Jimmy "Preacher" Ellis facts for kids

James "Jimmy" Ellis (born August 17, 1935) is an American blues musician. He is also known by his nickname, "Preacher." Jimmy Ellis has been making music since the mid-1960s. He has played at the famous Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festivals many times. Over the years, his music has included blues, R&B, Psychedelic funk, and 1970s soul music.

Early Life and Music Journey

Jimmy Ellis was born in 1935 in Foreman, Arkansas. This was a small farming community. When he was a teenager, he moved to Seattle, Washington.

Singing in Seattle

In Seattle, Jimmy sang in the choir at the Mount Baker Baptist Church. The Reverend F.F. Billups asked him to join a group called The Travelling Four. Jimmy replaced their baritone singer who had left. By 1955, when he was about 20 years old, the group broke up.

Starting New Bands

Soon after, Jimmy joined the army. In the late 1950s, he started playing the guitar more seriously. He formed a new band called The Centuries with Tony Harris and Billy Marshall, who were also from The Travelling Four.

Solo Career in Los Angeles

In 1964, Jimmy became a solo artist. He moved to Los Angeles, hoping to record his own music. Later that year, his very first record was released. He then met a songwriter named 'Fats' Washington. Jimmy recorded a few more songs that came out on Washington's Movin' and Ride record labels.

Music in the 1990s and 2000s

Jimmy Ellis continued to perform and record music for many years.

Albums and Collaborations

In the 1990s, he even performed on stage with Peter Tork, who was a member of the famous band The Monkees. In 1996, Jimmy released his album called Red, Hot & Blues. This album featured popular songs like "Sweet Dreams" and "Rainy Night In Georgia". Other musicians, including saxophonist Stemsy Hunter and singer Suzie Cappetta, helped create the album.

In 2013, a special collection of his songs was released. It was called The Story Of Jimmy ‘Preacher’ Ellis and included music he recorded between 1963 and 1973.

Live Performances

Jimmy Ellis has played at many different music events and festivals.

Festival Appearances

In 2002, he performed at the Topanga Canyon Blues Festival. In 2010, he played at a concert that honored the blues musician Blind Willie Johnson. He has also performed at the Littlefield venue in Brooklyn.

He is well-known for playing at the Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival. He was there in August 2013 for the 23rd annual festival. In August 2015, he also played at the Dusk 'til Dawn Blues Festival in Oklahoma.

Where He Lives Now

Jimmy Ellis currently lives in Texas.

Albums

Here are some of the albums Jimmy "Preacher" Ellis has released: