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). In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Orion | Sun Records If you want to support the artist or artists that recorded and released this music, please go and purchase their music. Scans of the COUNTRY FROM THE HEART CD on the Lanier Records label. Memorial ID. 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. 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. 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's contributions to the group, both in his personality and in his amazing tenor, will never be forgotten. As Orion, Ellis reached Billboard's country chart with nine singles. * Released After Jimmy Ellis's death in 1999. jimmy orion ellis products for sale | eBay Excitement - Orion (Jimmy Ellis) was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, and a great personality. Death 12 Dec 1998 (aged 53) . He started the album on the record player to play Echoes of Love. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! 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. 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. 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. 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. [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. 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. So, I have kept the site going since 1998. 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? Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. I responded: gosh Jimmy what if I did. Dradco will release a 6 CD set in 2018 to commemorate the 20th anniversary since Jimmys passing. was blessed with a natural singing voice remarkably similar to Elvis. 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. This blog is for preview purposes only and all music downloaded should be deleted within 24 hours. had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.com together three months before his tragic death in December 1998. Here is the bizarre story of Jimmy Ellis, or, as he was also known, Orion. I am looking for information concerning Orion's many concert appearances in the USA and several countries in Europe where he performed. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis | Elvis Wiki | Fandom And that's the way it was. Jimmy came from a Christian family and held his belief in God the Father throughout his life. Solve the mystery and then use a smartphone or GPS device to navigate to the solution coordinates. 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. Orion recorded a single, Ebony Eyes, for Sun in 1979, which became part of his debut album, Reborn. I really like the way he sang songs that Elvis never recorded in versions that still sounded a lot like Elvis. ORION (JIMMY ELLIS) A STRANGER IN MY PLACE 6 RADIO STATION SPOTS SUN 1152 MINT-. 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. 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. "He just opened fire in seconds and hit Mr. Ellis in the side.". She was 16 going on 21 and I was 21. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site So who is this person a performer whose sad end is one we normally expect from a fabricated and dramatically intensified Hollywood film? Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Directed by Jeanie Finlay. Shawn. Elaine was sitting on a stool behind the counter top to the left of the entrance door and Jimmy was standing some feet away also behind the counter. 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. Who is this person??? It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. EIN:Jimmy Ellis, the personaway from the stage or recording studio. And, you wonder if helistened to "Ebony Eyes" and the rest of the LP. In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi. Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. Later, we met a guy named Jimmy Youmans also a student. Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. If you have further details on any releases not included or would like to trade Orion recordings or material please drop me an email. The . The other lady was standing just behind Elaine. It doesnt cost a penny but has great impact! He would give you things and himself freely. Thank you very much!! Ellis died in his store about 10 minutes after the attack, Huffman said. 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. 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. Before we talk about your friendship with Jimmy Ellis, who is Bobby D? EIN: Bobby, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and Jimmy Ellis/Orion fans? 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. We are told that the documentaryis moving along but, as with many projects,monetary donations would be appreciated to help get it to completion. 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. Taken straight from the mastertapes. 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. Im on the upper deck of our cabin in the picture here (see photo above). Fittingly, his legend lives on, and quite ironically, both as Jimmy Ellis and Orion! It was part of a comedy sketch with artists not to play. He loved to have a good time, loved to sing and entertain. He fired once into her face, killing her instantly and hitting another worker, Helen King, in the hand. 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. 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. Mr. He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. Pinterest. That day, Elaine Thompson, his x-wife was filling in for Shirley Connell who had gone home to Memphis for the weekend. After attended Middle Georgia College and Georgia Southern College before joining the USAF. 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]. Feb 6, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Patricia Milligan. Explore. 3. We join the Ellis family and friends and fans all . As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. With Jerry Adams, Sharon Attaway Nettleton, Gail Brewer-Giorgio, Boomer Castleman. [3], Singleton tore off his mask at a performance in 1983, saying he would not wear it again. In 1979 Jimmy Ellis finally merged with an identity, but it still wasn't himself. A WARM WELCOME TO ORIONDISCS This website is a tribute to the U.S. recording artist Jimmy Ellis, and focuses on his many record releases. Singleton duly took Orion back to Elvis's roots in rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, blues, and gospel. This blog does not store any files on its server. If you can add to the info given please e-mail me. 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. That's not a career. 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. Bobby D.: I was born in Macon, GA in 1945. This site is very much a "work in progress" and is being updated all the time. His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky." 