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. Jim Highley. Scan of the 8 track cassette release TRUCKS, TRAINS & AIRPLANES on Gusto Records. In his insightful interview, Bobby D. reveals what (the real) Jimmy Ellis was like off-stage and covers a range of subjects including: Bobby D. operates the official Jimmy Ellis/Orion website and is a singer himself. Explore. How many other Elvis tribute artists have book, film and radio documentary adaptations of their story? The record got a little airplay in Macon, GA in 1964. If you take something from the container, leave something in exchange. The album featured some excellent songs including "Ebony Eyes", "Honey", and "Washing Machine". 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. Scans of the unofficial CD titled JIMMY ELLIS THE SINGLES. 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. The book is also available along withtheReborn CD (the first LP on Sun by Orion). One of them, a tall guy with a buzzed haircut, was sitting on a single bed by an old record player and a reel-to-reel tape recorder. 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 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. 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. Jimmy really liked my version of My Special Angel that we listened to for the first time while riding around in Nashville. 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. [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. EIN: Does it surprise you that Jimmy still has so many fans nearly 20 years after his tragic death? [9][10][11] The film won the Discovery Award at the British Independent Film Awards 2015. I do miss playing live. There is a new film about Orion being made by the talented moviemaker from England, Jeanie Finlay. The name Orion was borrowed from a book about a very famous but unhappy singer who faked his death in a desperate bid to escape from . We are told that the documentaryis moving along but, as with many projects,monetary donations would be appreciated to help get it to completion. 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. Sundance Selects acquires Orion: The Man Who Would Be King for US Theatrical release. The sale is temporary to offer fans who missed these CDs the first time around a real deal. 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). Click on the LP and 45 rpm records page. We are told that the documentary is moving along but, as with many projects, monetary donations would be appreciated to help get to completion. The answer is: ONE! 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! Backed by the Jordanaires and opening act Sherry Carlisle, Orion sang to a packed house on August 12, 1997 at Nashville's Nightlife Theater. His hectic touring schedule as Orion also restricted Jimmy's time to write songs and this must have also added to the frustration with his career. He and I were alike in that respect. 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. 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. Scan of the Plantation Records cassette release 16 AWARD WINNING COUNTRY SONGS. 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. His first two singles were covers of two of the Kings former hits, Thats All Right and Blue Moon of Kentucky.. Orion recorded a single, Ebony Eyes, for Sun in 1979, which became part of his debut album, Reborn. 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. : --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. He then left the store and caught up with his two young friends waiting down the road in a car. EIN: Bobby, many thanks for taking time to talk to us today. Born in 1945 in Orville, Alabama. Orion had several hits on the country music chart, including "Am I That Easy to Forget" (1980), "Rockabilly Rebel" (1981), and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (1981). James Hodges Ellis (born James Hughes Bell, February 26, 1945 - December 12, 1998), who used the stage name Orion at times in his career, was an American singer. Please visit my own Jimmy Ellis page for information and links. 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. 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. He also started to run a store in Selma, Alabama, with his girlfriend Elaine Thompson. Jimmy Ellis - If I Can't Have You 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. 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. 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. 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. You can make comments on the tab provided, or on Facebook at "Orion Jimmy Ellis Fan Club" or "Orion Jimmy Ellis Group". Did Jimmy ever comment to you about the cover? The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. He had perfect pitch, automatic vibrato, and wide range in his voice. The film, which had its world premiere at Tribeca and won [], Calling all Orion fans and film supporters. 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. He quickly says "he sounds just like Elvis" and then puts on a copy of the mask worn by Orion for the album picture. 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 very generous and good-hearted. I finished college with a BBA while my wife worked, and I got the GI Bill. 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. "Mr. Ellis never had time to do nothing or say nothing," Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman Jr. told APB News. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. 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. Tell us about that. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Sung By . Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. 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. So if you filmed him, recorded him or are in possession of anything I might be interested in then do not hesitate to take contact with me thru my e-mail: jimmyellisfan@yahoo.no, All Rights Reserved. [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. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi. I am always on the lookout for Orion/Jimmy Ellis concerts that I dont have. 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. 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]. Dates, venues, photographs would all be of great help. Given Jimmy's keen sense of humor he must be looking down and smiling! It's like an artist painting a picture. The label credited the recordings simply to "? Bobby D.: I loved music but needed to use my education to pay the bills. Very unfortunately, Jimmy Ellis along with his wife, was killed in December the 12th 1998 by a male robber. On Monday I carried his CDs to work and played them throughout the day. 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. 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. Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! Please tell our readers about this and how they can order. It is also very possible that several other titles circulating on the internet . iTunes, Amazon) and not physical discs. Bobby D.: Not really. 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. Thanks, Nigel!! 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. 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. NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. I responded: gosh Jimmy what if I did. Scan of the cassette release BY REQUEST, ELLIS SINGS ELVIS. 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. Bobby then immediately offered Jimmy a recording contract. While in Germany, met my future wife, the daughter of a Major, fighter pilot stationed at the same base. That day, Elaine Thompson, his x-wife was filling in for Shirley Connell who had gone home to Memphis for the weekend. 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. Youmans put the record on the Dradco Recording Company label. Which brings us to the incredible story of Orion. Copyright the Elvis Information Network. 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Is No Secret / I Believe / He Touched Me / Softly And Tenderly / Where No One Stands Alone / Just A Closer Walk With Thee, There's No Easy Way / Baby Please Say Yes / Born / If I Can't Have You / Ain't No Good / Some You Win, Some You Lose / Look Me Up (And Lay It On Me) / Old Mexico / Rainbow Maker / Anybody Out There, Feelings / No One Will Ever Know / I Love You Because / What Now My Love / Somewhere My Love / I Can't Stop Loving You / He'll Have To Go / Snowbird, Snowbird (1981) / Save The Last Dance For Me (1978) / Honey (1978) / Please Help Me I'm Falling (1979) / Feelings (1981) / Help Me Make It Through The Night (1980) / Am I That Easy To Forget (1980) / Mona Lisa (1978) / Before The Next Teardrop Falls (1979) / I Love You Because (1981) / Faded Love (1980) / Crazy Arms (1980) / Release Me (1980) / Green Green Grass Of Home (1981) / Secret Love (1979) / He'll Have To Go (1981) / What Now My Love (1981) / No One Will Ever Know (1981) / I Can't Stop Loving You (1981) / Somewhere 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Precious Memories, Restless / Lay Around And Love On You / I Need You In My Life / Out Of The Blue / Memories Won't Let Us Lay Down / Dream On Me / Can't Get Used To Sleeping By Myself / Sunday Father / Old Pipeliner / Old Time Rock, Steady As She Goes / He Has His Hand On Your Heart / Love Is The Only Way Out / Between Hello And Goodbye / Rock Your Baby / I Know Where You Are Coming From / My Boogie Wants To Boogie With You / The Power Of Your Love / If You Ever Want A Fool Round / Starting Over, Here Comes Santa Claus / I'll Be Home For Christmas / O' Little Town Of Bethlehem / Blue Christmas / Santa Bring My Back Back To Me / Holly Leaves And Chistmas Trees / Silent Night / Santa Claus Is Back In Town / Jingle Bells (re-recording) / It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You, Christmas Memory / A Christmas Filled With Love / The Funny Little Man All Dressed In Red / An Old Fashioned Christmas / Christmas Spirit / Christmas Eve / The Fireplace / You're All I Want For Christmas, Stuck On You / Don't Be Cruel / Crying In The Chapel / All Shook Up / Are You Lonesome Tonight / Teddy Bear (re-recording) / If I Can Dream / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (re-recording) / That's Al Right (re-recording) / Follow That Dream, "Save The Last Dance For Me" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "Sweet Little Sixteen" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "I Love You Because" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "Cold Cold heart" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "Hello Josephine" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "It Won't Happen With Me" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "What I'd Say" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "Good Golly Miss Molly" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "Be Bop A Lula" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "Good Rockin' Tonight" (duet with Jerry Lee Lewis), "Gentle As A Lamb" (duet with Charlie Rich), "Sittin' And Thinkin' (duet with Charlie Rich), "Gone, Gone, Gone" (duet with Carl Perkins), "It's All In The Game" (duet with Andy Lee Lang), "Puppet On A String" (duet Andy Lee Lang).