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. )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. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Then, he introduced me to Jimmy Ellis, the guy by the tape recorder who had said nothing. Home Page of OrionDiscs - new Oriondiscs website These books arevintage - new and are a collector's item. Official site; Kenneth Dokkeberg's Jimmy Ellis / Orion website; Musiclovers - Discography, audio samples and a lot more! 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. Wonder how in the world the producer picked an Orion album?? While performing at the Eastern States Exposition, Ellis took off the mask and swore to never wear it again. The terrain is 2.5 and difficulty is 2 (out of 5). We join the Ellis family and friends and fans all . The apposite outcome saw Jimmy dramatically rip off his Orion mask in frustration during a" live" performance in 1983. EIN: Does it surprise you that Jimmy still has so many fans nearly 20 years after his tragic death? He then dropped the gun, fled the store and drove off in a car with two accomplices, authorities said. Death 12 Dec 1998 (aged 53) . Bobby D.: It was a pleasure. Scan of the 8 track cassette release ORION 20 ALL TIME FAVORITES. If you have further details on any releases not included or would like to trade Orion recordings or material please drop me an email. 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. I couldnt quite make out the voice. Ellis was gunned Down in His Alabama Pawn Shop December 12, 1998. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club. How many Elvis tribute artists are still remembered nearly 20 years after their death? The tape recorder was playing the song Echoes of Love from Elvis Kissin Cousins album. EIN: Your friendship with Jimmy Ellis. He then dragged the cash register off the counter and got about $135.00 out of it. '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. Sung By . In an, Georgia Pines CD - Playground Records Promo Card. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________. EIN:Bobby D. its been great talking with you. Here is the bizarre story of Jimmy Ellis, or, as he was also known, Orion. The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. Al Benn: Spirit of 'Orion' lives on - The Montgomery Advertiser It's the story of a masked. We hope that thisweb site will in some way bring to light thetalent of Jimmy Ellis (Orion) and that it will bring you, as fans, or as new comers, joy through the love of his music and his short life on this earth. Jimmy Ellis | Discography | Discogs He was NOT an impersonator, as he tried desperately to explain. Went to Lanier Sr., a great all boys public, military high school. Jimmy had the voice and charisma that drew you to him. Orion to recieve Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas! They wrote both of the songs. With an outlandish fictional identity torn from the pages of a pulp novel, the backing of the legendary birthplace of rock n roll Sun Records and a voice that seemed to be the very twin of Presleys himself, the scheme concocted in the months after Presleys death exploded into a cult success and the Elvis is alive myth began. At that point Shelby was done with their arrangement and so was Jimmy. Bobby D.: I loved music but needed to use my education to pay the bills. Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. [3], In 1978, writer Gail Brewer-Giorgio published a novel, Orion, about a leading popular singer based on Presley who faked his death. Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. 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. Chet came back and said: Bobby, he sounds the same on all of them. After winning a state fair competition, his first professional performance was in a Demon's Den nightclub in Albany, Georgia. If you take something from the container, leave something in exchange. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. 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. . EIN:One of the incredible things about Jimmy and his Orion alter-ego is that there were around 150 bootleg recordings of his studio and live recordings released. I never gave up music and a friend and I played at a local pub for extra money while finishing school. There is no media rate for international shipping, but we are covering part of the high shipping cost. Scan of New Zealand release of the JERRY LEE LEWIS - DUETS album (Sun L27036). EIN:Jimmy Ellis, the personaway from the stage or recording studio. ..replaced with a completely new cover and no coffin! Orion Videos | NASA [3] He appeared as Orion Eckley Darnell, the character created August 16, 1977, by a Marietta [Georgia], housewife Gail Brewer-Giorgo. Scans of the orange label version of the CD single SUNDAY FATHER on the Lanier Records label. The CDs are offered on the official web site: www.orionjimmyellis.com. His natural voice was very similar to the voice of Elvis Presley, read more 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. Ellis hair and long sideburns were dyed black, and he dressed in a loud, bejeweled polyester jumpsuit, with a mask to protect him from crazed fans. As the Orion story unfolded, it was clear these forces played straight to the hearts and deep-seated psychological needs of many Elvis fans! I really like the way he sang songs that Elvis never recorded in versions that still sounded a lot like Elvis. How many Elvis tribute artists have several websites devoted to them. [1] He attended Orrville High School, where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. He once said: you cant make it on someone elses coattail. Source: www.orionjimmyellis.com & www.lasvegaselvisfestival.com, 1 Comments / [9][10][11] The film won the Discovery Award at the British Independent Film Awards 2015. It will be presented at this years Las Vegas Elvis Fest at the LVH formerly the Las Vegas Hilton on July 11th. Ellis appeared with many . Jimmy Ellis (Orion) - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (live 1989) These Classic LP Albums from Sun Records are new and sealed and will never be made again. Oh well, it is publicity!! 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. You know , it was like, here I am creating this and doing the work. 