He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. It's like an artist painting a picture. How & where do I sell my Elvis collection? Elvis True Story: Who Was Orion? The Masked Lookalike - ScreenRant How many Elvis tribute artists have several websites devoted to them. Thats the special since the regular price is $12.95. Thanks for your help! And, you wonder if helistened to "Ebony Eyes" and the rest of the LP. We only index and link to content provided on other servers. Before we talk about your friendship with Jimmy Ellis, who is Bobby D? Click on the LP and 45 rpm records page. http://www.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3. 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. 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 was gunned Down in His Alabama Pawn Shop December 12, 1998. Adios till we meet again! 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. Please visit my own Jimmy Ellis page for information and links. Backed by the Jordanaires and opening act Sherry Carlisle, Orion sang to a packed house on August 12, 1997 at Nashville's Nightlife Theater. 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. If he sounds different on them, I will know he is faking. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi. Many thanks again and all the best for the future. Bobby D.: Jimmy's story and music is important- he was very talented - and these releases will celebrate his life and career. He was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States on February 26, 1945. EIN: Bobby, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and Jimmy Ellis/Orion fans? (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, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------. It begins with the 1972 single on which Orion, then simply Jimmy Ellis, recorded 'That's All Right/Blue Moon Of Kentucky.' 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. At first with all the attention he was getting, Im sure he had fun with it but he really wanted to be known as himself and not try to fool people into thinking he might be Elvis Presley. A couple of songs can be heard at the URLs below. 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!. 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. [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. Singleton duly took Orion back to Elvis's roots in rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, blues, and gospel. Who was he? If you have further details on any releases not included or would like to trade Orion recordings or material please drop me an email. Scan of the German cassette release LET YOUR LOVE FLOW on the Sun/Bellaphon label. 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. Orion mention on The tonight show with jimmy fallon, http://beta.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/17-Out-Of-My-Life-live.mp3. The girls went wild. 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. Another regular lady was also working that day. ..replaced with a completely new cover and no coffin! Home Page of OrionDiscs - new Oriondiscs website A real EP story. 1. Bobby knew a lot of people in the business and was a producer for King Records at one time. He quickly says "he sounds just like Elvis" and then puts on a copy of the mask worn by Orion for the album picture. 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. As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. EIN: Did he come to resent the Orion character and if so, how strongly? The CDs are offered on the official web site: www.orionjimmyellis.com. He was who he was, no pretense. Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. A Tribute to the "Masked Man": Jimmy Ellis aka "Orion". 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. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. We have just received an intro and preview clip of the up coming documentary "Orion The Movie". 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 | Sun Records 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. EIN often receives requests for information on these releases. [3], Singleton tore off his mask at a performance in 1983, saying he would not wear it again. It is old and worn just like it should be. 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. Taken straight from the mastertapes. Scans of the orange label version of the CD single SUNDAY FATHER on the Lanier Records label. In its way, the story underscores some of the dark, disturbing aspects of image-making, music marketing, and how the music industry builds stars but destroys individuals. On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. 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. had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. 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. Did Jimmy ever comment to you about the cover? In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. 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. Artefact from Shelby Singleton's personal collection.conspiracy theorists, note the date! INTERNET DOWNLOADS. NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. 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. Ellis was born in either Pascagoula, Mississippi,[2] Orrville, Alabama,[3] or Washington, D.C.,[1] United States, into a single parent home. Scan of the 8 track cassette release TRUCKS, TRAINS & AIRPLANES on Gusto Records. The Elvis Information Network home to the best news, reviews The gunman, who police believe is Plantersville resident Jeffery James Lee, then fired twice more in an attempt to blast Ellis a second time as he struggled to find a haven behind a computer desk, Huffman said. Thanks for your help!. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. 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. Police later found Lee holed up in a motel about 30 miles outside Atlanta. