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.. Bobby D.: I was born in Macon, GA in 1945. It is the story of Jimmy Ellis, a singer from Alabama who was cursed with having a voice identical to that of . Who was he? The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. 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. 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. To see the film clip and make a donation, please click on the link below. Bobby D.: I loved music but needed to use my education to pay the bills. For the soul singer, member of The Trammps, please see Jimmy Ellis (2) Sites: Wikipedia, orionjimmyellis.com, oriondiscs.com Aliases: The book has been a huge task with 12+ years of research. No breach of copyright is intended or should be inferred. At that point Shelby was done with their arrangement and so was Jimmy. Scheduled for release next year is Jeanne Finlay's intriguing film, Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, and also due for release in 2015 is a radio documentary about southern USA music which includes a segment about the Jimmy "Orion" Ellis story. Again, he was who he was period. Backed by the Jordanaires and opening act Sherry Carlisle, Orion sang to a packed house on August 12, 1997 at Nashville's Nightlife Theater. was courted for a baseball career and a tryout with the Milwaukie Braves but turned it down. 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. How many Elvis tribute artists have had any unofficial album releases let alone 150 bootleg albums released? This dynamic performer differentiates himself from all others for a number of reasons. Scan of the German cassette release LET YOUR LOVE FLOW on the Sun/Bellaphon label. On Monday I carried his CDs to work and played them throughout the day. iTunes, Amazon) and not physical discs. 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. Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together. A Tribute to the "Masked Man": Jimmy Ellis aka "Orion". Thanks for your help! EIN: Bobby, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and Jimmy Ellis/Orion fans? 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. For a proud man who had so much wanted recognition as Jimmy Ellis - not Elvis Presley - we can only imagine how galling and emotionally and psychologically scarring this was!. Read about his childhood, reaching for the music scene, chasing his dream and finally his tragic end. I love music too and do some song leading at church. Bobby D.: No, not really. Sung By . http://www.elvisinfonet.com/spotlight-orion-2014.html, The Tonight Show from NY with Jimmy Fallon. Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 a retrospective! As Jim Ellis, he released an album in 1987 and continued to tour North America; interestingly, he resumed wearing his mask. Ellis recorded an album under his own name, Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way, for a small label in . Charlie Rich sang along with Lewis on two other songs. In 1979 Jimmy Ellis finally merged with an identity, but it still wasn't himself. We join the Ellis family and friends and fans all . 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: There are conflicting reports of who else was with Jimmy at the time, some reports say his fianc, others say his ex-wife. Ellis died in his store about 10 minutes after the attack, Huffman said. Offered here is a two sheet info about the partnership which was presented to the stockholder. The shooter is in jail with a death sentence. Bobby D.: Jimmy's story and music is important- he was very talented - and these releases will celebrate his life and career. Bobby D: Jimmy Ellis was actually the same off stage as he was on stage. Newspaper adverts and reports of his numerous appearances also very much appreciated. [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". 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. Source: www.orionjimmyellis.com & www.lasvegaselvisfestival.com, 1 Comments / 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. 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. Very unfortunately, Jimmy Ellis along with his wife, was killed in December the 12th 1998 by a male robber. Ellis, Jimmy "Orion" Type: Person Gender: Male Born: 1945-02-26 Born in: Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States Died: 1998-12-12 (aged 53)Died in: Selma, Alabama, United States Area: United States ISNI code: 0000 0004 3983 0212 Rating Jimmy Ellis Also known as Orion. While friends of the singer Jimmy Ellis have speculated that Orion could well have been The King's half-brother. 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! 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. We only index and link to content provided on other servers. '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 . So I said: come on, thats Elvis I have the album. Jimmy Ellis - If I Can't Have You He also started to run a store in Selma, Alabama, with his girlfriend Elaine Thompson. 3. He left Sun Records, never again appearing to the public as Orion. and goes by the name And, after I heard Jimmy, I knew I was not.