suggested we put a web site together to sell his CDs. EIN: The Jimmy Ellis story "lives on". Ellis appeared with many artists, including Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Skaggs, Lee Greenwood, Gary Morris, and the Oak Ridge Boys. 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. 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. 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. $4.00 shipping. This site is very much a "work in progress" and is being updated all the time. had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! If I Can Dream.The internal struggle that Jimmy Ellis had with his Orion alter-ego and his burning desire to record quality music appears to have been ever present. [12] It was released theatrically in the US by Sundance Selects on December 4, 2015. The Final Performance CD is a good example of the kind of interaction and humor Orion had with the audience. His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky.". Artist of the Year Theme by Foxhound Band Themes. The upcoming Orion documentary being done by Jeanie Finley in England should broaden exposure. He didnt know anything about computers and web sites so I had a company in Raleigh, NC develop the original site for us. For a proud man who had so much wanted recognition as Jimmy Ellis - not Elvis Presley - we can only imagine how galling and emotionally and psychologically scarring this was!. EIN: What is Bobby D. doing, musically, these days? Many years later, I recorded four songs at Stargem Studios in Nashville, the same studio Jimmy had also recorded at earlier. So, I have kept the site going since 1998. These books arevintage - new and are a collector's item. 2. Look for a micro hidden container. To use this website you must enable JavaScript. During that same year, with record in hand, I took Jimmy Ellis to Macon to meet Bobby Smith at his recording studio. 1. Mr. That voice!.While he had a natural Elvis-like singing voice, throughout his adult life Jimmy strove to be recognised as a serious artist in his own right, a person who was inherently a wonderfully talented and gifted entertainer whose magical presence touched many people.That talent was genetically pre-determined and embryonically, DNA dictated.its essence was not because he sounded remarkably like Elvis! EIN: Jimmy Ellis, the person.away from the stage or recording studio. The shot missed, and then Lee allegedly turned his attention to the cash register, which he knocked off the counter after he could not open it, Huffman said. The album featured some excellent songs including "Ebony Eyes", "Honey", and "Washing Machine". How many Elvis tribute artists have a fan club with more than 15,000 members? [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. This is the definitive book on a man with the voice of a King. Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. 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.. [13], "Orion (musician)" redirects here. The Dan Lentino Management Group in Las Vegas is honoring Orion / Jimmy Ellis posthumously with a lifetime achievement award. 5 1969-70' Book Review: 'From Hawaii to Las Vegas' FTD CD Review: 'Young Man with the Big Beat' In-Depth Review: 'Fashion For A King' FTD in-depth Review: The Music of Elvis Presley - Australian Radio Show, Elvis Presley In Concert "downunder" 2006, Graceland - The National Historic Landmark. 17 Comments / I am always on the lookout for Orion/Jimmy Ellis concerts that I dont have. You tell your friends who tell their friends who tell their friends WHAT IS THUNDERCLAP? He also had a great personality with a quick wit. "He just opened fire in seconds and hit Mr. Ellis in the side.". 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. 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. Some listeners believed that Orion was, in fact, Presley, who had supposedly faked his death. EIN: Jimmys death was tragic! Another regular lady was also working that day. It will be presented at this years Las Vegas Elvis Fest at the LVH formerly the Las Vegas Hilton on July 11th. Instead of listing Ellis' first album on the label, Singleton printed a question mark. A real EP story. How many Elvis tribute artists have several websites devoted to them. 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. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Scans of the COUNTRY FROM THE HEART CD on the Lanier Records label. Thanks, Nigel!! 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. 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. (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). It doesnt cost a penny but has great impact! Did Jimmy ever comment to you about the cover? iTunes, Amazon) and not physical discs. To see the film clip andmake a donation, pleaseclick on the link below. Many thanks again and all the best for the future. The Kissin Cousins movie was on at the local theater, and I had seen it recently. 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). Even before the Orion phenomenon had really taken off he released a self-penned single on the small Boblo label, I'm Not Trying To Be Like Elvis. Scans of the unofficial CD titled JIMMY ELLIS THE SINGLES. We were both only children, but Jimmy was not selfish or too self-centered. Thats the special since the regular price is $12.95. Many fans will not be aware of this circumstances. Bobby had recorded Otis Redding and Wayne Cochran plus many local bands. I thought that was an odd question but I said: sure, its Elvis Presley. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis, also known as James Hughes Bell was an American Singer. Which brings us to the incredible story of Orion. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. : --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Shawn. So, thats how Jimmy Ellis and I met and became lifelong friends. If you have further details on any releases not included or would like to trade Orion recordings or material please drop me an email. This boxed set documents Orion's career on the legendary Sun Records label. Jimmy was, and still is, my favorite Elvis sound-alike singer. With an outlandish fictional identity torn from the pages of a pulp novel, the backing of the legendary birthplace of rock n roll Sun Records and a voice that seemed to be the very twin of Presleys himself, the scheme concocted in the months after Presleys death exploded into a cult success and the Elvis is alive myth began. 5 1969-70' Book Review: 'From Hawaii to Las Vegas' FTD CD Review: 'Young Man with the Big Beat' In-Depth Review: 'Fashion For A King' FTD in-depth Review: The Music of Elvis Presley - Australian Radio Show, Elvis Presley In Concert "downunder" 2006, Graceland - The National Historic Landmark. http://www.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3. That was December 4, 1998 - The Nightlife Theatre in Nashville, TNwhat a show!!! In the 2006 EIN article, A Tribute to the "Masked Man": Jimmy Ellis aka "Orion", I observed: Of course his friends knew him from his early days as a child and when he started out as a singer, but this didn't stop the promoters of the "Elvis is alive" conspiracy theory. Ellis made a public confession in 1983 admitting he was Orion. 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". He would give you things and himself freely. Born in 1945 in Orville, Alabama. It has 408 pages, harcover and a CD included with some of Jimmys finest performances and also unreleased gems from the archives of Sun Records. Orion recorded a single, Ebony Eyes, for Sun in 1979, which became part of his debut album, Reborn. