Search - Orion :: Man Who Would Be King: The Best of Orion

Cold Shivers Down My Spine

N. Tippett | Mount Hebron, New Brunswick Canada | 09/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The vocals on this CD are so crisp and clear you forget much of the "duets" are merely overdubs!The Voice of Orion sends cold shivers down my spine!If you loved Elvis, you will love the natural voice of Jimmy Ellis!"

The Strange Life of Jimmy Ellis

T. C Lane | Marina, CA USA | 04/19/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Liner notes tell the rather strange, but sad story of Jimmy Ellis: the mask-wearing Elvis soundalike,impersonator whose career ended as tragically as Presley's. These are the original recordings that Ellis did for Sun Records from 1972-1980. There are "duets" with Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich and Johnny Cash: but they're ALL overdubbed with Ellis' voice. This was a ploy by Shelby Singleton who purchased Sun Records in 1969. It's not that Ellis didn't have talent. Listen to his cover of Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". And in 1981, he finally took the mask off (he wore it because he didn't look like Elvis). Like Elvis, Jimmy Ellis died a tragic death. At age 53, he and his fiancee were shot and killed inside their convenience store by robbers. Calling VH1-this would be a great Behind The Music episode. This is a CD for Elvis fans, of course, but also for those who have an interest in the strange ways of the music business."