EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. She adored him. "[12] Marty went on to say, "Most of us were not there for the money, we were there because we all cared about Elvis and each other like brothers. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. You can hear in his tone, in his measured responses, that he adored Elvis. 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. Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. [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. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. 'He was so wonderful. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. 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? Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. 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." Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. I had so much respect for him. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. 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". . Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Incredible as it sounds that after more than four decades since his passing that details surrounding Elvis Presley are still one of the most sought after and popular topics. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. See Photos. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. When Elvis Presley shot to fame he needed security so ended up hiring his mother Gladys brother, Travis Smith, to be his first Graceland guard. Menu. 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. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. For we who know, know it well, Billy: Larry Geller was okay. However, he was just a boy at the time. He said it would teach him a lesson. But, he has a sharp memory. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. This article has been curated and verified by, This area provides transparent information about Blasting News, our editorial processes and how we strive for creating trustworthy news. Elvis' Cousin Billy Smith relates a story that Jesse was drunk at the scene and was 'coochy cooing' the stillborn twin until Vernon shouted at his Father exclaiming that the baby was dead ! Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Georgia came to the rescue of a dog who fell into a storm drain and ended up stranded about 12 feet underground. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. 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. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Is he still alive? Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. 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. 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. Our hearts will intertwine.". Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. Presley's 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. 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. He said how his father worked for the. Billy is in the far left of this photo. So when we moved into Graceland Vernon asked my daddy to be the head gate guard, just as hed been at Elvis house on Audubon Drive. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. See Photos. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. "It's just a simple word, you see, "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. 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. 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. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. 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: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. 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. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. And you who don't can never tell. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. See Photos. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. And, in the early days, they lived with him. But, he never criticized other religions either. by. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. He was more upset and mad over the socks. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Elvis was very intelligent. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. That seems very strange. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? . EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. 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. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. He made it a good time. Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. He always told me that he loved me. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British The. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. 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. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! "[3], Among "the first to live, travel and play with Elvis" were cousins Red West and Sonny West,[4] as well as Billy Smith (who was with Elvis from the start to the end and the only original member still with Elvis after 1976), Charlie Hodge, Mevlana Hezri, and Joe Esposito. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. book. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. 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. The King then kept his uncle on his payroll up until his death and then kept Travis wife on the payroll too for the rest of her life. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. . For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! We also share some information about the way you use our site with our partners who deal with web analytics, advertising and social media content: our partners may combine it with other information that you have provided them or that they have collected from the use of their services. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". See Photos. 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. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. People named Billy Smith. Billy is" With Elvis' cousin Billy Smith also in the hospital room, the elder Presley lashed out at his already reeling son, blaming him for the heart attack and shouting, "I can thank you for this.". Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. [10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers." (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. 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? We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. He always had a love for music even at very young age. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. Error rating book. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). Sign Up. 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. July 4, 1956. Express. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. (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. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. These two interviews were done years apart. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 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 took rat poison. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? You can unsubscribe at any time. EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. At least, he always told me did. 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. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. He deserved to have peace of mind. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. 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. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! Billy Smith. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event.

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