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! 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. And, after I heard Jimmy, I knew I was not.>. Bobby then immediately offered Jimmy a recording contract. He started the album on the record player to play Echoes of Love. Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club. 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. JIMMY ( ORION ) ELLIS - LIVE ON STAGE 70s d pascalini 4.87K subscribers Subscribe 800 97K views 9 years ago JIMMY ( ORION ) ELLIS -- LIVE ON STAGE -- 70s Show more Comments are turned off.. As they say all PR is good PR! While in Germany, met my future wife, the daughter of a Major, fighter pilot stationed at the same base. your own Pins on Pinterest 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. But later after collegeJimmy and I reconnected and had experiences in the 70s where he did various club shows etc., in Macon and other towns. 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. Who was he? With Jerry Adams, Sharon Attaway Nettleton, Gail Brewer-Giorgio, Boomer Castleman. Think of it as an online flash mob. Join the OrionThunderclap, and you and [], "If Elvis is alive, THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO JIMMY ELLIS "ORION" THE MUSIC & LEGEND OF THE MAN WHO HAD THE VOICE OF A KING. 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. I have to say I was floored. 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. Read about his childhood, reaching for the music scene, chasing his dream and finally his tragic end. Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Directed by Jeanie Finlay. EIN: Bobby, many thanks for taking time to talk to us today. Youmans formed a small group and had Jimmy sing at a few local schools. 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. Bobby D. on YouTube (who does Bobby sound like? '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 . Cover scans of any CD's on the unofficial Orion Records label. The crew had also made a pretty decent copy of the blue mask Orion wore on the Reborn album. One of them is Orion's Reborn LP and he plays a snippet of "Washing Machine" written by Jimmy Ellis. Similarly, there was an incontrovertible and diametrically opposed outcome for each side. Lee's appeal against the sentence was refused by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on October 9, 2009,[7] and a writ of certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court of the United States in April 2018. 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. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Other LP/CD's Featuring Jimmy Ellis/Orion, Other LP's/CD's featuring Jimmy Ellis/Orion, Other LP & CD's Featuring Jimmy Ellis/Orion, Stargem/Kardina/Southern Tracks Promo Photos. NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. I really like the way he sang songs that Elvis never recorded in versions that still sounded a lot like Elvis. Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. Bobby D.: As mentioned before, it was Elaine Thompson, Jimmys ex-wife and another lady who normally worked at the store. We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.com together three months before his tragic death in December 1998. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. Later, we met a guy named Jimmy Youmans also a student. 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. There is a new film about Orion being made by the talented moviemaker from England, Jeanie Finlay. 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. [3], In 1978, writer Gail Brewer-Giorgio published a novel, Orion, about a leading popular singer based on Presley who faked his death. While friends of the singer Jimmy Ellis have speculated that Orion could well have been The King's half-brother. 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. 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***. The world lost a great singer. Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . Chet came back and said: Bobby, he sounds the same on all of them. Solve the mystery and then use a smartphone or GPS device to navigate to the solution coordinates. Bobby D.: It was a pleasure. It's the story of a masked. Thanks for your help!. 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. I finished college with a BBA while my wife worked, and I got the GI Bill. In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. Artefact from Shelby Singleton's personal collection.conspiracy theorists, note the date! Directors Statement Who was that masked man? Read More #MyOrion "If Elvis is alive, he wears as mask and goes by the name Orion" A man who for more than 10 years chased a career as a romantic southern crooner with a love of rockabilly and nostalgic love songs. He left Sun Records, never again appearing to the public as Orion. 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. But, it was really him. Being in a band, we did some Elvis songs, and I was a big fan and knew Elvis voice well. These songs has appeared on other compilations or a collection of songs. We have a limited supply of this1979 hardcover version of the book "Orion" by Gail Brewer-Giorgio. He once said: you cant make it on someone elses coattail. 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. He loved to have a good time, loved to sing and entertain. This One's For. (Orion) Jimmy Ellis He Has A Great Voice And We Loved All Of His Music. 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. 3. We have just received an intro and preview clip from the up coming documentary "Orion The Movie". 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. I had just talked to him on Friday December 11. had a stage presence which entranced his fans, did not want want to be an Elvis imitator, for most of his career did not make a living singing and performing Elvis songs, had fans who travelled (often as a family) up to 500 miles to see him perform, is the only Elvis stylist to have had an album replaced due to controversy, is the only Elvis stylist to have a best-selling book published about his persona. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYuszmPq3lw, "Orion" by Gail Brewer-Giorgio (Hardcover 1979). In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. [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. His birth certificate states the mother was a secretary named Gladys Bell, and the father was Vernon (no surname). The record got a little airplay in Macon, GA in 1964. 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. 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 also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. How many other Elvis tribute artists have book, film and radio documentary adaptations of their story? On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. To The Official Orion - Jimmy Ellis Web Site, http://tribecafilm.com/stories/tribeca-film-festival-2015-viewpoints, http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/orion-the-man-who-would-be-king. 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. 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. It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. If he sounds different on them, I will know he is faking. Then, he introduced me to Jimmy Ellis, the guy by the tape recorder who had said nothing. Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. They wrote both of the songs. Copyright the Elvis Information Network. 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. [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 album disc was on the record player.