Since then, Dee Presley has worked as a sales clerk in a department store -- a job she described as 'the best therapy in the world -- and now does public relations in Nashville. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Some Elvis Presley fans may find the animated series an insult to the King of Rock and Roll, while many others could find it very interesting. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. He wanted stronger roles. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. We all loved him and had a job to do. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. He always had a love for music even at very young age. Related articles Elvis. I had so much respect for him. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Nor I him. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." After some administrative organization, when Carter called Graceland, he asked for Billy Smith as a code that it would be the president calling for Elvis and the two subsequently had a discussion. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. In the years leading up to his purchase of the ranch, Elvis' schedule was heavily focused on film; he starred in 21 feature films released between 1960 and 1967. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. And Elvis trusted him. It has been speculated that Elvis Presley was forced to fake his death in order to protect himself and his family after allegedly outing some pretty powerful mafia members. Was he really as lazy as often portrayed - and can you comment on your quote (in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) that "Vernon always wanted more of everything, except responsibility"! EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) Presley had the tail of his private jet painted with the initials "TCB" and a lightning bolt and gave away gold and diamond chain necklaces with TCB (and TLC) logos as gifts. Elvis came up with the phrase after hearing the 1973 hit song Taking Care of Business by the Canadian rock band, Bachman, Turner, Overdrive, also known as BTO. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Presleys cousin is eight years younger but spent 34 years of his life in the company of the famous singer before he passed away in 1977. Billy Smith. He was talking about how scattered the family was. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. Travis' son Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin who was a Memphis Mafia member, shared the story of his father in the latest YouTube episode of Memphis Mafia Kid. For both his security needs and touring support, Presley hired people chosen from among those he could trust and depend on to manage his public appearances. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. Did Elvis understand? I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. At least, he always told me did. "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. Log In. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. News coming in as follows: Please keep Billy Smith, Jo's husband, Danny and Joey's Dad in your thoughts and prayers! Over the years, the number of members grew and changed, but for the most part there was a core group who spent much time with Presley. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! In two separate interviews, Billy Smith and Marty Lacker each spoke of the faking of Elvis' death.once regarding Elvis' plan to do so and once recounting that it was actually done. Being the King of Rock and Roll and also a movie star, its no secret that Elvis Presley wanted to keep himself looking his best. We were like brothers. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. "For the first time in his life, he had a group of male friends to pal around with, and he relished being the leader of the pack. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. All our wives were there. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Billy says that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him. He says, Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. Express. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Elvis was very intelligent. Aunt Gladys looked after him as long as she lived, and after her death, he lived with us, and then with some of his sisters. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Hes dead. The only thing that brought it to reality was when she said, Hes smothered in the carpet. And when she said that, I just threw the phone because I thought, Ok, hes gone. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. However, he was just a boy at the time. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. "Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member talks candidly to EIN", "LAMAR FIKE DIES AGED 75 (Member of Elvis Presley's entourage, the Memphis Mafia)", article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia, https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=Billy_Smith_(Memphis_Mafia)&oldid=1915493, Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL, Portal templates with all redlinked portals. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. He took rat poison. [GRACELAND UPSTAIRS]Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called[LISA MARIE], Jo shared: He actually was there [as a Graceland guard] until he became ill and couldnt work anymore and Elvis retired himhed had a stroke.. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. However, in reality, even if Elvis Presley did allegedly fake his own death in 1977, today, he would be a very old man, so the odds are that even so, he most likely would not be alive today. I dont know how you can look any better, but he did., RELATED: Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Elvis also dyed his hair jet black often. Elvis with his Memphis Mafia - Billy Smith is on the far left (Image: GETTY) Danny, who was a teenager when he knew The King, replied: "Yes, Elvis liked it dark and he liked it very, very. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Animal control officers in New Jersey said seven sheep found running loose after an apparent slaughterhouse escape will have a new permanent home at a sanctuary. Elvis was always my hero. Dee Presley said her telephone conversation with Elvis shortly before his death was the first indication she had that something was seriously wrong with him. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. . Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. She was always laughing & carrying on. Dee and Vernon Presley remained friends after their divorce, she said, and might have gotten back together someday if he had not died in 1979. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. It was a good meeting. "[12] "They all had jobs to do so that Elvis could do his and as far as being there for the money, that's laughable because there really wasn't much in that area to be there for. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Top. Calendar planner 2022-2023. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. To get inside you need no key. That seems very strange. by. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! Sometimes he would have a bad dream and come looking for me to talk to, and he would actually fall asleep in our bed with us. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. 'He was so wonderful. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? The reason being someone told him his eyes were so blue and all that, [so] if he had dark hair it would make his eyes stand out.. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. About Elvis Presley, Smith said, When Elvis was on stage, somehow he had a way of bringing you into his world. That was also true when he performed in the studio. Please share his story with us. