The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. 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 Presleys Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From the King in the Recording Studio, more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public, they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. Smith claims that Elvis was always hardest on himself when it came to how he looked, adding that if Elvis thought it would make him better, he did it. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! Nick Adams and his gang came by the suite all the time, not to mention the eccentric actor Billy Murphy, longtime friend of John Wayne and Robert Mitchum". After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. blue eyes and lighter skin. I had so much respect for him. We all loved him and had a job to do. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. 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. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. we were family. [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.. Many people were employed with the group through the years but some of the more prominent members were Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Richard Davis, Red West, Sonny West, Dave Hebler, Al Strada, Dr. Nick, Larry Geller, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Schilling, Sam Thompson and Gene Smith. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Billy: He was never fond of working. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. Corral. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) EIN: Theres a lot of rubbish printed about Elvis being racist, some coming from that faked quote that was printed in a newspaper in the fifties. And, in the early days, they lived with him. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. He liked real dramatic things", (Marty Lacker in 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia'), "If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead". He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. Elvis was very open-minded. 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"! In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Billy Smith. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. He was talking about how scattered the family was. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. However, he was just a boy at the time. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. 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." The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. I fell in head first. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Priscilla Presley said these employees were paid an average of $250 per week during the 1960s, which rose to $425 per week in the 1970s, however one pay stub does exist that showed a weekly pay of only $35 for the '63-65 era. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. 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. 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. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. 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 Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. There were two teams, and the object of the game was to knock over as many members of the opposing team as possible by any means." However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. 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. 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. And, he had unbelievable strength. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. Stephanie-Billy Smith. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Billy Smith. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in California, announced applications are now available for owners of aesthetically-challenged canines seeking to prove the unsightliness of their pooches. 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. It was a good meeting. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. While there is no living person that has spent more time with Elvis, Billy and Jo say they have no contact with Priscilla, Lisa Marie, or any other member of the Presley family. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. I was actually stupid enough to believe that having the same birthday as him actually meant something", "No-one, but no-one, is his equal, or ever will be. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). Another game was called the 'Whip' game. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. TV Shows. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! He said he would see me on his next tour. But Elvis never confirmed them. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. Billy Smith. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. "[1] The group began with Elvis' first cousins Junior and Gene Smith, who accompanied Elvis everywhere, along with Elvis' high school friend Red West, and rockabilly singer Cliff Gleaves. As far as I know, that didn't happen. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. These same fans also believe that Presley is also still alive in 2020 and will one day return to the public eye announcing that he had faked his death, revealing himself to his fans once 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. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. And you place yours on mine. 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. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! 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. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. We talked about religion so much. He wanted stronger roles. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". They roared with laughter. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. The King died in 1977. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. [5], Smith was one of Elvis' closest friends and confidantes, and the two would talk for hours up in Elvis' bedroom at Graceland, even acting out Monty Python scenes. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. 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.. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Authorities in Maine said one bison remained on the loose Tuesday after three of the animals were seen running loose on a road Monday. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. He relates that they were a "friendly bunch" who, when Elvis began to sing just for fun during his interview, followed "suit, singing, clowning, all on their feet". . Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. 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. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. More info. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. EIN: Is it true that in 1977 Elvis asked you to become Chief foreman and that he considered getting rid of The Colonel once again and even Joe Esposito? 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. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. Calendar planner 2022-2023. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. Log In. Billy: Yes. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. He liked his guys around him. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye. Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Writing Lines Exploring The Tedious Yet Creative Punishment, Why It Is So Unusual To Find An Original Bob Ross Painting. Billy Smith. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? 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. He would wear a shirt with an E and a P emblazoned on each side of his chest as a uniform, accompanied by a cap and dark blue trousers. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. ", (Mark Feeney on the 'Elvis meets Nixon' meeting), "especially in the South, they talk about Elvis and Jesus in the same breath", "The image is one thing and the human being is anotherit's very hard to live up to an image", (Elvis Presley, Madison Square Garden press conference, 1972), "Elvis was a major hero of mine. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. Elvis was always my hero. But, he never criticized other religions either. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. Has thanked: 296 times. 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. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. He said they were all just alike, basically. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . 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. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. The Beatles came to Elvis' house at 525 Perugia Way in Bel Air, and we all sat around and talked, and they were extremely nice. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! Both families were very poor at that time, to the point that the fathers searching for work added cardboard to the soles of their shoes when they wore through. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. 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