How did that come about and what can fans expect to find on the site? Jimmy's contributions to the group, both in his personality and in his amazing tenor, will never be forgotten. Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights to Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, the feature documentary written and directed by Jeanie Finlay. 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. Bobby D.: Actually, I know there are bootleg ones out there, but Im not familiar with all of them. The shooter is in jail with a death sentence. 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. Another regular lady was also working that day. Bobby D.: As mentioned before, it was Elaine Thompson, Jimmys ex-wife and another lady who normally worked at the store. Charlie Rich sang along with Lewis on two other songs. In early 1965, I transferred to Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and lost touch with Jimmy for a number of years. The CDs are offered on the official web site: www.orionjimmyellis.com. EIN: Jimmys first Orion album, Reborn. EIN: Bobby, you currently have a special offer on the site. 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. 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. 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.. He fired once into her face, killing her instantly and hitting another worker, Helen King, in the hand. It's the story of a masked. 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 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. Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together. 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." '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 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. Jimmy Ellis - If I Can't Have You 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. Cover/label scans wanted of any of the following: Cover scans of discs issued on the unofficial Jack Daniels label. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Interview conducted by Nigel Patterson, EIN (July 2014), Read: EIN's 2014 "Jimmy Ellis/Orion" article. 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. EIN: Bobby, many thanks for taking time to talk to us today. Thanks for your help! On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. Dates, venues, photographs would all be of great help. He didnt know anything about computers and web sites so I had a company in Raleigh, NC develop the original site for us. Chet came back and said: Bobby, he sounds the same on all of them. He quickly says "he sounds just like Elvis" and then puts on a copy of the mask worn by Orion for the album picture. 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. On Monday I carried his CDs to work and played them throughout the day. Sundance Selects acquires Orion: The Man Who Would Be King for US Theatrical release. 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. He appeared as Orion Eckley Darnell, the character created August 16, 1977, by a Marietta [Georgia], housewife Gail Brewer-Giorgo. Given Jimmy's keen sense of humor he must be looking down and smiling! Bobby D.: Not very much except recording at home when the mood strikes. Many years later, I recorded four songs at Stargem Studios in Nashville, the same studio Jimmy had also recorded at earlier. 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. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis, also known as James Hughes Bell was an American Singer. Leave a comment or question. 'My voice is both a blessing and a curse' (Jimmy Ellis/Orion during media interview), Controversial Sun Records 1978 Orion 'Reborn' (coffin) album cover. His natural voice was very similar to the voice of Elvis Presley, read more 2. Genesis.Jimmy Hughes Bell was born on 26 February 1945 to a single mother (named) Gladys. Bobby D.: Jimmy Ellis and I met in college at age 18 in 1963. 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. I was in a small band named the Catalinas in Macon, GA my hometown and loved music. 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. 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. 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 What you see is what you get. Jimmy Ellis (Orion) - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (live 1989) 21,230 views Nov 5, 2014 218 Dislike Kenneth Dokkeberg 677 subscribers Jimmy "Orion" Ellis live at Hillbilly Heaven on. He would give you things and himself freely. [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 guy shot at Jimmy again but missed. iTunes, Amazon) and not physical discs. Very sadly, it is possible, even probable, Jimmy Ellis never fully realised the enormity and significance of his impact as a recording and performing artist! )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. Scan of the German cassette release LET YOUR LOVE FLOW on the Sun/Bellaphon label. [3], In 1978, writer Gail Brewer-Giorgio published a novel, Orion, about a leading popular singer based on Presley who faked his death. EIN: Jimmy Ellis, the person.away from the stage or recording studio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, A selection of the many colorful Orion masks, each with its own name. 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. His birth certificate states the mother was a secretary named Gladys Bell, and the father was Vernon (no surname). 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. I had just talked to him on Friday December 11. [7] Jeffrey Lee was convicted of the murder of Ellis and Ellis's ex-wife Elaine Thompson, who was working as an employee at the store, and the attempted murder of employee Helen King. Oh well, it is publicity!! Think of it as an online flash mob. Join the OrionThunderclap, and you and [], "If Elvis is alive, Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . Once Jimmy signed with Sun Records in Nashville, we drifted apart.me with my career and Jimmy trying to make it in the music industry. Listeners of Orion were initially split into two camps: those who knew that Orion was Jimmy Ellis just having some fun sounding like Elvis , and others who sincerely believed or wanted to believe that he was truly Elvis coming back on the scene after faking his own death. the story behind Bobby D's friendship with Jimmy Ellis, how Jimmy felt about his "Orion" character. One of them is Orion's Reborn LP and he plays a snippet of "Washing Machine" written by Jimmy Ellis. 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 both only children, but Jimmy was not selfish or too self-centered. 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. $11.99. Ellis appeared with many artists, including Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Skaggs, Lee Greenwood, Gary Morris, and the Oak Ridge Boys. EIN: Your friendship with Jimmy Ellis. 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. Ellis, Jimmy "Orion" Type: Person Gender: Male Born: 1945-02-26 Born in: Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States Died: 1998-12-12 (aged 53)Died in: Selma, Alabama, United States Area: United States ISNI code: 0000 0004 3983 0212 Rating 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! [13], "Orion (musician)" redirects here. Later, we met a guy named Jimmy Youmans also a student. EIN often receives requests for information on these releases. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club. 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. 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. Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. 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. A Tribute to the "Masked Man": Jimmy Ellis aka "Orion". I really like the way he sang songs that Elvis never recorded in versions that still sounded a lot like Elvis. Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Directed by Jeanie Finlay. EIN: There are conflicting reports of who else was with Jimmy at the time, some reports say his fianc, others say his ex-wife. Adios till we meet again! 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. INTERNET DOWNLOADS. Raised in Orrville, Alabama, Ellis began his recording career in 1964. 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!. Watch the stunning trailer for Orion The Man Who Would Be King. 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***. It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. ..replaced with a completely new cover and no coffin! Lets hope this music finds a way out at some other point. 3. Scans of any Jimmy Ellis/Orion release or alternate versions not included on this website would be greatly appreciated. Bobby D.: A few months before Jimmy passed away, I had suggested we put a web site together to sell his CDs. Huffman said King, who played dead, was treated and released from a hospital for her hand wound. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site Welcome!! An attempt to compile a complete list of official DVD recordings by Glimmer Films featuring the U.S.A. recording artist Jimmy Ellis also known as Orion. 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. 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. SUBSCRIBE FOR ARTIST + LABEL NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENTS AND MORE. Bobby knew a lot of people in the business and was a producer for King Records at one time. A couple of songs can be heard at the URLs below. What exactly happened? and goes by the name Explore. Details of songs performed at any of the listed shows would be especially welcome. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. 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 .
orion jimmy ellis the official website