Many years later, I recorded four songs at Stargem Studios in Nashville, the same studio Jimmy had also recorded at earlier. 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. 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. Sundance Selects acquires Orion: The Man Who Would Be King for US Theatrical release. How & where do I sell my Elvis collection? 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. $11.99. Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site | Jimmy ellis, Jimmy, Orion It will be presented at this years Las Vegas Elvis Fest at the LVH formerly the Las Vegas Hilton on July 11th. 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. For the next 10 years Jimmy would balance music and his business interests. In the 2006 EIN article, A Tribute to the "Masked Man": Jimmy Ellis aka "Orion", I observed: Of course his friends knew him from his early days as a child and when he started out as a singer, but this didn't stop the promoters of the "Elvis is alive" conspiracy theory. 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!!!". 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? Ellis Lives! The Story of How the Idea That Elvis is Still Alive Got Jimmy Ellis (with mask) as Orion (note his hair color), Orion (sans mask) as Jimmy Ellis (note his natural hair color), Above images sourced from the official "Orion-Jimmy Ellis" website. In their illuminating examination of the infamous 'Elvis Underground' and activities around the belief Elvis did not die in 1977, Professors R. Serge Denisoff and George Plasketes addressed the Orion phenomenon. I do miss playing live. EIN: You operate the official Jimmy Ellis/Orion website. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi. He would give you things and himself freely. A real EP story. Love For A Lovely Girl.What A Great Song.BY Lester Brown/ Bob Gibson/ Johdn D Loudermilk. Ellis appeared with many . Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! Directors Statement Who was that masked man? [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. Posted by dokkeberg@hotmail.com in Uncategorized and tagged as. It was part of a comedy sketch with artists not to play. Ellis appeared on the album cover wearing a mask over his eyes. 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. 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]. 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. your own Pins on Pinterest is the only Elvis stylist to have merchandise and memorabilia released (still sold online in 2014! EIN: Bobby, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and Jimmy Ellis/Orion fans? The other lady was standing just behind Elaine. I am looking for information concerning Orion's many concert appearances in the USA and several countries in Europe where he performed. [13], "Orion (musician)" redirects here. He was 53 years old. Bobby D. on YouTube (who does Bobby sound like? Thanks, Nigel!! [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. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. '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. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. Then, he introduced me to Jimmy Ellis, the guy by the tape recorder who had said nothing. He makes a mistake and some asshole over here says don't worry about it, it will be alright. NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. Given Jimmy's keen sense of humor he must be looking down and smiling! Jimmy Ellis music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm Popular Ellis/Orion bootleg releases included titles such as Crazy on the Blue Danube and Jimmy In A Viennese Cellar. The book is also available along withtheReborn CD (the first LP on Sun by Orion). [1] He attended Orrville High School, where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. EIN: Jimmys first Orion album, Reborn. He quickly says "he sounds just like Elvis" and then puts on a copy of the mask worn by Orion for the album picture. These songs has appeared on other compilations or a collection of songs. Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. . That was December 4, 1998 - The Nightlife Theatre in Nashville, TNwhat a show!!! Available now! 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. Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! 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. It is the story of Jimmy Ellis, a singer from Alabama who was cursed with having a voice identical to that of . Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Directed by Jeanie Finlay. 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. 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. He also started to run a store in Selma, Alabama, with his girlfriend Elaine Thompson. Take a look at the following table for more information. Similarly, there was an incontrovertible and diametrically opposed outcome for each side. Born in 1945 in Orville, Alabama. 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. 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. She was 16 going on 21 and I was 21. Thanks for your help! Spotlight article by Nigel Patterson, June 2014, (for the purposes of this article I will use the term Elvis stylist in reference to the person in question). We are told that the documentaryis moving along but, as with many projects,monetary donations would be appreciated to help get it to completion. A Brief Biography - new Oriondiscs website 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). 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. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. 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. EIN: The Jimmy Ellis story "lives on". 2. 