>. Pictures and track listings are shown below of the titles I have managed to source. Scan of the German cassette release COUNTRY & WESTERN CLASSICS VOL.1 on the Sun/Bellaphon label. Read More #MyOrion "If Elvis is alive, he wears as mask and goes by the name Orion" One of them is Orion's Reborn LP and he plays a snippet of "Washing Machine" written by Jimmy Ellis. The CDs are offered on the official web site: www.orionjimmyellis.com. 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. Scan of the cassette release BY REQUEST, ELLIS SINGS ELVIS. You can make comments on the tab provided, or on Facebook at "Orion Jimmy Ellis Fan Club" or "Orion Jimmy Ellis Group". 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. Jimmy was a really good guitar player and very musically inclined. Actually, I think it made him more determined to try to be accepted by radio and the music industry as Jimmy Ellis, even though he sounded like EP. 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. Jimmy Ellis (born February 26, 1945 - died December 12,1998) was born in Orrville, Alabama on February 26th of 1945. 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. $11.99. He didnt know anything about computers and web sites so I had a company in Raleigh, NC develop the original site for us. Memorial ID. Jimmy Hodges "Orion" Ellis Sr. 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. One of the guys asked me if I knew who that was singing on the tape recorder. 15 November 1937 Died 8 March 2012 (aged 74) There are at least four artists called Jimmy Ellis: 1) Jimmy Ellis. 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. 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. compilation added to various unofficial releases page. A few weeks later, some guys asked me to come down to their room where they were playing music so I decided to go. Kenneth Dokkeberg. Jimmy was very happy we did this and he liked getting a periodic check for CD sales. [12] It was released theatrically in the US by Sundance Selects on December 4, 2015. 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. 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 . Production costs turned out to be too high compared to the demand on the box set, making the release too economically challenging to make. he wears as mask The apposite outcome saw Jimmy dramatically rip off his Orion mask in frustration during a" live" performance in 1983. 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. I often wonder what that would have done for Jimmys career since Phil Walden was nationally known. These songs has appeared on other compilations or a collection of songs. 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.. 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. Given you have a great singing voice why didnt you pursue a recording/performing career? So, thats how Jimmy Ellis and I met and became lifelong friends. Oh well, it is publicity!! He and I were alike in that respect. As Orion, Ellis reached Billboard's country chart with nine singles. Jimmy just could not help that he sounded like someone else EP. your own Pins on Pinterest 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. A hit record or some fuckin' tour we did that on many a time. It is hold together by a stitch in the upper left corner. Im on the upper deck of our cabin in the picture here (see photo above). To The Official Orion - Jimmy Ellis Web Site, http://tribecafilm.com/stories/tribeca-film-festival-2015-viewpoints, http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/orion-the-man-who-would-be-king. And, you wonder if helistened to "Ebony Eyes" and the rest of the LP. Watch the stunning trailer for Orion The Man Who Would Be King. We are told that the documentaryis moving along but, as with many projects,monetary donations would be appreciated to help get it to completion. Leave a comment or question. The . For the next 10 years Jimmy would balance music and his business interests. This blog is for preview purposes only and all music downloaded should be deleted within 24 hours. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club. On Orion's 1979 debut album, Reborn (Sun 1912). 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. Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Orion to recieve Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas! Here's a new link to an excellent Orion page done by Nigel Patterson with the EIN (Elvis Information Network) in Australia. $4.00 shipping. In 1972, he worked for Sun Records (Presley's label) with producer Shelby Singleton in Nashville. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: fanoscoatings.com, +62218463662, +62218463274, +622189841479, +62231320713, +623185584958 Home - FANOS ASIA Bobby D.: The gimmick of Orion lasted about 3 years. 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. This One's For. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. These titles and their eye catching specially made front covers would appear to be exclusively for internet downloads (eg. Hopefully in time the details given can be guaranteed to be100% correct but a great deal more info is required before reaching that stage. EIN:Jimmy Ellis, the personaway from the stage or recording studio. They wrote both of the songs. 