..replaced with a completely new cover and no coffin! 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. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, A selection of the many colorful Orion masks, each with its own name. I could not believe what I was hearing. Bobby D: My recollection is that on Saturday, December 12, 1998, Jimmy was getting ready to go on a duck hunting trip on Sunday with his son, a doctor friend and others. 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. On Orion's 1979 debut album, Reborn (Sun 1912). 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. http://www.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3. '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. Production costs turned out to be too high compared to the demand on the box set, making the release too economically challenging to make. 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 . Feb 6, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Patricia Milligan. The jury recommended Lee be sentenced to life without parole, but the judge sentenced Lee to death. 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. Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. So who is this person a performer whose sad end is one we normally expect from a fabricated and dramatically intensified Hollywood film? Excitement - Orion (Jimmy Ellis) was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, and a great personality. Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. He then dropped the gun, fled the store and drove off in a car with two accomplices, authorities said. Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. 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. We have a limited supply of this1979 hardcover version of the book "Orion" by Gail Brewer-Giorgio. 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***. Similarly, there was an incontrovertible and diametrically opposed outcome for each side. your own Pins on Pinterest is the only Elvis stylist to have had bootleg material released more than a dozen labels have released around 150 albums of his studio and live material! Many thanks again and all the best for the future. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. The other lady was standing just behind Elaine. It doesnt cost a penny but has great impact! 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. By the late 1980s, Jimmy was again performing on stage in his Orion persona and while not enjoying the buoyant career he had between 1978 and the early 1980s he had regular bookings, including in Europe where he was especially sought after. December 1998. Youmans formed a small group and had Jimmy sing at a few local schools. So, thats how Jimmy Ellis and I met and became lifelong friends. The tape recorder was playing the song Echoes of Love from Elvis Kissin Cousins album. 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. $4.00 shipping. When Jimmy would come for a visit to my house in the early days, it was like Elvis was comingthere was electricity in the air. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/orion-the-man-who-would-be-king, 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. This One's For. [3], Singleton tore off his mask at a performance in 1983, saying he would not wear it again. The book that started it all (in classic conspiracy fashion, its 'first edition' featured two 'author' names!!). We are told that the documentaryis moving along but, as with many projects,monetary donations would be appreciated to help get it to completion. It is written by myself (Kenneth Dokkeberg), Steve Kelley (Orions road manager) and Bobby Dillard (personal friends since College). 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. Very sadly, it is possible, even probable, Jimmy Ellis never fully realised the enormity and significance of his impact as a recording and performing artist! In 1962, Ellis entered the Orrville (Alabama) High School talent show. He could laugh about most anythinghe was alot of fun at home and especially on stage!! We put the official web site www.orionjimmyellis.com together three months before his tragic death in December 1998. [13], "Orion (musician)" redirects here. Jimmy came from a Christian family and held his belief in God the Father throughout his life. He wanted better recording material (new songs) and production sound in other studios but Sun (Shelby Singleton) would not agree. Even before the Orion phenomenon had really taken off he released a self-penned single on the small Boblo label, I'm Not Trying To Be Like Elvis. 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. The girls went wild. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. 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. [1], At the start of his music career, Ellis sang in nightclubs and, in 1964, released a single, "Dont Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch," for a small Georgia label, Dradco. Fittingly, his legend lives on, and quite ironically, both as Jimmy Ellis and Orion! Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. [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". Along the way, and particularly towards the end, Jimmy was not happy with the whole thing. 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. [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". 'My voice is both a blessing and a curse' (Jimmy Ellis/Orion during media interview), Controversial Sun Records 1978 Orion 'Reborn' (coffin) album cover. I still record once in a while at home, as the mood strikes. 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. He also had a great personality with a quick wit. 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. I hope people will remember that some of the masters are owned by us and others over in Norway/Denmark. Jim Highley. It has hundreds of unseen photos, interviews with musicians and other people close to Jimmy. This site is very much a "work in progress" and is being updated all the time. Then, shortly after Elvis's death, legendary producer Shelby Singleton reconnected with Ellis, signing him to Sun, and creating the myth of Orion, the hero of a book, in which a famous star fakes his own death, and takes himself and his music back the roots. Very soon after Jimmy entered the store, a young black guy came in carrying a sawed off shotgun and demanded money. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi. . You tell your friends who tell their friends who tell their friends WHAT IS THUNDERCLAP? The album disc was on the record player. 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. Read More #MyOrion "If Elvis is alive, he wears as mask and goes by the name Orion" 3. He started the album on the record player to play Echoes of Love. I have to say I was floored. 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. In reality, Orion was the club singer Jimmy Ellis, who was born in Orrville, Alabama, in 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!!!". Bobby D: Jimmy Ellis was actually the same off stage as he was on stage. He also recorded several albums for Sun between 1979 and 1981 and built up a substantial live following, still wearing his mask. At that point Shelby was done with their arrangement and so was Jimmy. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presleys label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Support Good Music. It has 408 pages, harcover and a CD included with some of Jimmy's finest performances and also unreleased gems from the archives of Sun Records. Bobby D.: Not very much except recording at home when the mood strikes. MYSTERY MASKED MAN WITH THE VOICE OF A LEGEND. * Released After Jimmy Ellis's death in 1999. What exactly happened? 