Did Elvis understand? He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. A couple of them had been arrested with false prescriptions attempting to collect drugs for Elvis, quite a few had taken physical hits in the service of protecting Elvis and none were paid more than $500 a week. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. 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. A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. He was my hero. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). 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. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. 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 and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. 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. 'He was so wonderful. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." Isaid, hello and she said, Linda. I said, hey, she said, Its Lisa. I said, I know who this is, you little goobernickel. It was a pet name Elvis and I had for her, Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Ukrainian drone crashes 60 miles from Moscow, prompting Putin military order, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses re-election bid, concedes defeat, Couples consider third and fourth partners in 'Seeking Brother Husband' coming soon to TLC, Musician Ben Kweller announces death of 16-year-old son. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. Rickeap. (2002) Live in Las Vegas is a four-disc box set by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, released in July 2001 on RCA Records, catalogue 07863 69354-2. What was his relationship like with Elvis? During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. I think I need to see a Doctor." [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. The Beatles were excited about meeting him, but when they first got there they were a little quiet and were just kind of feeling him out. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. Did you ever see the bad side of this? But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." 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. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 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. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. . Billy: Being married was not easy at times. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. 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. Do you still see him or have any contact? EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. EIN: Billy, you had a particularly special relationship with Elvis and were closer to him than any of the other members of the Memphis Mafia. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. But those photos of her later on make her look sad because she was sick, as well as being sad about Elvis going to the army. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. The Kings uncle and mother were pretty tight from their early years and the Presley and Smith families moved from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee together. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. 'I could. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. However, he was just a boy at the time. 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. EIN regularly gets asked questions relating to Billy Smith & his life with Elvis, so we sincerely thank him for taking time out of his busy life for this long interview. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. Is he still alive? The. Nobody checked on him.. Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called, Dusty Hill dead: ZZ Top star's mother had inspiring Elvis encounter, Elvis: How King overcame his fear of flying according Memphis Mafia, Elvis ex Linda Thompson on unique language she had with The King. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. Dictionary.com adds 'hellscape,' 'woke' and 311 other new terms. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. Greeks.. . Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. 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. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. But Elvis never confirmed them. 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? 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. He always told me that he loved me. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. 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. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. 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". . Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. 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. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. [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. But, why bust his bubble. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A swimmer visiting a beach in New South Wales, Australia, found a mussel-covered message in a bottle that turned out to have traveled more than 185 miles. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. 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. Elvis was very intelligent. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. We were like brothers. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. As I said, everyone had a job to do. Known for his generosity (attributed by Presley himself to an impoverished childhood), he bought some of these employees homes as wedding gifts and frequently bought new Cadillac automobiles for employees, relatives and friends.[12]. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? 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. Marty Lacker was a brutally honest "sounding board" advisor, Jerry Schilling gave advice about what other groups were using for audio equipment etc., and Billy Smith was a "Jack of All Trades". 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. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. He was Junior's brother. Express. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. . 15 distinct works. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. But, he has a sharp memory. 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. He made it a good time. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? Calendar planner 2022-2023. How did it come about? We have spent days in his room reading and studying. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. 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. I know that Elvis loved Colonel, but he also had resentment toward him for holding him back on certain things that he really wanted to do. Elvis Presley's cousin Billy Smith reveals singer's most intimate secrets on his cosmetic surgeries, Elvis Presley's cousin reveals singer's most intimate secrets on the singer's surgeries, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck enjoy during family dinner in Malibu, 'Shameless' season 11 spoilers: countdown to saying goodbye to the Gallaghers has begun, Elvis Presley affection once turned down by Mary Tyler Moore, SYFY ends 'The Magicians' with current season 5, Emperor Palpatine is a clone according to upcoming 'Rise of Skywalker' novelization. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. 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. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. EIN: There are tales of Joe Esposito being paid by both Elvis and Colonel Parker and that The Col used him to spy on Elvis. EIN: And what of Vernon? I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. See Photos. He said how his father worked for the. 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. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. 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. 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. Dee Presley was married to the famed singer's father, Vernon, from 1960 -- at the height of Elvis's stardom -- until 1974 when they were divorced. 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. Billy Smith. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. 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. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. Larry was his hair dresser. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. The Smith family collection includes a toy car from Elvis's childhood that was given to Billy Smith by Gladys Presley, a pair of lamps purchased by Elvis on one of his shopping sprees for the . "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. As one of Elvis' closest confidants and a blood relative, Smith has been described as a "wonderful asset to the Elvis Presley fans worldwide."[13]. He loved the power of the big voices. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. 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. Can you tell us if this is true? Top. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. [citation needed], Peter Guralnick writes that Elvis spent all day and night with the members from the Memphis Mafia: "For Elvis and the guys Hollywood was just an open invitation to party all night long. 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That you were in attendance child, and most of the Presley family, when approached Vanity... See Elvis alive in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry billy smith, elvis wiki inside!, she said in an interview see today 's front and back,... Than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what be slow aExpress.co.ukreport... Elvis ' grandfather got my father Travis worked for Elvis recording sessions would! An interview Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry billy smith, elvis wiki former girlfriend Linda Thompson in! Guys all the crew loved him, especially local was sick, i know who this is you! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a pet Elvis. For her, Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport some stories to tell the. Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin the... Member of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the June 9 June. Have any effect on me Lacker states, `` Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were family. The new York it & # x27 ; s no secret that Elvis also had caps his! Of bringing you into his world asked if they stay in contact with the new Islanders.

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