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Darrell Ellis Jr.: Photos

"Star Gazing"

My friend, the late Justin Tubb. This picture was taken the night of his final concert - November 22, 1997 at the Red Barn Opry in Omaha, Nebraska.
My friend, the late Justin Tubb. This picture was taken the night of his final concert - November 22, 1997 at the Red Barn Opry in Omaha, Nebraska.
My friend Robbie Wittkowski, record producer and road manager for several artists in Nashville.
My friend Robbie Wittkowski, record producer and road manager for several artists in Nashville.
Smokey Smith (left) had his own TV show on KRNT-TV (now KCCI) back in the '50s and he booked hundreds of big acts at the KRNT Theater. Dusty Owens (right) got his start at KMA radio and later WHO radio before becoming a star of the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree
Smokey Smith (left) had his own TV show on KRNT-TV (now KCCI) back in the '50s and he booked hundreds of big acts at the KRNT Theater. Dusty Owens (right) got his start at KMA radio and later WHO radio before becoming a star of the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree
Country music legend Hank Thompson ("Wild Side Of Life", "Oklahoma Hills", "Six Pack To Go")
Country music legend Hank Thompson ("Wild Side Of Life", "Oklahoma Hills", "Six Pack To Go")
"Little" Jimmy Dickens ("Take An Old Cold Tater And Wait", "Out Behind The Barn", "Life Turned Her That Way"). And in case you're wondering, this photo was taken when I was 12, and Jimmy was standing on a platform.
"Little" Jimmy Dickens ("Take An Old Cold Tater And Wait", "Out Behind The Barn", "Life Turned Her That Way"). And in case you're wondering, this photo was taken when I was 12, and Jimmy was standing on a platform.
Johnny Wright ("Ashes Of Love", "Poison Love") Kitty Wells ("It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels") and myself.
Johnny Wright ("Ashes Of Love", "Poison Love") Kitty Wells ("It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels") and myself.
Carol Lee Cooper, founder of Grand Ole Opry backup singers "The Carol Lee Singers" and former announcer/host of WSM's "Midnite Jamboree".
Carol Lee Cooper, founder of Grand Ole Opry backup singers "The Carol Lee Singers" and former announcer/host of WSM's "Midnite Jamboree".
Me and David McCormick, owner of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. David had won the 2000 Golden Voice Humanitarian Award just moments before this photo was taken and he allowed me to hold it for the picture!
Me and David McCormick, owner of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. David had won the 2000 Golden Voice Humanitarian Award just moments before this photo was taken and he allowed me to hold it for the picture!
Posing with Jett Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Sr.
Posing with Jett Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Sr.
Steel guitar legend Don Helms. Don played steel on nearly all of Hank Williams Sr.'s legendary recordings and he continues to tour the country with Hank's daughter, Jett Williams.
Steel guitar legend Don Helms. Don played steel on nearly all of Hank Williams Sr.'s legendary recordings and he continues to tour the country with Hank's daughter, Jett Williams.
Ferlin Husky ("Wings Of A Dove", "Gone", "Little Tom" - also known for his alter-ego, Simon Crum and his recording of "Good Old Country Music's Here To Stay")
Ferlin Husky ("Wings Of A Dove", "Gone", "Little Tom" - also known for his alter-ego, Simon Crum and his recording of "Good Old Country Music's Here To Stay")
Jeanne Pruett ("Satin Sheets", "Temporarily Yours")
Jeanne Pruett ("Satin Sheets", "Temporarily Yours")
The late, great, Johnny Russell. The Grand Ole Opry just hasn't been the same without him. Johnny wrote such standards as "Act Naturally", "Making Plans", and "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor".
The late, great, Johnny Russell. The Grand Ole Opry just hasn't been the same without him. Johnny wrote such standards as "Act Naturally", "Making Plans", and "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor".
Having my picture taken with country music's living legend, George Jones (October 2003).
Having my picture taken with country music's living legend, George Jones (October 2003).
Eddie Stubbs, WSM announcer and country music historian. He has been affectionately called "a walking encyclopedia of country music" by his friends for his seemingly limitless knowledge of country music history.
Eddie Stubbs, WSM announcer and country music historian. He has been affectionately called "a walking encyclopedia of country music" by his friends for his seemingly limitless knowledge of country music history.
Jimmy C. Newman (The first artist to merge cajun and country music and have mainstream success with it; hits include "Cry, Cry, Darlin", "Alligator Man", and "Big Mamou")
Jimmy C. Newman (The first artist to merge cajun and country music and have mainstream success with it; hits include "Cry, Cry, Darlin", "Alligator Man", and "Big Mamou")

