My name is James Louis Ellis; most folks just call me Jimmy. Born in Trenton, MO, my Uncle James taught me the guitar when I was a boy. I would practice in the dark after everybody else went to bed. My grandmother Jossie exposed me to the blues radio stations from Memphis while I helped work the farm in the summers at Edwardsville, KS. At 17, I married Connie Stuart — she liked motorcycles and she could bait her own fishing hook; what more could you ask for? We have two children (Susan Delaine and Charles Louis) and seven grandchildren.

In 1968 I played guitar for local singers Russel Mlika and Don Arbuckle. They would let me play Saturday nights even though I couldn’t play very well, but I did get better.

Around 1974 I went pro. I spent the next 22 years playing all over the USA/Canada. I have played with the very best musicians, some of which went on to be very big name acts. I ran the sound system as well. My best years were with The Flyers out of Casper Wyoming — that was a great band; we backed many stars. I have done sound work in the big time concert scene in a variety of roles, as head of audio or unloading trucks. I have spent years writing and producing radio ads all over America. I’ve been a studio session player, a songwriter, an engineer, a producer, and someone that does whatever is needed.

In 1990 I had a medical problem in my left arm and wrist from an old wound that came back to end my playing. I opened Songbird Recording Studio and Concert Sound Systems. I’ve done live sound with my company for 15 years (and counting). I opened the studio so that those who might never get the chance to record could do so. I have also been employed as an acoustical consultant for Acoustical Solutions out of Richmond, VA for the last seven years.

I’m often asked if it bothers me that I’m not on stage. Well, if I said “no,” I’d be lying; but I believe God had a plan for me in the sound business. I now have my sound system at Annie’s Country Jubilee and feel the ACJ band is the best country group in the Kansas City area (and I ought to know). I’m committed to making them sound as good as they play and sing. For a big ole’ bear of a guy, my motto has always been “kindness matters”. I’m proud to be a part of Annie & Terry’s dream.