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. Solve the mystery and then use a smartphone or GPS device to navigate to the solution coordinates. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: fanoscoatings.com, +62218463662, +62218463274, +622189841479, +62231320713, +623185584958 Home - FANOS ASIA I never gave up music and a friend and I played at a local pub for extra money while finishing school. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis - Recordings - MusicBrainz How many other Elvis tribute artists have book, film and radio documentary adaptations of their story? We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.comtogether three months before his tragic death in December 1998. Death 12 Dec 1998 (aged 53) . was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. After winning a state fair competition, his first professional performance was in a Demon's Den nightclub in Albany, Georgia. The Trammps Official Website/Biography 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! 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. He loved to have a good time, loved to sing and entertain. Mr. 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. His natural voice was very similar to the voice of Elvis Presley, read more The other lady fell to the floor with blood on her and played dead while Jimmy tried to crawl behind a computer desk. Scans of any Jimmy Ellis/Orion release or alternate versions not included on this website would be greatly appreciated. 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. Pinterest. [12] It was released theatrically in the US by Sundance Selects on December 4, 2015. : --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. 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. The album disc was on the record player. Just before noon, he decided to go by his pawn shop to check on things. 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. Charlie Rich sang along with Lewis on two other 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. 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. Boomer on Shelby. That eventually led to Sun Records in Nashville. The guys in the room were mostly the colleges basketball players. Again, he was who he was period. He could laugh about most anythinghe was alot of fun at home and especially on stage!! 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. Sun Records legend Orion (Jimmy Ellis) is known internationally for his gifted singing ability and dynamic personal appearances. One of Music's Biggest Conspiracy Theories: Was the Pop Star Orion Then, he introduced me to Jimmy Ellis, the guy by the tape recorder who had said nothing. Lets hope this music finds a way out at some other point. When Jimmy would come for a visit to my house in the early days, it was like Elvis was comingthere was electricity in the air. jean-puy.com Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa 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. It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. But, it was really him. 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. He was NOT an impersonator, as he tried desperately to explain. EIN: Jimmys death was tragic! What you see is what you get. It was part of a comedy sketch with artists not to play. Raised in Orrville, Alabama, Ellis began his recording career in 1964. Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. That's not a career. 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. 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]. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind. is the only Elvis stylist to have merchandise and memorabilia released (still sold online in 2014! 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. I could not believe what I was hearing. The guy shot at Jimmy again but missed. 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. Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. (1945-1998) - Find 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". However, after failing to retain his popularity using his real name, he returned to performing as Orion in 1987. Bobby D.: I loved music but needed to use my education to pay the bills. http://www.elvisinfonet.com/spotlight-orion-2014.html, The Tonight Show from NY with Jimmy Fallon. '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. A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY. Evaluating the Jimmy Ellis/Orion legacy..While many continue to dismiss Jimmy Ellis as simply an Elvis imitator, to do so ignores critically important organic elements which place his story on a very different level to that of normal Elvis tribute artists! $4.00 shipping. 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. He was standing before the display counter in his Jimmy's Pawn and Package Store just after noon Saturday when the gunman burst in and, in seconds, turned the quiet shop into a slaughterhouse. To see the film clip and make a donation, please click on the link below. THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO JIMMY ELLIS "ORION" THE MUSIC & LEGEND OF THE MAN WHO HAD THE VOICE OF A KING. I was in a small band named the Catalinas in Macon, GA my hometown and loved music. Jimmy was, and still is, my favorite Elvis sound-alike singer. Orion's mystique and allure was so universally popular among fans that Orion singles and albums were released in Europe and "downunder" in Australia. 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. 3. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis - Wikipedia He also had a great personality with a quick wit. This boxed set documents Orion's career on the legendary Sun Records label. 