orion jimmy ellis the official website

Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. He travelled to Nashville and tried to break into the music business - but found. )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. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. 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. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis - Wikipedia This dynamic performer differentiates himself from all others for a number of reasons. Bobby D.: Actually, I know there are bootleg ones out there, but Im not familiar with all of them. Jimmy Ellis was one of the super talented yes like Elvis, Tom Jones, Engelbert my all-time favorite solo artists. Raised in Orrville, Alabama, Ellis began his recording career in 1964. I have to say I was floored. Scan of the cassette release BY REQUEST, ELLIS SINGS ELVIS. 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!!! Sundance Selects acquires Orion: The Man Who Would Be King for US Theatrical release. (Orion) Jimmy Ellis He Has A Great Voice And We Loved All Of His Music. After winning a state fair competition, his first professional performance was in a Demon's Den nightclub in Albany, Georgia. Taken straight from the mastertapes. Learn more about merges. It is old and worn just like it should be. Jimmy continued, commmenting on the frustration he felt when he would have to stop the recording session because Shelby Singleton had arranged for a tour group to come through the studio: Now, what's the priority. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. One of Music's Biggest Conspiracy Theories: Was the Pop Star Orion I still record once in a while at home, as the mood strikes. Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. Jimmy Ellis Also known as Orion. 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. 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. 15 November 1937 Died 8 March 2012 (aged 74) There are at least four artists called Jimmy Ellis: 1) Jimmy Ellis. Jimmy Fallon goes "Orion" - Fallon does segment on worst albums he says doNOT buy. I finished college with a BBA while my wife worked, and I got the GI Bill. Orion Videos | NASA 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. 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. A real EP story. The Elvis Information Network home to the best news, reviews MYSTERY MASKED MAN WITH THE VOICE OF A LEGEND. How & where do I sell my Elvis collection? : --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. 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. At that point Shelby was done with their arrangement and so was Jimmy. [6] His album Reborn, showing the singer emerging from a coffin, was released on gold-colored vinyl on the Sun label in 1978. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. He tells in great detail the story of Jimmy Ellis, a successful horse farmer who took over the family business in the small town of Orrville, Alabama. Kenneth Dokkeberg. 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. Scan of the 8 track cassette release ORION 20 ALL TIME FAVORITES. If you can add to the info given please e-mail me. It is hold together by a stitch in the upper left corner. 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. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! 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. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Orion the Movie So, thats how Jimmy Ellis and I met and became lifelong friends. Jimmy Ellis (Orion) - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (live 1989) [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". A few weeks later, some guys asked me to come down to their room where they were playing music so I decided to go. Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. For the musician also known as Orion, see, "Jimmie Ellis and the Appolos: Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch", "U.S. Supreme Court won't review cases of two Alabama death row inmates", "Orion: The Man Who Would Be King review wonderfully weird | Film", "Orion: The Man Who Would Be King (2015)", "British Independent Film Awards 2015: the winners in full", "Sundance Selects acquires 'Orion: The Man Who Would Be King' for US Theatrical release", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jimmy_%22Orion%22_Ellis&oldid=1135156032, This page was last edited on 23 January 2023, at 00:00. EIN: Did he come to resent the Orion character and if so, how strongly? ***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***. 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. Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? Orion - Success Takes Courage | Jimmy Ellis The guys in the room were mostly the colleges basketball players. : Since Elvis' explosion onto the world stage in the mid 1950s there have been countless Elvis tribute artists, imitators, impersonators, stylists and sound-a-likes offering and emulating a watershed musical icon. iTunes, Amazon) and not physical discs. How many other Elvis tribute artists have book, film and radio documentary adaptations of their story? Jimmy "Orion" Ellis, also known as James Hughes Bell was an American Singer. 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. Then it happened. "E" Tribute - Elvis tribute artists and sound-alikes - Meikel Jungner There is a new film about Orion being made by the talented moviemaker from England, Jeanie Finlay. 