Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. 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. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. As I said, everyone had a job to do. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. 15 distinct works. . Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. 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. He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. 'I could. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. 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. 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. 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 also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. Stephanie-Billy Smith. 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. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. 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. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. 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: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. 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. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. 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. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? 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. 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 Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. You can unsubscribe at any time. And, he had unbelievable strength. 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 had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. Has thanked: 296 times. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . Elvis always took great pride in his hair. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. 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. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. 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. Elviss cousin grew up with him in Tupelo, Mississippi and says that it could be true. Billy says that Elvis likely got them separated since people often take that route. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. Those guys were always around". Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. So down to earth. He said it would teach him a lesson. 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. 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.". Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. 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. He always had a love for music even at very young age. And he loved big orchestras. . READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. And you place yours on mine. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. He deserved to have peace of mind. 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". Elvis was always my hero. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. 'He was so wonderful. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. That's the reason I've never remarried. Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. That was in 1960. Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. After her last conversation with Elvis, Dee Presely said she had a premonition and she warned Elvis' father that something 'terrible' was going to happen to one of her boys or his son. Larry was his hair dresser. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. 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. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. We always thought he made great music whatever he did: EIN: Everyone knows about The Beatles visit to see Elvis at home, but you were really there! Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. Over the years they were joined on the payroll by Alan Fortas, Richard Davis, Marty Lacker, Jimmy Kingsley, "Chief" Ray Sitton, Jerry Schilling, Mike Keeton, Dave Hebler, Sam Thompson and numerous others. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. No, hes not, Thompson continued. He was, and is supreme", "I wasn't just a fan, I was his brotherthere'll never be another like that soul brother", "There were rock 'n' roll records before Heartbreak Hotel, but this was the one that didn't just open the doorit literally blasted the door off its rusted, rotten, anachronistic hinges. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. But, he has a sharp memory. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. [citation needed], When Parker informed Elvis that the Wests were writing a "tell-all book" about Elvis, which included the disclosure of Elvis' addiction to prescribed pain medications, he was furious as well as "hurt". Billy Smith. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. Top. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. Corral. So did Junior! He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. What Elvis serious about changing things? New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. See Photos. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. He was more upset and mad over the socks. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. They've been married for years. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. The. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. Gene died a few years ago. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. 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.. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Then during the touring we were together all the time. 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. 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. 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. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Error rating book. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. 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". He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. Sign Up. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. Billy is" Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. As far as I know, that didn't happen. But, he has a sharp memory. 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. 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. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono time and his father and! Write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith did you see of his personal quest at time. 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