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!!!". Scan of the Plantation Records cassette release 16 AWARD WINNING COUNTRY SONGS. Bobby D.: Actually, I know there are bootleg ones out there, but Im not familiar with all of them. 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. Again, the speculation was that Elvis had sung on the songs, particularly "Save the Last Dance for Me". The records were endorsed as genuine Presley recordings by the song's co-writer Doc Pomus, the music journalist Roy Carr, and the TV show Good Morning America which undertook a voice comparison test of the song against Presley's voice. Welcome also would be details of his concert performances in the U.S.A. and Europe. THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO JIMMY ELLIS "ORION" THE MUSIC & LEGEND OF THE MAN WHO HAD THE VOICE OF A KING. [12] It was released theatrically in the US by Sundance Selects on December 4, 2015. I thought that was an odd question but I said: sure, its Elvis Presley. Sales have not been great since the fan base has long since scattered but I enjoy doing it to keep his talent known, as much as possible. Bobby D.: Not very much except recording at home when the mood strikes. His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky.". Jimmy said: Ill kill you, and we had a big laugh. His natural voice was very similar to the voice of Elvis Presley, read more ____________________________________________________________________________________________________. 15 November 1937 Died 8 March 2012 (aged 74) There are at least four artists called Jimmy Ellis: 1) Jimmy Ellis. Many years later, I recorded four songs at Stargem Studios in Nashville, the same studio Jimmy had also recorded at earlier. The Dan Lentino Management Group in Las Vegas is honoring Orion / Jimmy Ellis posthumously with a lifetime achievement award. Jimmy had the voice and charisma that drew you to him. Scan of the cassette release BY REQUEST, ELLIS SINGS ELVIS. Hopefully in time the details given can be guaranteed to be100% correct but a great deal more info is required before reaching that stage. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Oh well, it is publicity!! With few bookings for Jimmy Ellis 'live on stage' there was still a substantial (albeit diminishing) demand of fans to satisfy their deep-seated psychological need and hope that their King had not left them. Consequently, this meant Jimmy could only get well paying work if he donned the Orion mask and (to him) even worse, an Elvis jumpsuit. 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 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 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. Chet came back and said: Bobby, he sounds the same on all of them. The CDs are offered on the official web site: www.orionjimmyellis.com. 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. 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. How many other Elvis tribute artists have book, film and radio documentary adaptations of their story? GC4N20R Hollow Inn (Unknown Cache) in Ohio, United States created by bjohio http://www.elvisinfonet.com/spotlight-orion-2014.html, The Tonight Show from NY with Jimmy Fallon. No breach of copyright is intended or should be inferred. It's the story of a masked. After winning a state fair competition, his first professional performance was in a Demon's Den nightclub in Albany, Georgia. NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. So I said: come on, thats Elvis I have the album. Orion page at Sun Records; Jimmy at Elvis Wiki EIN often receives requests for information on these releases. I do miss playing live. 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. He was very generous and good-hearted. Click on the LP and 45 rpm records page. fanoscoatings.com Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa EIN: Jimmys death was tragic! 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. Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site Welcome!! 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 Dies at 74; Lead Singer in Dance Band Trammps 'My voice is both a blessing and a curse' (Jimmy Ellis/Orion during media interview), Controversial Sun Records 1978 Orion 'Reborn' (coffin) album cover. EIN: Bobby, many thanks for taking time to talk to us today. Jim Highley. http://www.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3. Bobby then immediately offered Jimmy a recording contract. Offered here is a two sheet info about the partnership which was presented to the stockholder. He had perfect pitch, automatic vibrato, and wide range in his voice. 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. I was in a small band named the Catalinas in Macon, GA my hometown and loved music. In 1962, Ellis entered the Orrville (Alabama) High School talent show. EIN: Did he come to resent the Orion character and if so, how strongly? Jimmy really liked my version of My Special Angel that we listened to for the first time while riding around in Nashville. The film is being produced by Jeanie Finlay, a British artist and filmaker. Original Name James Bell Birth 26 Feb 1945. The album featured some excellent songs including "Ebony Eyes", "Honey", and "Washing Machine". [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". 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. The album disc was on the record player. Jimmy then met with Phil Walden, owner of Capricorn Records (the Almond Brothers Band and others) in Macon and was offered a contract, but since Jimmy was under age at the time his parents wouldnt let him sign.another huge mistake. They were sung in the same style in which Elvis would have sung them. Orion: The Man Who Would Be King (2015) - IMDb EIN: The Jimmy Ellis story "lives on". Just before noon, he decided to go by his pawn shop to check on things. December 1998. 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). 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 said, "Don't worry about it, you don't buy the fuckin records anyway." The label credited the recordings simply to "? His birth certificate states the mother was a secretary named Gladys Bell, and the father was Vernon (no surname). Source: www.orionjimmyellis.com & www.lasvegaselvisfestival.com, 1 Comments / 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***. Went to Lanier Sr., a great all boys public, military high school. But, it was really him. In early 1965, I transferred to Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and lost touch with Jimmy for a number of years. 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. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Bobby D.: Jimmy never commented about the LP coffin cover to me, but he was not hot on the mask gimmick from the start. We were married when I returned to the states. 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.