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. Discover (and save!) Bobby D.: Yes, that is just my natural voice. When you find it, write your name and date in the logbook. I could not believe what I was hearing. the story behind Bobby D's friendship with Jimmy Ellis, how Jimmy felt about his "Orion" character. 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. Cover scans of any CD's on the unofficial Orion Records label. Ellis appeared with many . He travelled to Nashville and tried to break into the music business - but found. Thats the special since the regular price is $12.95. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. The mysterious phone call came from a stranger with a Presley-like voice, claiming to be Orion. 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. 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. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________. He once said: you cant make it on someone elses coattail. was blessed with a natural singing voice remarkably similar to Elvis. Ellis continued recording and performing through 1983 as Orion, and scored only one more minor hit before trying to break his Sun contract to become a recognized performer in his own right. EIN often receives requests for information on these releases. Jimmy Ellis 1937-2012 It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of our friend and original lead singer, Jimmy Ellis, on Thursday, March 8, 2012 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The strange part of the tale began in January 1979, when author Gail Brewer-Giorgio received a bizarre early-morning phone call. Bobby Smith, owner of Boblo Records once told his engineer, Chet Bennett: take him in the studio and record different songs. Being in a band, we did some Elvis songs, and I was a big fan and knew Elvis voice well. : --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. EIN: What did Jimmy say to you about his career as Orion? Directors Statement Who was that masked man? [13], "Orion (musician)" redirects here. 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". Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! As they say all PR is good PR! Scans of the orange label version of the CD single SUNDAY FATHER on the Lanier Records label. He was who he was, no pretense. ", and it was rumored that they were alternate takes from Presley sessions (despite featuring an electric rather than string bass). He could laugh about most anythinghe was alot of fun at home and especially on stage!! Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. [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. All trademarks, labels, covers and logos shown on this website are the sole property of the companies concerned and are included here for reference purposes only. He fired once into her face, killing her instantly and hitting another worker, Helen King, in the hand. ..replaced with a completely new cover and no coffin! Bobby knew a lot of people in the business and was a producer for King Records at one time. Inevitably, being born 10 years after Elvis, his struggle could never be won. Did Jimmy ever comment to you about the cover? We have just received an intro and preview clip from the up coming documentary "Orion The Movie". Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Our biography book on Jimmy Ellis is now available here on this website! EIN:Bobby D. its been great talking with you. If you take something from the container, leave something in exchange. Orion page at Sun Records; Jimmy at Elvis Wiki I couldnt quite make out the voice. 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! 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. This site is very much a "work in progress" and is being updated all the time. He was very generous and good-hearted. [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. We have a limited supply of this1979 hardcover version of the book "Orion" by Gail Brewer-Giorgio. The film is being produced by Jeanie Finlay, a British artist and filmaker. We let Bobby hear the record and he liked it but he said that it was too much like Presley, and he didnt think he could do anything with Jimmy.a huge mistake. Bobby Dillard was a close friend of the late Jimmy Ellis.the man who, wearing a mask, became a key part of the 'Elvis is alive' movement, as the mysterious singer, Orion! That was December 4, 1998 - The Nightlife Theatre in Nashville, TNwhat a show!!! Listeners of Orion were initially split into two camps: those who knew that Orion was Jimmy Ellis just having some fun sounding like Elvis , and others who sincerely believed or wanted to believe that he was truly Elvis coming back on the scene after faking his own death. 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. As the Orion story unfolded, it was clear these forces played straight to the hearts and deep-seated psychological needs of many Elvis fans! 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. EIN: Did he come to resent the Orion character and if so, how strongly? All three are being held without bail and are facing the possibility of the death penalty on two counts of capital murder, authorities said. But, it was really him. 