Jim Ellison Explained

Jim Ellison
Birth Name:James Walter Ellison
Birth Date:April 18, 1964
Death Date:June 20, 1996 (age)
Genre:Power pop
Associated Acts:Material Issue

James Walter Ellison (April 18, 1964 – June 20, 1996) was the frontman for the band Material Issue. He tirelessly promoted his band, booked tours, and secured a major-label deal in 1990. Ellison[1] — along with bassist Ted Ansani and drummer Mike Zelenko — would lead the renaissance of power pop in the early 1990s.[2] He committed suicide on June 20, 1996, by carbon monoxide poisoning.[3]

The song "Escape Is at Hand for the Travelin' Man" by The Tragically Hip was written about lead singer Gord Downie's relationship with Ellison and his grief over the suicide.

Ellison grew up in Illinois and attended Glenbard North High School.

References

  1. Web site: [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p73910|pure_url=yes}} Jim Ellison]. Prato. Greg. AllMusic. 15 June 2009.
  2. Web site: Material Issue.
  3. Web site: MATERIAL ISSUE FRONT MAN IS FOUND DEAD IN GARAGE . Chicago Tribune . 21 June 1996 . 16 March 2022 . en.

Further reading