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. This is a fan site. Bobby D.: As mentioned before, it was Elaine Thompson, Jimmys ex-wife and another lady who normally worked at the store. had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! Low prices on Jimmy Ellis discography of music albums at CD Universe, with top rated service, Jimmy Ellis songs, discography, biography, cover art pictures, sound samples, albums, etc. * Released After Jimmy Ellis's death in 1999. ORION (JIMMY ELLIS) A STRANGER IN MY PLACE 6 RADIO STATION SPOTS SUN 1152 MINT-. 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. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis - Wikipedia 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. Could you clarify who was working with him that day? Shipping is at the media rate in the U.S. 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. (Jimmy Ellis single on the regional Boblo label - released in 1978 - it is viewed by many as the singer's plea for acceptance in his own right rather than because of his uncanny Elvis-like singing voice). The tape recorder was playing the song Echoes of Love from Elvis Kissin Cousins album. He started the album on the record player to play Echoes of Love. Jimmy's contributions to the group, both in his personality and in his amazing tenor, will never be forgotten. Which brings us to the incredible story of Orion. I hope people will remember that some of the masters are owned by us and others over in Norway/Denmark. The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. Boomer on Shelby. Support Good Music. ..replaced with a completely new cover and no coffin! The mysterious phone call came from a stranger with a Presley-like voice, claiming to be Orion. He once said: you cant make it on someone elses coattail. AVAILABLE HERE LOWER PRICE! All songs in superb quality, unreleased material from Los Angeles in 75, unrelesased home recordings and soundboard. While performing at the Eastern States Exposition, Ellis took off the mask and swore to never wear it again. 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.. 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. was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. The terrain is 2.5 and difficulty is 2 (out of 5). 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. There is a new film about Orion being made by the talented moviemaker from England, Jeanie Finlay. Death 12 Dec 1998 (aged 53) . I was in a small band named the Catalinas in Macon, GA my hometown and loved music. After attended Middle Georgia College and Georgia Southern College before joining the USAF. As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. JIMMY ( ORION ) ELLIS - LIVE ON STAGE 70s - YouTube This boxed set documents Orion's career on the legendary Sun Records label. Fittingly, his legend lives on, and quite ironically, both as Jimmy Ellis and Orion! EIN: Jimmys death was tragic! Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jean-puy.com Jean Puy un peintre fauve And, after I heard Jimmy, I knew I was not.>. Read More #MyOrion "If Elvis is alive, he wears as mask and goes by the name Orion" In early 1965, I transferred to Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and lost touch with Jimmy for a number of years. After his "unmasking" more and more fans accepted Orion was not Elvis, and for those who could not let go of the King a new theory took form - yes the original Orion wasn't Elvis but the real (still alive) Elvis was replacing Jimmy Ellis on stage at various concerts! $4.00 shipping. the story behind Bobby D's friendship with Jimmy Ellis, how Jimmy felt about his "Orion" character. And, you wonder if helistened to "Ebony Eyes" and the rest of the LP. You can make comments on the tab provided, or on Facebook at "Orion Jimmy Ellis Fan Club" or "Orion Jimmy Ellis Group". We have just received an intro and preview clip of the up coming documentary "Orion The Movie". "E" Tribute - Elvis tribute artists and sound-alikes - Meikel Jungner 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.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. He used to say: you can sound like other artists and make it but if you sound like Elvis they dont want to play your records. The other lady fell to the floor with blood on her and played dead while Jimmy tried to crawl behind a computer desk. Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. Bobby then immediately offered Jimmy a recording contract. Who was he? Offered here is a two sheet info about the partnership which was presented to the stockholder. Production costs turned out to be too high compared to the demand on the box set, making the release too economically challenging to make. 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. So, thats how Jimmy Ellis and I met and became lifelong friends. [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". The record got a little airplay in Macon, GA in 1964. All three are being held without bail and are facing the possibility of the death penalty on two counts of capital murder, authorities said. Pictures and track listings are shown below of the titles I have managed to source. Interview conducted by Nigel Patterson, EIN (July 2014), Read: EIN's 2014 "Jimmy Ellis/Orion" article. Just before noon, he decided to go by his pawn shop to check on things. They are remembered for their hit single "Disco Inferno" (1976). However, after failing to retain his popularity using his real name, he returned to performing as Orion in 1987. Ellis made a public confession in 1983 admitting he was Orion. Posted by dokkeberg@hotmail.com in Top, Uncategorized and tagged as, 0 Comments / The CDs are offered on the official web site: www.orionjimmyellis.com. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! 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. Oh well, it is publicity!! He was NOT an impersonator, as he tried desperately to explain. 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. Orion - Jimmy Ellis - masked man - bobby d. The album disc was on the record player. Cover scans of any CD's on the unofficial Orion Records label. In a town steeped in strange success stories, hidden agendas, and dashed dreams, Orion's tale is one of the most curious ever to originate in Music City USA--which is saying something. Kenneth Dokkeberg. 