Jim Ellison

Who was Jim Ellison?

Jim Ellison was the frontman for the band Material Issue. He tirelessly promoted his band, booked tours, and secured a major-label deal in 1990. Ellison — along with bassist Ted Ansani and drummer Mike Zelenko — would lead the renaissance of powerpop in the early 1990s. He committed suicide on June 20, 1996, by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The song "Escape Is At Hand For The Travellin' Man" by The Tragically Hip was written about lead singer Gordon Downie's relationship with Ellison and his grief over the suicide.