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!!!". '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. It is also very possible that several other titles circulating on the internet . JIMMY ELLIS, LTD., LIMITED PARTNERSHIP 1975 CONTRACT RARE! I had just talked to him on Friday December 11. The album cover itself generated controversy because it depicted a phantom singer rising from a coffin, and was later withdrawn. It has hundreds of unseen photos, interviews with musicians and other people close to Jimmy. Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. EIN: Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? 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. GC4N20R Hollow Inn (Unknown Cache) in Ohio, United States created by bjohio : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. 26th. Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. 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. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Orion: The Man Who Would Be King - poignant story of Elvis soundalike He would give you things and himself freely. 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. You can make comments on the tab provided, or on the Orion Facebook Fan Club. Discover (and save!) Orion | Sun Records Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together. Scan of the 8 track cassette release TRUCKS, TRAINS & AIRPLANES on Gusto Records. http://www.elvisinfonet.com/spotlight-orion-2014.html, The Tonight Show from NY with Jimmy Fallon. 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. Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site Michael Stevens ORION Almost ELVIS Official American Singers Orion Elvis The Man Official Jimmy Ellis "Orien" Graham Carpenter Elvis Aaron Presley Waiting In The Wings Apocalypse Ellis Jimmy Interview He started the album on the record player to play Echoes of Love. Bobby D.: The gimmick of Orion lasted about 3 years. He had perfect pitch, automatic vibrato, and wide range in his voice. ORION (JIMMY ELLIS) A STRANGER IN MY PLACE 6 RADIO STATION SPOTS SUN 1152 MINT-. Watch a fascinating interview in 1979 with both Orion and Gail Brewer-Giorgio promoting his career and Ms Brewer-Giorgio's "Orion" novel, (BTW, the back story to the "Orion" novel, full of dirty dealings, "he says-she says" and legal machinations, is deserving of an article all to itself!). 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. Orion was well-known in the sixties and seventies for having a singing voice. How many other Elvis tribute artists have book, film and radio documentary adaptations of their story? Jimmy "Orion" Ellis Net Worth, Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Wiki, Family Bobby D.: Well, we just had a limited number of the out-of-print CD - Orion Country repressed. Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. It has 408 pages, harcover and a CD included with some of Jimmys finest performances and also unreleased gems from the archives of Sun Records. 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 . THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO JIMMY ELLIS "ORION" THE MUSIC & LEGEND OF THE MAN WHO HAD THE VOICE OF A KING. In its way, the story underscores some of the dark, disturbing aspects of image-making, music marketing, and how the music industry builds stars but destroys individuals. A Tribute to the "Masked Man": Jimmy Ellis aka "Orion". 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. EIN: Did he come to resent the Orion character and if so, how strongly? 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. Very soon after Jimmy entered the store, a young black guy came in carrying a sawed off shotgun and demanded money. Bobby D.: Yes, that is just my natural voice. Jimmy "Orion" Ellis | Elvis Wiki | Fandom 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.. 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. The film is being produced by Jeanie Finlay, a British artist and filmaker. Little is known about Jimmy's life before becoming a recording artist - what is known is that he was raised by traditional but loving parents who ensured he was able to receive a good education. 3. 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. EIN: Jimmys death was tragic! We only index and link to content provided on other servers. 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. 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.. All three are being held without bail and are facing the possibility of the death penalty on two counts of capital murder, authorities said. 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. Two of the many Orion items still being sold in 2014: ----------------------------------------------------------------------. So who is this person a performer whose sad end is one we normally expect from a fabricated and dramatically intensified Hollywood film? Bobby D.: As mentioned before, it was Elaine Thompson, Jimmys ex-wife and another lady who normally worked at the store. 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. 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. EIN: There are conflicting reports of who else was with Jimmy at the time, some reports say his fianc, others say his ex-wife. Orion". 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. 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. 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***. 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. Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. A Brief Biography - new Oriondiscs website 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. Very unfortunately, Jimmy Ellis along with his wife, was killed in December the 12th 1998 by a male robber. She was 16 going on 21 and I was 21. I hope people will remember that some of the masters are owned by us and others over in Norway/Denmark. Anyway, he got that voice from somewhere in his original family.not from Sears, as he once said. 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. 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!!! 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's like an artist painting a picture. A talented athlete, Jimmy was awarded a two-year athletic scholarship at Middle Georgia Junior College and was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. Besides, I had childhood issues that I was not good enough. Scans of any Jimmy Ellis/Orion release or alternate versions not included on this website would be greatly appreciated. The album disc was on the record player. It was part of a comedy sketch with artists not to play. http://www.orionstc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Jimmy-Ellis-Early-years-PROMO.mp3.