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. This blog is for preview purposes only and all music downloaded should be deleted within 24 hours. She was 16 going on 21 and I was 21. Scan of the German cassette release COUNTRY & WESTERN CLASSICS VOL.1 on the Sun/Bellaphon label. (EIN Comment: Bobby D. should get back to playing "live" - he is naturally gifted with a great voice!). He then left the store and caught up with his two young friends waiting down the road in a car. It is pertinent to say that while Jimmy was fanatically worshipped by fans, it was Gail Brewer-Giorgio and Shelby Singleton (remember the infamous "Duets" album with Jerry Lee Lewis) who were banking the lion's share of money as the cash registers kept on "ching chinging" as Jimmy Ellis/Orion connected with an avid, loyal and increasingly fanatical audience. Bobby D.: Yes, that is just my natural voice. 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. Very unfortunately, Jimmy Ellis along with his wife, was killed in December the 12th 1998 by a male robber. 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. How many Elvis tribute artists are still remembered nearly 20 years after their death? (Orion) Jimmy Ellis He Has A Great Voice And We Loved All Of His Music. A Brief Biography - new Oriondiscs website Jimmy "Orion" Ellis, also known as James Hughes Bell was an American Singer. Allyson Adams 'The Rebel and The King' Interview: EIN interviews John Scheinfeld director of 'Fame & Fortune', Elvis Paradise Hawaiian Interview - with Peter Noone, Sam Thompson, Elvis' bodyguard, 2011 Interview. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis Net Worth, Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Wiki, Family He had perfect pitch, automatic vibrato, and wide range in his voice. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis The record got a little airplay in Macon, GA in 1964. Jimmy Elllis -aka-"ORION" | Jimmy ellis, Jimmy, Orion Genesis.Jimmy Hughes Bell was born on 26 February 1945 to a single mother (named) Gladys. Kenneth Dokkeberg. He and I were alike in that respect. Tell us about that. In an outstanding article in The Nashville Tennessean newspaper on August 12, 1997, it was reported that "Orion having the same vocal cords as Elvis has been both a kiss and a curse, but Orion sings his own tune!!!". 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. Watch the stunning trailer for Orion The Man Who Would Be King. Huffman said King, who played dead, was treated and released from a hospital for her hand wound. Jimmy Ellis | Discography | Discogs In early 1965, I transferred to Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and lost touch with Jimmy for a number of years. Two of the many Orion items still being sold in 2014: ----------------------------------------------------------------------. 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 While in Germany, met my future wife, the daughter of a Major, fighter pilot stationed at the same base. Orion to recieve Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas! His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky.". -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! Allyson Adams 'The Rebel and The King' Interview: EIN interviews John Scheinfeld director of 'Fame & Fortune', Elvis Paradise Hawaiian Interview - with Peter Noone, Sam Thompson, Elvis' bodyguard, 2011 Interview. Similarly, there was an incontrovertible and diametrically opposed outcome for each side. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. The sale is temporary to offer fans who missed these CDs the first time around a real deal. Here is the bizarre story of Jimmy Ellis, or, as he was also known, Orion. You know , it was like, here I am creating this and doing the work. On Monday I carried his CDs to work and played them throughout the day. Bobby D.: No, not really. Welcome also would be details of his concert performances in the U.S.A. and Europe. 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. 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.. Orion in Sweden Ellis died in his store about 10 minutes after the attack, Huffman said. Orion page at Sun Records; Jimmy at Elvis Wiki Please tell our readers about this and how they can order. Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights to Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, the feature documentary written and directed by Jeanie Finlay. Jimmy Ellis (Orion) - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (live 1989) Leave a comment or question. 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. Original Name James Bell Birth 26 Feb 1945. EIN: You operate the official Jimmy Ellis/Orion website. I miss him a lot! 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. This is thebookthat started the Orion legend created by Shelby Singleton at Sun Records. We were both only children, but Jimmy was not selfish or too self-centered. Links to Orion / Jimmy Ellis sites. Later, we met a guy named Jimmy Youmans also a student. Chet came back and said: Bobby, he sounds the same on all of them. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. 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. your own Pins on Pinterest ", and it was rumored that they were alternate takes from Presley sessions (despite featuring an electric rather than string bass). Sung By . [4] Aged two, he moved with his mother to Birmingham, Alabama, where he was put up for adoption and, aged four, was adopted by R. F. and Mary Faye (nee Hodges) Ellis. Only Jimmy Ellis/Orion can lay claim to these remarkable achievements (and he could only be categorised as an Elvis tribute artist in his final years, well after his seminal period as the masked man, Orion). American vocalist (February 26, 1945 in Orrville, Alabama - December 12, 1998 in Alabama), also known as Jimmy "Orion" Ellis, and known for his close vocal similarity to Elvis. 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. It is the story of Jimmy Ellis, a singer from Alabama who was cursed with having a voice identical to that of .