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!!!". It is the story of Jimmy Ellis, a singer from Alabama who was cursed with having a voice identical to that of . Orion to recieve Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas! Unfortunately, despite the fact that most of the songs he recorded were not covers of Elvis songs, he could not escape the uncanny similarities between their natural voices. Scan of New Zealand release of the JERRY LEE LEWIS - DUETS album (Sun L27036). 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. The answer.Jimmy Ellis aka the masked man, Orion. The Jimmy Ellis/Orion story is one of great potential, qualified success, ongoing disappointment and ultimately, tragedy! Anyway, he got that voice from somewhere in his original family.not from Sears, as he once said. Then it happened. 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. : 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. He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. If he sounds different on them, I will know he is faking. His first two singles were covers of two of the Kings former hits, Thats All Right and Blue Moon of Kentucky..
When you find it, write your name and date in the logbook. The other lady fell to the floor with blood on her and played dead while Jimmy tried to crawl behind a computer desk. EIN: What did Jimmy say to you about his career as Orion? 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 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. How many other Elvis tribute artists have book, film and radio documentary adaptations of their story? Ellis entered Middle Georgia College on an athletic scholarship, then transferred to Livingston State University. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Jimmy Ellis (19214)? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________. In early 1965, I transferred to Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and lost touch with Jimmy for a number of years.
Orion - Jimmy Ellis - masked man Jimmy Ellis - If I Can't Have You 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.
Jimmy "Orion" Ellis A real EP story.
Orion - Success Takes Courage | Jimmy Ellis These songs has appeared on other compilations or a collection of songs. ***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***. 1. I could not believe what I was hearing. Bobby D. on YouTube (who does Bobby sound like? Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! How did that come about and what can fans expect to find on the site? He left Sun Records, never again appearing to the public as Orion. As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. Her 1978 novel Orion told the story of a rock and roll singer, very much like Elvis, who faked his own death. Instead of listing Ellis' first album on the label, Singleton printed a question mark. Feb 6, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Patricia Milligan. 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!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYuszmPq3lw, "Orion" by Gail Brewer-Giorgio (Hardcover 1979). A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY. He didnt know anything about computers and web sites so I had a company in Raleigh, NC develop the original site for us. Later that day, sheriff's deputies caught up with the two alleged accomplices, Andre Darren Lee, 19, who is the alleged gunman's brother, and Jerry Dewayne Johnson, 17, who is his cousin. EIN:Jimmy Ellis, the personaway from the stage or recording studio.
The Elvis Information Network home to the best news, reviews 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. While in Germany, met my future wife, the daughter of a Major, fighter pilot stationed at the same base. Scans of the unofficial CD titled JIMMY ELLIS THE SINGLES. He fired once into her face, killing her instantly and hitting another worker, Helen King, in the hand. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. Jimmy Ellis In The Shadow Of a King Book NOW AVAILABLE! 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.
jimmy orion ellis products for sale | eBay Many thanks again and all the best for the future. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! While friends of the singer Jimmy Ellis have speculated that Orion could well have been The King's half-brother. Oh well, it is publicity!! your own Pins on Pinterest
JIMMY ( ORION ) ELLIS - LIVE ON STAGE 70s - YouTube December 1998. Bobby Smith, owner of Boblo Records once told his engineer, Chet Bennett: take him in the studio and record different songs. 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!!! Pinterest. 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. Directors Statement Who was that masked man?
Sundance Selects acquires Orion: The Man Who Would Be King for US Theatrical release. 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. Artist of the Year Theme by Foxhound Band Themes. 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. [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. [3], Singleton tore off his mask at a performance in 1983, saying he would not wear it again.
Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. (1945-1998) - Find 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. Love For A Lovely Girl.What A Great Song.BY Lester Brown/ Bob Gibson/ Johdn D Loudermilk. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. The film 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. 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. The film, which had its world premiere at Tribeca and won [], Calling all Orion fans and film supporters. How & where do I sell my Elvis collection? These titles and their eye catching specially made front covers would appear to be exclusively for internet downloads (eg. Jimmy grinned sleeplessly and said: Ill show you how this works. 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'. After winning a state fair competition, his first professional performance was in a Demon's Den nightclub in Albany, Georgia. These books arevintage - new and are a collector's item. was blessed with a natural singing voice remarkably similar to Elvis. It's the story of a masked.
"E" Tribute - Elvis tribute artists and sound-alikes - Meikel Jungner Well, he then said: no, its that guy, pointing to the guy sitting on the bed. Before we talk about your friendship with Jimmy Ellis, who is Bobby D? : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. As they say all PR is good PR!
The Official Web Site | Jimmy ellis, American singers, Elvis Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. 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. Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. (much like how each of Elvis' jumpsuits had its own name): ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, Orion (Jimmy Ellis) with (also in character) members of supergroup KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------. And, you wonder if helistened to "Ebony Eyes" and the rest of the LP. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind. "He just opened fire in seconds and hit Mr. Ellis in the side.". Similarly, there was an incontrovertible and diametrically opposed outcome for each side.
One of Music's Biggest Conspiracy Theories: Was the Pop Star Orion It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. '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. 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. On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. [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. Pascagoula, Jackson County, Mississippi, USA. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. [6] His album Reborn, showing the singer emerging from a coffin, was released on gold-colored vinyl on the Sun label in 1978. . The Final Performance CD is a good example of the kind of interaction and humor Orion had with the audience. '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 . Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights to Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, the feature documentary written and directed by Jeanie Finlay. 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 Lives! The Story of How the Idea That Elvis is Still Alive Got That's not recording. Kenneth Dokkeberg. The world lost a great singer. Very soon after Jimmy entered the store, a young black guy came in carrying a sawed off shotgun and demanded money. He was who he was, no pretense. Singleton duly took Orion back to Elvis's roots in rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, blues, and gospel.
Jimmy "Orion" Ellis - Recordings - MusicBrainz He then dropped the gun, fled the store and drove off in a car with two accomplices, authorities said. He appeared as Orion Eckley Darnell, the character created August 16, 1977, by a Marietta [Georgia], housewife Gail Brewer-Giorgo. Above images sourced from the official "Orion-Jimmy Ellis" website Genesis.. Jimmy Hughes Bell was born on 26 February 1945 to a single mother (named) Gladys. 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. Bobby D.: Jimmy never commented about the LP coffin cover to me, but he was not hot on the mask gimmick from the start. 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.
Jimmy Ellis | Discography | Discogs We are told that the documentary is moving along but, as with many projects, monetary donations would be appreciated to help get to completion. EIN: Bobby, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and Jimmy Ellis/Orion fans? He and I were alike in that respect. Who was he? The album cover itself generated controversy because it depicted a phantom singer rising from a coffin, and was later withdrawn. Explore. 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. Jimmy really liked my version of My Special Angel that we listened to for the first time while riding around in Nashville. Website. 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. He was 53 years old. The book that started it all (in classic conspiracy fashion, its 'first edition' featured two 'author' names!!). On Orion's 1979 debut album, Reborn (Sun 1912). $4.00 shipping. 26th. Thanks for your help!. Bobby D.: The gimmick of Orion lasted about 3 years. They were sung in the same style in which Elvis would have sung them. )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.