Think of it as an online flash mob. Join the OrionThunderclap, and you and [], "If Elvis is alive, Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. 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. [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". He was very generous and good-hearted. Then, he introduced me to Jimmy Ellis, the guy by the tape recorder who had said nothing. A couple of songs can be heard at the URLs below. 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.. Bobby D.: A few months before Jimmy passed away, I had suggested we put a web site together to sell his CDs. Scan of New Zealand release of the JERRY LEE LEWIS - DUETS album (Sun L27036). 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'. 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. 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. [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. . They wrote both of the songs. Bobby D.: I was born in Macon, GA in 1945. This is a fan site. 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. Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. We only index and link to content provided on other servers. To The Official Orion - Jimmy Ellis Web Site All LP Albums Now on Sale These Classic LP Albums from Sun Records are new and sealed and will never be made again. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind. The guy shot at Jimmy again but missed. James Burton Interview - Rick Nelson & Elvis: Elvis Drummer Jerome "Stump" Monroe EIN Interview: Elvis in 1969 - Ann Moses & Ray ConnollyInterviews: Ernst Jorgensen interview about 'On Stage' and Elvis' Legacy in 2010: 'The Nation's Favourite Elvis Song' Spotlight. On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. Which brings us to the incredible story of Orion. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Bobby D.: Well, we just had a limited number of the out-of-print CD - Orion Country repressed. We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.com together three months before his tragic death in December 1998. was blessed with a natural singing voice remarkably similar to Elvis. 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. 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. However, after failing to retain his popularity using his real name, he returned to performing as Orion in 1987. Jimmy grinned sleeplessly and said: Ill show you how this works. 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. [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 were married when I returned to the states. Scan of the German cassette release LET YOUR LOVE FLOW on the Sun/Bellaphon label. EIN: You operate the official Jimmy Ellis/Orion website. On Monday I carried his CDs to work and played them throughout the day. If he sounds different on them, I will know he is faking. 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. Bobby D.: Actually, I know there are bootleg ones out there, but Im not familiar with all of them. His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky." It is written by myself (Kenneth Dokkeberg), Steve Kelley (Orions road manager) and Bobby Dillard (personal friends since College). 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. Ellis was gunned Down in His Alabama Pawn Shop December 12, 1998. In 1979 Jimmy Ellis finally merged with an identity, but it still wasn't himself. Born in 1945 in Orville, Alabama. Many thanks again and all the best for the future. [1] He attended Orrville High School, where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. February 1945 - 13th. Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. 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. I miss him a lot! I have to say I was floored. Born February 26, 1945, Jimmy (Bell) Ellis was adopted and raised in Orrville, Alabama. After attended Middle Georgia College and Georgia Southern College before joining the USAF. Jimmy Ellis In The Shadow Of a King Book NOW AVAILABLE! Orion". I finished college with a BBA while my wife worked, and I got the GI Bill. Scan of the Plantation Records cassette release 16 AWARD WINNING COUNTRY SONGS. These titles and their eye catching specially made front covers would appear to be exclusively for internet downloads (eg. Explore. 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. 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!!! 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. Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Add your masked portrait to I Am Orion, THE ROLLERCOASTER RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF THE We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. It is the story of Jimmy Ellis, a singer from Alabama who was cursed with having a voice identical to that of . Click on the LP and 45 rpm records page. 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. Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights to Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, the feature documentary written and directed by Jeanie Finlay. As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. He then left the store and caught up with his two young friends waiting down the road in a car. 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! The terrain is 2.5 and difficulty is 2 (out of 5). The shooter is in jail with a death sentence. The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. I miss him a lot! Jimmy Ellis, the soulful lead singer of the Trammps, whose 1970s hit "Disco Inferno" was immortalized in the film "Saturday Night Fever," died on Thursday in Rock Hill, S.C.He was 74. 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. Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? How many Elvis tribute artists have had any unofficial album releases let alone 150 bootleg albums released? Please visit my own Jimmy Ellis page for information and links. 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. A fine talent in his own right, Ellis recorded the song "I'm Not Trying" (Boblo 536) and the album By Request - Ellis Sings Elvis (Boblo 78-829). The . Are they still available in 2014? He then dropped the gun, fled the store and drove off in a car with two accomplices, authorities said. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. He was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States on February 26, 1945. It is hold together by a stitch in the upper left corner. 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. 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. How many Elvis tribute artists have commercially produced memorabilia released about them? Kenneth Dokkeberg. [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. There is no media rate for international shipping, but we are covering part of the high shipping cost. 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 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. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. [3] He then dragged the cash register off the counter and got about $135.00 out of it. The Kissin Cousins movie was on at the local theater, and I had seen it recently. At that point Shelby was done with their arrangement and so was Jimmy. "He just opened fire in seconds and hit Mr. Ellis in the side.". 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. Scan of the cassette release BY REQUEST, ELLIS SINGS ELVIS. Anyway, he got that voice from somewhere in his original family.not from Sears, as he once said. You can make comments on the tab provided, or on the Orion Facebook Fan Club. I often wonder what that would have done for Jimmys career since Phil Walden was nationally known. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Jimmy Ellis (19214)? 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. To see the film clip and make a donation, please click on the link below. Ellis made a public confession in 1983 admitting he was Orion. Jimmy Ellis - If I Can't Have You 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. If you want to support the artist or artists that recorded and released this music, please go and purchase their music. '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. 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. More recently, one of the few remaining groups in the once prolific and infamous (so-called) 'Elvis Underground' has stated that Jesse (aka the 'still alive' Elvis) believes some of the Orion/Jimmy Ellis recordings are actually him (Jesse) singing. Directors Statement Who was that masked man? EIN: Did he come to resent the Orion character and if so, how strongly? 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. Today. 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. 'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis 1976' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with three July 1976 concerts. Website. Bobby D.: It was a pleasure. EIN: What did Jimmy say to you about his career as Orion? Read More #MyOrion "If Elvis is alive, he wears as mask and goes by the name Orion" Offered here is a two sheet info about the partnership which was presented to the stockholder. 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. Huffman said King, who played dead, was treated and released from a hospital for her hand wound. Bobby D.: The gimmick of Orion lasted about 3 years. Then it happened. If you can add to the info given please e-mail me. All three are being held without bail and are facing the possibility of the death penalty on two counts of capital murder, authorities said. I hope people will remember that some of the masters are owned by us and others over in Norway/Denmark. Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! The jury recommended Lee be sentenced to life without parole, but the judge sentenced Lee to death. Bobby D.: Not very much except recording at home when the mood strikes. 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. While performing at the Eastern States Exposition, Ellis took off the mask and swore to never wear it again. 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. 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. 2. Youmans put the record on the Dradco Recording Company label. Charlie Rich sang along with Lewis on two other songs. Newspaper adverts and reports of his numerous appearances also very much appreciated. 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. 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!!!". Very soon after Jimmy entered the store, a young black guy came in carrying a sawed off shotgun and demanded money. 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. SUBSCRIBE FOR ARTIST + LABEL NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENTS AND MORE. For the soul singer, member of The Trammps, please see Jimmy Ellis (2) Sites: Wikipedia, orionjimmyellis.com, oriondiscs.com Aliases: I was in a small band named the Catalinas in Macon, GA my hometown and loved music. ORION (JIMMY ELLIS) A STRANGER IN MY PLACE 6 RADIO STATION SPOTS SUN 1152 MINT-. It will be presented at this years Las Vegas Elvis Fest at the LVH formerly the Las Vegas Hilton on July 11th. The record got a little airplay in Macon, GA in 1964. Instead of listing Ellis' first album on the label, Singleton printed a question mark. 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. Another regular lady was also working that day. INTERNET DOWNLOADS. 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. 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. A year prior, Jimmy Ellis voice had been overdubbed with Jerry Lee Lewis on an old single from the Sun archives, Save the Last Dance for Me; on it, Ellis was billed only as Friend. The single made the Top 20 and caused quite a stir as listeners tried to guess the mysterious Friends identity. Love For A Lovely Girl.What A Great Song.BY Lester Brown/ Bob Gibson/ Johdn D Loudermilk. It begins with the 1972 single on which Orion, then simply Jimmy Ellis, recorded 'That's All Right/Blue Moon Of Kentucky.' Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! 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. No breach of copyright is intended or should be inferred. We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.comtogether three months before his tragic death in December 1998. 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. I love music too and do some song leading at church. Bobby D.: No, not really. These Classic LP Albums from Sun Records are new and sealed and will never be made again. 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. Discover (and save!) If you take something from the container, leave something in exchange. Orion to recieve Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas! EIN: Bobby, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and Jimmy Ellis/Orion fans? 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. Just before noon, he decided to go by his pawn shop to check on things. Before we talk about your friendship with Jimmy Ellis, who is Bobby D? http://www.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3. He has appeared with Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Skaggs, Lee Greenwood, Gary Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys and many many others. Scans of any Jimmy Ellis/Orion release or alternate versions not included on this website would be greatly appreciated. In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. Well, Jimmy finally had enough and took the mask off at a New Years show in the Atlanta area in 1981. How many Elvis tribute artists have several websites devoted to them. Adios till we meet again! The leader singer of The Trammps. 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. 2) Jimmy Ellis aka Orion. 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. [6] His album Reborn, showing the singer emerging from a coffin, was released on gold-colored vinyl on the Sun label in 1978. Who is this person??? was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. This is a FOUR CD 5" digi-pak, this set features three concerts, Shreveport Louisiana July 1, 1976, Baton Rouge, July 2, 1976 and Elvis' last home-town concert Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis July 5, 1976. 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. That's not recording. EIN: Jimmy Ellis, the person.away from the stage or recording studio. I do miss playing live. So, thats how Jimmy Ellis and I met and became lifelong friends. 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!. In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. 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. [12] It was released theatrically in the US by Sundance Selects on December 4, 2015. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. How did that come about and what can fans expect to find on the site? Did Jimmy ever comment to you about the cover? 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.