"Memory Lane"

Me and my mom, Connie
Me and my mom, Connie
Me and my dad, Darrell Sr.
Me and my dad, Darrell Sr.
"Benji" Ellis (September 3, 1990 - April 26, 2003)
"Benji" Ellis (September 3, 1990 - April 26, 2003)
One of my early "promo" shots; I was around 16 when this was taken.
One of my early "promo" shots; I was around 16 when this was taken.
Another early "promo" shot, I was around 16 when this was taken.
Another early "promo" shot, I was around 16 when this was taken.
Performing in Fontanelle, Iowa - May 18, 1997. Chuck Palma is playing accordion.
Performing in Fontanelle, Iowa - May 18, 1997. Chuck Palma is playing accordion.
Performing with Max Weeks in Redding, Iowa - July 13, 1997.
Performing with Max Weeks in Redding, Iowa - July 13, 1997.
The Midwesterners, from left: Rechelle Welch, Paul Faye, myself (I was not in the band, just posing with them), Butch Chapin, Ina Chapin, unknown drummer, and Phil Vandel.
The Midwesterners, from left: Rechelle Welch, Paul Faye, myself (I was not in the band, just posing with them), Butch Chapin, Ina Chapin, unknown drummer, and Phil Vandel.
Florence Anderson, owner of the Red Barn Opry in Omaha, Nebraska. Photo taken November 22, 1997.
Florence Anderson, owner of the Red Barn Opry in Omaha, Nebraska. Photo taken November 22, 1997.
Performing at the Red Barn Opry in Omaha, Nebraska - June 27, 1998.
Performing at the Red Barn Opry in Omaha, Nebraska - June 27, 1998.
Red Barn Opry - June 27, 1998
Red Barn Opry - June 27, 1998
Performing at the Midwest Country Theater in Redding, Iowa - December 5, 2004.
Performing at the Midwest Country Theater in Redding, Iowa - December 5, 2004.
Midwest Country Theater, Redding, Iowa - December 5, 2004.
Midwest Country Theater, Redding, Iowa - December 5, 2004.
Midwest Country Theater, Redding, Iowa - December 5, 2004.
Midwest Country Theater, Redding, Iowa - December 5, 2004.
From left: Danny Dee (bass guitar), myself, Shirley Raye (Ozark Jubilee), Dusty Owens (Louisiana Hayride), Seth Mulder (fiddle)
From left: Danny Dee (bass guitar), myself, Shirley Raye (Ozark Jubilee), Dusty Owens (Louisiana Hayride), Seth Mulder (fiddle)
Performing on the main stage at the National Old-Time Country Music Festival in Missouri Valley, Iowa (September 3, 2006)
Performing on the main stage at the National Old-Time Country Music Festival in Missouri Valley, Iowa (September 3, 2006)
On stage at the Grand Ole Opry in 2000. No, I didn't perform - I had the opportunity to spend the evening backstage and after the show was over I had my picture taken standing on the famous circle of wood.
On stage at the Grand Ole Opry in 2000. No, I didn't perform - I had the opportunity to spend the evening backstage and after the show was over I had my picture taken standing on the famous circle of wood.