On June 20, 1996 Jim
Ellison dies at the age of 32
James Walter Ellison
April 18, 1964-June 20, 1996
On June 20, 1996, James Walter Ellison, front man for the
Chicago power pop trio back in the early 1990's Material Issue,
left this world, leaving behind a legacy of songs and stories.
For those of you who may have never heard of Jim or his band Material
Issue, I wish to "welcome you" into the bit of a biography,
written with dedication to a man who believed in fulfilling the
power of ones dreams. A man who lived and died by the sword of
his convictions and with inspiration, heart and soul, and a lot
of talent, created an incredible legacy for himself.
Most biographies I find, lead the reader down a path of humbled
beginnings, melding into climatic middles, and concluding with
dramatic denouements. With this biography I've found that hard
to do. I've decided to begin from an ending and trace the steps
of this esteemed musical figure, that at the age of 32 left this
world way too young, and for most of those that knew him, wanting
more.
The hardest part for me in writing this bio has been dealing
with how to address the details of Jim's death.
According to media reports and hearsay, Jim was found in his garage
the morning of June 20th 1996, slumped over his moped. The cause
of death was labeled asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning,
and was eventually ruled a suicide.
So many different stories circulated (and continue even 5 years
later), to what may have lead this promising young man with so
much talent and vision to take his life.
The media had reports of "a relationship gone wrong",
and "losing his record deal with a prominent recording company".
In the end, does it really matter?
What matters in this biography is who Jim Ellison was.
What he accomplished, and what he left behind, not just in his
music, but also in his essence.
What matters is that Jim Ellison gave his fans many wonderful
years of who he was through his music, and a life proven worthy
to the many he has touched and is accredited by in the time that
he was here. With these words, I begin the story of James Walter Ellison
Forward by author: (9/3/01)
Material Issue was the brainchild of singer/songwriter, musician,
Jim Ellison who had the knack of turning a catchy hook into a
transcendental melody.
Material Issue was a 3-piece power pop rock band from Chicago,
Illinois.
In the late 1980's, Material Issue paved the way on the local
Chicago music scene with their brash, in-you-face, to the core,
rock-n-roll.
Jim was the consummate "rock star", following in the
likes of local favorites Cheap Trick, Off Broadway, and The Shoes,
carving out a memorable niche of his own.
With guitar in hand and vocals to boot, Jim carried himself as
a solider going to battle. With catchy lyrics and 3 chord changes, Jim took on not only Chicago,
but also the world. The band played for a few years in their hometown and then branched
out to play all over " Everywhere, U.S.A.", creating
a buzz wherever they traveled. In 1990, Material Issue was signed to Polygram Records, where
they released to an overwhelming response, "International
Pop Overthrow" (1991) a 14 song disc that brought them attention
to the Mtv generation with hit songs like "Valerie Loves
Me "(which Courtney Love of Hole has covered), "Diane"
and "Renee Remains the Same".
A second album soon followed. "Destination Universe"(1992)
saw the likes of a video on Mtv for "What Girls Want".
They went on to release one more album on Polygram, 1994's "Freak
City Soundtrack" an 11 song cd that saw the success for
songs like "Goin' Thru Your Purse" and a cover rendition
of Jeff Kelly's "Kim The Waitress". This album allowed
Material Issue the honor of working with heavy hitters such as
Mike Chapman of Sweet fame producing, Gilbey Clarke of Guns-N-Roses
and Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick, playing guitar on a few tracks.
After touring in support of these albums and touring with bands
like Simple Minds, INXS, The Pretenders, --Material Issue paved
the way for other Chicago artists to emerge from the city's underbelly.
Bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Liz Phair owe much of their success
to Jim's incredible ability to master the art of self-promotion
and marketing.
Having been one of the first bands to be signed out of Chicago
in quite some time, Material Issue had created a local and national
buzz, allowing much recognition to come to The Windy City.
Unfortunately, on June 20, 1996, the world lost this incredibly
talented artist due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Rykodisc put out a fourth major label compact disc posthumously
in 1997.
"Telecommando Americano" would prove be a very well
crafted work of art, exemplifying Jim's ability to once again,
master the art of a good lyric.
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