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. Wonder how in the world the producer picked an Orion album?? 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). To use this website you must enable JavaScript. ***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***. Learn more about merges. They were sung in the same style in which Elvis would have sung them. EIN: Jimmys first Orion album, Reborn. Anyway, he got that voice from somewhere in his original family.not from Sears, as he once said. Evaluating the Jimmy Ellis/Orion legacy..While many continue to dismiss Jimmy Ellis as simply an Elvis imitator, to do so ignores critically important organic elements which place his story on a very different level to that of normal Elvis tribute artists! 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. Scan of the cassette release BY REQUEST, ELLIS SINGS ELVIS. Discover (and save!) The shot missed, and then Lee allegedly turned his attention to the cash register, which he knocked off the counter after he could not open it, Huffman said. Could you clarify who was working with him that day? The crew had also made a pretty decent copy of the blue mask Orion wore on the Reborn album. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. Pascagoula, Jackson County, Mississippi, USA. Bobby D.: Well, we just had a limited number of the out-of-print CD - Orion Country repressed. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: fanoscoatings.com, +62218463662, +62218463274, +622189841479, +62231320713, +623185584958 Home - FANOS ASIA 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. New 2016 DVD release of the award winning documentary on the life and career of Jimmy Ellis. Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? 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. 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'. It is also very possible that several other titles circulating on the internet . Are they still available in 2014? The Dan Lentino Management Group in Las Vegas is honoring Orion / Jimmy Ellis posthumously with a lifetime achievement award. Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. Memorial ID. Before we talk about your friendship with Jimmy Ellis, who is Bobby D? No breach of copyright is intended or should be inferred. You can make comments on the tab provided, or on Facebook at "Orion Jimmy Ellis Fan Club" or "Orion Jimmy Ellis Group". had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! The apposite outcome saw Jimmy dramatically rip off his Orion mask in frustration during a" live" performance in 1983. '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. The label credited the recordings simply to "? I responded: gosh Jimmy what if I did. Im on the upper deck of our cabin in the picture here (see photo above). 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). Cover/label scans wanted of any of the following: Cover scans of discs issued on the unofficial Jack Daniels label. He said, "Don't worry about it, you don't buy the fuckin records anyway." As they say all PR is good PR! 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. It's the story of a masked. Thank you very much!! Hopefully in time the details given can be guaranteed to be100% correct but a great deal more info is required before reaching that stage. Some listeners believed that Orion was, in fact, Presley, who had supposedly faked his death. You can make comments on the tab provided, or on the Orion Facebook Fan Club. 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. 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. It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. 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! 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. He makes a mistake and some asshole over here says don't worry about it, it will be alright. Solve the mystery and then use a smartphone or GPS device to navigate to the solution coordinates. Running time: 86 minutes in full colour. Original Name James Bell Birth 26 Feb 1945. 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. The guys in the room were mostly the colleges basketball players. His first two singles were covers of two of the Kings former hits, Thats All Right and Blue Moon of Kentucky.. Stay Away LIVE (Elvis Presley Photo Compilation), Elvis Presley - Suspicious Minds (Viva Elvis), Don't Count Your Chickens / Love Is But A Love, There Ya Go / Here Comes That Feeling Again, There You Go / Here Come's That Wonderful Feeling Again, I'm Not Trying To Be Like Elvis / Games You Been Playing, Save The Last Dance For Me / Am I To Be The One, Washing Machine / Before The Next Teardrop Falls, Stranger In My Place / It Ain't No Mystery, Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Matchbox, Honky Tonk Heaven / Morning, Noon And Night, I'm Saving Up My Pennies (1982) / I'm Starting Over, One Hundred Pounds Of Clay / Because He Lives, Thank God For America / I Make The Livin', Sunday Father / Thank God For America (1986), I Want you, I Need You, I Love You / Plastic Saddle, Love It Back Together / If That Isn't Love, Honey / Lover Please / Got You On My Mind / Mona Lisa / Before The Next Teardrop Fall / Ebony Eyes / Washing Machine / Baby, I Still Love You / You Can Have Her / Lonesome Angel, Moody Blue / Return To Sender / Hurt / Kentucky Rain / Can't Help Falling In Love / It's Now Or Never / Burning Love / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me / My Way / Love Me Tender / Mean Woman Blues / Teddy Bear, Secret Love / You Can't Judge A Book / San Fransisco Is A Lonely Town / Then I'll Be Over You / I Heard You Talking With Your Eyes / Stranger In My Place / I Hear you Knocking / Turn Around, Look At Me / Baby You Got It / It Ain't No Mystery, Texas Tea / Faded Love / What Did I Promise Her Last Night / Green Green Grass Of Home / Crazy Arms / Send Me The Pillow You Dream On / Help Me Make It Through The Night / Release Me / Please Help Me I'm Falling / The Long Black Veil / Am I That Easy To Forget, Rockabilly Rebel / See you later Alligator / Suzie Q / I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday / Rockin' Little Angel / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Long Tall Sally / Memphis Sun / Peggy Sue / Matchbox, Where He Leads Me / Sweet Hour Of Prayer / I Surrender All / Peace In The Valley / It 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 My Love (1981), I Need You In My Life / Lay Around And Love On You / Sunday Father / America / Never Too Old To Rock And Roll Sweet Mississippi Memories / Back On The Street / Old Time Rock (re-recording) / I Can't Get Used To Sleepin' By Myself / The Way My Dog Loves Me / Her Memory Just Won't Let Us Lay Down / Down In Mississippi, Only A Woman Like You / Love It Back Together / Lookin' For A Way / She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning / We Can't Go On Living Like This / Plastic Saddle / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Hooked On A Feeling / Separate Ways / If That Isn't Love, Feel Right / Since I Met You Baby / Slow Hand / Nothing Short Of Dying / Love Is In The Air / That's The Thing About Love / At This Moment / It Only Hurts When I Cry / Tips Of My Fingers / Treat Me Nice, Just A Closer Walk With Thee / Amazing Grace / Where Could I Go But to The Lord / You'll Never Walk Alone / I'll Fly Away / Lead Me, Guide Me / Peace In The Valley / Stand By Me / Because He Lives / 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).