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. 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. Orion Feat.jimmy Ellis.ch We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Bobby Smith, owner of Boblo Records once told his engineer, Chet Bennett: take him in the studio and record different songs. As they say all PR is good PR! 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***. 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'. The Dan Lentino Management Group in Las Vegas is honoring Orion / Jimmy Ellis posthumously with a lifetime achievement award. In later years after the breakup with Sun, Jimmy and I got back together for visits in Memphis. ", and it was rumored that they were alternate takes from Presley sessions (despite featuring an electric rather than string bass). Learn more about merges. Then he started the tape recorder and put the little microphone down by the record player and sang with the song overlaying Elvis voice with his. Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. Jimmy grinned sleeplessly and said: Ill show you how this works. It is hold together by a stitch in the upper left corner. 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. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis Some listeners believed that Orion was, in fact, Presley, who had supposedly faked his death. Please visit my own Jimmy Ellis page for information and links. Orion - Success Takes Courage | Jimmy Ellis Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? He wanted better recording material (new songs) and production sound in other studios but Sun (Shelby Singleton) would not agree. But later after collegeJimmy and I reconnected and had experiences in the 70s where he did various club shows etc., in Macon and other towns. jimmy orion ellis products for sale | eBay 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. How many Elvis tribute artists are still remembered nearly 20 years after their death? The . You can make comments on the tab provided, or on the Orion Facebook Fan Club. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Police later found Lee holed up in a motel about 30 miles outside Atlanta. Well, Jimmy finally had enough and took the mask off at a New Years show in the Atlanta area in 1981. 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. GC4N20R Hollow Inn (Unknown Cache) in Ohio, United States created by bjohio He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim - Notorious Dump Legends Volume 2 (WEB Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . 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. He was very generous and good-hearted. It is written by myself (Kenneth Dokkeberg), Steve Kelley (Orions road manager) and Bobby Dillard (personal friends since College). Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site Welcome!! Jimmy "Orion" Ellis, also known as James Hughes Bell was an American Singer. Im on the upper deck of our cabin in the picture here (see photo above). He said, "Don't worry about it, you don't buy the fuckin records anyway." Read about his childhood, reaching for the music scene, chasing his dream and finally his tragic end. You tell your friends who tell their friends who tell their friends WHAT IS THUNDERCLAP? Scan of the German cassette release COUNTRY & WESTERN CLASSICS VOL.1 on the Sun/Bellaphon label. 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. [6] His album Reborn, showing the singer emerging from a coffin, was released on gold-colored vinyl on the Sun label in 1978. How many Elvis tribute artists have had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart? [3] 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. One of them is Orion's Reborn LP and he plays a snippet of "Washing Machine" written by Jimmy Ellis. 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 left Sun Records, never again appearing to the public as Orion. He then left the store and caught up with his two young friends waiting down the road in a car. Jimmy Elllis -aka-"ORION" | Jimmy ellis, Jimmy, Orion JIMMY ELLIS, LTD., LIMITED PARTNERSHIP 1975 CONTRACT RARE! Today. 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. I never gave up music and a friend and I played at a local pub for extra money while finishing school. Bobby D.: Yes, that is just my natural voice. Details of songs performed at any of the listed shows would be especially welcome. "Mr. Ellis never had time to do nothing or say nothing," Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman Jr. told APB News. Thanks for your help!. Pascagoula, Jackson County, Mississippi, USA. Official DVD's - new Oriondiscs website Jimmy was, and still is, my favorite Elvis sound-alike singer. We were both only children, but Jimmy was not selfish or too self-centered. 'There are many that believe that Elvis is still alive - if he is alive he wears a mask and goes by the name Orion' (Nashville News 1979) ORION's the story of Jimmy Ellis, an unknown singer plucked from obscurity, and thrust into the spotlight as part . 15 November 1937 Died 8 March 2012 (aged 74) There are at least four artists called Jimmy Ellis: 1) Jimmy Ellis. Here is the bizarre story of Jimmy Ellis, or, as he was also known, Orion. Discover (and save!) Here is what the website says: ORION: The Man Who Would Be King 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. His first two singles were covers of two of the Kings former hits, Thats All Right and Blue Moon of Kentucky.. 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. It was (at least initially) a win-win-win situation as all three parties benefitted: Jimmy became an international star, Gail Brewer-Giorgio sold hundreds of thousands of copies of her "Orion" novel and Shelby Singleton sold truckloads of "Orion" records..