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 How & where do I sell my Elvis collection? was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. Bobby D.: No, not really. He then left the store and caught up with his two young friends waiting down the road in a car. Available now! He appeared as Orion Eckley Darnell, the character created August 16, 1977, by a Marietta [Georgia], housewife Gail Brewer-Giorgo. And, after I heard Jimmy, I knew I was not.>. Running time: 86 minutes in full colour. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. . You may also like> Jimmy Barnes Net Worth, Age, Height, Weight, Husband, Wiki, Family Ellis appeared with many artists, including Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Skaggs, Lee Greenwood, Gary Morris, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Thats the special since the regular price is $12.95. You tell your friends who tell their friends who tell their friends WHAT IS THUNDERCLAP? A couple of songs can be heard at the URLs below. 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. Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together. The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. Before we talk about your friendship with Jimmy Ellis, who is Bobby D? If you sat in a room with him and heard him sing Happy Birthday, the National Anthem, or Its Now or Never, he sounded exactly the same. If he sounds different on them, I will know he is faking. As they say all PR is good PR! In 1962, Ellis entered the Orrville (Alabama) High School talent show. 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. He also had a great personality with a quick wit. It doesnt cost a penny but has great impact! INTERNET DOWNLOADS. 'My voice is both a blessing and a curse' (Jimmy Ellis/Orion during media interview), Controversial Sun Records 1978 Orion 'Reborn' (coffin) album cover. Support Good Music. 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. 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. Obituary: Orion | The Independent | The Independent [1] He attended Orrville High School, where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. 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. EIN: You operate the official Jimmy Ellis/Orion website. [3], On December 12, 1998, Ellis was murdered during a robbery in his store, Jimmy's Pawn Shop. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis Wikipedia Republished // WIKI 2 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. your own Pins on Pinterest 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. They wrote both of the songs. Orion Jimmy Ellis Music A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY. Who was he? Take a look at the following table for more information. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Cover/label scans wanted of any of the following: Cover scans of discs issued on the unofficial Jack Daniels label. Website. Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Jimmy said: Ill kill you, and we had a big laugh. The world lost a great singer. 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. Scans of the orange label version of the CD single SUNDAY FATHER on the Lanier Records label. These books arevintage - new and are a collector's item. For the next 10 years Jimmy would balance music and his business interests. These songs has appeared on other compilations or a collection of songs. He would give you things and himself freely. Scan of the Plantation Records cassette release 16 AWARD WINNING COUNTRY SONGS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYuszmPq3lw, "Orion" by Gail Brewer-Giorgio (Hardcover 1979). Problem is he doesn't play enough ofthe song for the audience to hear. Adios till we meet again! EIN:Bobby D. its been great talking with you. http://www.elvisinfonet.com/spotlight-orion-2014.html, The Tonight Show from NY with Jimmy Fallon. Fittingly, his legend lives on, and quite ironically, both as Jimmy Ellis and Orion! EIN: Does it surprise you that Jimmy still has so many fans nearly 20 years after his tragic death? Orion recorded a single, Ebony Eyes, for Sun in 1979, which became part of his debut album, Reborn. He wanted better recording material (new songs) and production sound in other studios but Sun (Shelby Singleton) would not agree. He was NOT an impersonator, as he tried desperately to explain. However, after failing to retain his popularity using his real name, he returned to performing as Orion in 1987. I hope people will remember that some of the masters are owned by us and others over in Norway/Denmark. Sung By . 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: Jimmys first Orion album, Reborn. So, I have kept the site going since 1998. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! [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". 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 the definitive book on a man with the voice of a King. $4.00 shipping. We are told that the documentary is moving along but, as with many projects, monetary donations would be appreciated to help get to completion. 2) Jimmy Ellis aka Orion. Bobby D.: Not very much except recording at home when the mood strikes. Could you clarify who was working with him that day? Besides, I had childhood issues that I was not good enough. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Jimmy Ellis (19214)? That's not recording. You know , it was like, here I am creating this and doing the work. Ellis died in his store about 10 minutes after the attack, Huffman said. So who is this person a performer whose sad end is one we normally expect from a fabricated and dramatically intensified Hollywood film? Artist of the Year Theme by Foxhound Band Themes. While in Germany, met my future wife, the daughter of a Major, fighter pilot stationed at the same base. 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. Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! Shipping is at the media rate in the U.S. 26th. He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. It was obviously a terrible tragedy, and I will never forget the call I got at 11:00 pm on that Saturday night December 12 from Shirley telling me Jimmy was dead. 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 knew a lot of people in the business and was a producer for King Records at one time. One of the guys asked me if I knew who that was singing on the tape recorder. 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. Singleton duly took Orion back to Elvis's roots in rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, blues, and gospel. Instead of listing Ellis' first album on the label, Singleton printed a question mark. If you want to support the artist or artists that recorded and released this music, please go and purchase their music. ): I continued with my Human Resources career for many years and retired in the mountains of NC two years ago. Details of songs performed at any of the listed shows would be especially welcome. He once said: you cant make it on someone elses coattail. His first two singles were covers of two of the King's former hits, "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky.". Love For A Lovely Girl.What A Great Song.BY Lester Brown/ Bob Gibson/ Johdn D Loudermilk. Add your masked portrait to I Am Orion, THE ROLLERCOASTER RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF THE Popular Ellis/Orion bootleg releases included titles such as Crazy on the Blue Danube and Jimmy In A Viennese Cellar. 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 page at Sun Records; Jimmy at Elvis Wiki This One's For. Thanks for your help! He makes a mistake and some asshole over here says don't worry about it, it will be alright. 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. Similarly, there was an incontrovertible and diametrically opposed outcome for each side. For one side, they would quite naturally (and self-directed), psychologically rationalise and morph their needs to maintain internal equilibrium and ongoing personal and social engagement.for the other side his outcome would be economically directed and physically terminal, as his 'what if' life diverted to a course which outwardly may have offered some degree of financial and personal satisfaction, but one which (pragmatically) was also underpinned by a volatile socio-economic environment which could potentially (and did) result in a seriously intense incident or incidents: Jimmy Ellis' new (primary) career as a bail bondsman and pawn shop proprietor would very sadly, very unfairly, result in his violent, premature death on 12 December 1998. 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 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. I never gave up music and a friend and I played at a local pub for extra money while finishing school. The mysterious phone call came from a stranger with a Presley-like voice, claiming to be Orion. The other lady fell to the floor with blood on her and played dead while Jimmy tried to crawl behind a computer desk. As the Orion story unfolded, it was clear these forces played straight to the hearts and deep-seated psychological needs of many Elvis fans! Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . 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. Orion - Jimmy Ellis - masked man I often wonder what that would have done for Jimmys career since Phil Walden was nationally known. The CDs are offered on the official web site: www.orionjimmyellis.com. [3], Singleton tore off his mask at a performance in 1983, saying he would not wear it again. '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. 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. While friends of the singer Jimmy Ellis have speculated that Orion could well have been The King's half-brother. Youmans formed a small group and had Jimmy sing at a few local schools. The crew had also made a pretty decent copy of the blue mask Orion wore on the Reborn album. [13], "Orion (musician)" redirects here. Scans of any Jimmy Ellis/Orion release or alternate versions not included on this website would be greatly appreciated. The guy shot at Jimmy again but missed. He said, "Don't worry about it, you don't buy the fuckin records anyway." Many fans will not be aware of this circumstances. Did Jimmy ever comment to you about the cover? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, A selection of the many colorful Orion masks, each with its own name. Jimmy Ellis In The Shadow Of a King Book NOW AVAILABLE! Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! I couldnt quite make out the voice. We only index and link to content provided on other servers. Source: www.orionjimmyellis.com & www.lasvegaselvisfestival.com, 1 Comments / 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 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. The sale is temporary to offer fans who missed these CDs the first time around a real deal. It's the story of a masked. Bobby D.: Yes, that is just my natural voice. I miss him a lot! Another regular lady was also working that day. Raised in Orrville, Alabama, Ellis began his recording career in 1964. Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. Later, we met a guy named Jimmy Youmans also a student. He was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States on February 26, 1945. 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!!!". 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 . 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.