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A Michigan woman said a Powerball ticket found forgotten in the pocket of her husband's coat turned out to be a $1 million winner. "Some of the Memphis Mafia would buy up to $15,000 worth of fireworks in today's money, including skyrockets, baby giants, firecrackers, and chasers, which moved rapidly and unpredictably until they exploded. Sign Up. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. They roared with laughter. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! How did it come about? Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. He was Junior's brother. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Rickeap. Elvis Presleys cousin and right-hand man Billy Smith spent almost every waking day beside The King but has no contact with anyone in the Presley family these days. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. So down to earth. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. He always told me that he loved me. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. Find your friends on Facebook. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. He left behind an undying legacy. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Jul 10, 2019 - 206 Likes, 7 Comments - elvis aaron presley (@forever.presley) on Instagram: "Elvis's first cousin, Billy Smith with his wife, Jo Smith. He went to great lengths to make sure that it was kept a jet black color at all times, making his blue eyes stand out. But Elvis never confirmed them. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. Billy Smith also claims that Elvis underwent two face life procedures, the first one being in 1957, and the second in 1975 just two years before his untimely death on August 16, 1977. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. But, he has a sharp memory. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. Has thanked: 296 times. I fell in head first. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. Elvis Presleys Cousin Says He Has No Contact With Priscilla, Lisa Marie: Heres Why, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8, Was Elvis at Jo and Billys Wedding? He said how his father worked for the Precision Tool Company in Memphis and bought a 1951 Chevrolet, which he let Elvis take his driving test in. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. Episode 77. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. According to Alan Fortas, an all-Memphis football halfback who became a bodyguard and part of the Presley entourage, "Elvis needed someone to baby more than he needed a sex partner. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! [22] According to Presley's cousin Billy Smith, Elvis got into bed with Smith and his wife Jo "many times at Graceland when we would spend the night there in Lisa's room, or on tour in the hotel, and at the trailer on the property at Graceland. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. He never betrayed me again. Presley faced repeated threats of physical violence from outraged moral extremists and death threats from fanatics, as would later happen when he performed in Las Vegas. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? Elvis and Parker discussed offering the Wests a monetary settlement in return for a written agreement the book would not be published, and their experiences with Elvis, on stage and off would remain confidential. Billy Smith also claims that Elvis underwent two face life procedures, the first one being in 1957, and the second in 1975 just two years before his untimely death on August 16, 1977. Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. For Vernon the book was proof of his long-held distrust and dislike not just of those three but of the whole of the Memphis Mafia "[11] Even George Klein, who chastised and shunned other members of the group for writing books about Elvis, ended up writing a book as well. Billy is in the far left of this photo. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley's friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. One thing was to tour Europe. Billy Smith. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. Billy Smith. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. EIN: After Elvis got back from the army and you married your wife Jo, how did you balance your months in Hollywood with your relationship back home? I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. [citation needed], In numerous press conferences concerning Elvis: What Happened?, both of the West cousins stated they wrote the book in part to make Elvis realize that his dependence on prescription medications was (literally) killing him. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. Elvis and his friends got out of the two cars and someone in the crowd yelled, "Who are they, the Mafia?" Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. On the other hand, by clicking only on accept strictly necessary cookies, you will receive non-targeted advertising whose number and repetition will not be limited. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Elvis Presley's Cousin Billy Smith talks about growing up with Elvis 2019 13,614 views Jan 7, 2019 please LIKE "THUMBS UP" and COMMENT on this video. As far as I know, that didn't happen. Charlie Hodge harmonized with Elvis, played background acoustic guitar, and gave him scarves and beverages during concerts, as well as being responsible for inspecting each stage layout before the concert. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. Corral. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. He had a thirst to learn new things. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Red West was one of Presley's earliest friends from their school days, his first bodyguard which he would remain until the last year of Presley's life, and in 1954 had acted as a driver for Elvis, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black when they first toured the American South performing as the "Blue Moon Boys." As I said, everyone had a job to do. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. Elvis Presleys Graceland upstairs bedroom: Kings hilarious habit, Elvis Presley: Ann-Margret learned King was dead after touching gift, Elvis: How King looked after illiterate uncle when he was too ill to be a Graceland guard, Elvis' uncle Travis Smith, the first Graceland guard, Elvis Presleys generosity 'is thanks to little-known relative Noah', Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message, Elvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. He said how his father worked for the. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. . Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Among Memphis natives, he was most known for renting out the entire Memphis amusement park Libertyland in order to ride his favorite roller coaster the Zippin Pippin. Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. He had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a kind man. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. [1] Contents 1 Playing career Lunar Moon Phases I January 2022 - December 2022 Calendrier12 Months | BONUS 4 Months 2023, Buffalo Thunder: The Athletic Tradition of West Texas A&m University, My Life as I Remember It: Growing Up in Alabama. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Serial world record breaker David Rush reclaimed a Guinness World Records title when he threw and caught a fire sword 135 times in 1 minute. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. These original Memphis Mafia members at the time the phrase was coined were cousins Sonny West,[7] and Red West, as well as Billy Smith, and Charlie Hodge, among others. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person.
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