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 then dragged the cash register off the counter and got about $135.00 out of it. You may also like> Jimmy Barnes Net Worth, Age, Height, Weight, Husband, Wiki, Family The film is being produced by Jeanie Finlay, a British artist and filmaker. Posted by dokkeberg@hotmail.com in Uncategorized and tagged as. Well, Jimmy finally had enough and took the mask off at a New Years show in the Atlanta area in 1981. 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. Published by Flaming Star The official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Norway. This boxed set documents Orion's career on the legendary Sun Records label. This is the definitive book on a man with the voice of a King. : Aloha From Hawaii - The Concert 2013- EIN Exclusive, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. Original Name James Bell Birth 26 Feb 1945. I really like the way he sang songs that Elvis never recorded in versions that still sounded a lot like Elvis. 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***. Orion in Sweden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYuszmPq3lw, "Orion" by Gail Brewer-Giorgio (Hardcover 1979). Bobby D.: Actually, I know there are bootleg ones out there, but Im not familiar with all of them. 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. Only Jimmy Ellis/Orion can lay claim to these remarkable achievements (and he could only be categorised as an Elvis tribute artist in his final years, well after his seminal period as the masked man, Orion). In early 1965, I transferred to Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and lost touch with Jimmy for a number of years. There is a new film about Orion being made by the talented moviemaker from England, Jeanie Finlay. The association ended in 1982, and this boxed set includes the very best of the recordings that Jimmy Ellis made for Sun. 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! It will focus on his early years before he became the masked singer Orion. Raised in Orrville, Alabama, Ellis began his recording career in 1964. Along the way, and particularly towards the end, Jimmy was not happy with the whole thing. Scans of sleeves and labels would be of real interest as would track listings of further foreign releases. I'm Leavin'.Despite an initially (somewhat) artistically and (somewhat) financially beneficial arrangement for Jimmy Ellis, eventually the combination of an increasingly unfulfilling and unwanted masked career as an Elvis sound-a-like confronted his primal burning desire to be recognised and appreciated as "himself". 1. (EIN Comment: Bobby D. should get back to playing "live" - he is naturally gifted with a great voice!). After winning a state fair competition, his first professional performance was in a Demon's Den nightclub in Albany, Georgia. 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. Ellis hailed from Orrville, Alabama and began his recording career in 1964. How many Elvis tribute artists have several websites devoted to them. 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. 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. How many Elvis tribute artists made a living without singing Elvis songs for most of their career? These books arevintage - new and are a collector's item. 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. The story of Jimmy "Orion" Ellis is either one of the greatest cons to be forged in the history of American music or it's one of its greatest unsolved mysteries. On this website you will find the latest Orion/Jimmy Ellis news along with other info you might find useful. 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. The sale is temporary to offer fans who missed these CDs the first time around a real deal. Her 1978 novel Orion told the story of a rock and roll singer, very much like Elvis, who faked his own death. EIN: What is Bobby D. doing, musically, these days? 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. Scan of the 8 track cassette release TRUCKS, TRAINS & AIRPLANES on Gusto Records. He then left the store and caught up with his two young friends waiting down the road in a car. [6] His album Reborn, showing the singer emerging from a coffin, was released on gold-colored vinyl on the Sun label in 1978. That's not recording. Please tell our readers about this and how they can order. In high school his teachers encouraged him to sing for the school's "Religious Emphasis Week," leading him to enter his first talent contest in 1963. Their fascinating book, True Disbelievers The Elvis Contagion, featured excerpts from several interviews with Jimmy Ellis which shed further light on his frustration with his musical direction, including: On working in the recording studio with Shelby Singleton, Jimmy stated: We'd play it back, you know, in Shelby's office, and I'd say, "That's not right." Oct 7, 2013 - Orion Jimmy Ellis - The Official Web Site. To The Official Orion - Jimmy Ellis Web Site All LP Albums Now on Sale These Classic LP Albums from Sun Records are new and sealed and will never be made again. An album featuring the duet came out and the controversy really heated up when Good Morning America had the Friends voice scientifically scanned and analyzed and concluded that it could be no one but Presley. 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. The book that started it all (in classic conspiracy fashion, its 'first edition' featured two 'author' names!!).