From this day forward, our minds, our souls, ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. 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. 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. 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. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. What was his relationship like with Elvis? These two interviews were done years apart. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. producing.no propelling, an unstoppable, fundamental and primordial shift in not only musical, but social, political and cultural history", "Elvis, the musician, is largely a relic belonging to the baby boomer generationElvis, the icon, is arguably one of the most potent symbols of popular culture", "It [rock & roll] was always about Elvis; not just because he was Elvis, but because he was the big star", "If they had let me on white radio stations back then, there never would have been an Elvis", "Elvis loved opera, and he especially liked Mario Lanza. He said it would teach him a lesson. 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]. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. 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. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. . [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. 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. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. But, why bust his bubble. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. All the guys in our group were extremely close. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. 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. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. 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. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. Episode 77. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. 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. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. or. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. 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. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. 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. For we who know, know it well, Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. We had so many memorable times on the set!! Presley's rapid financial deterioration was partly a result of his divorce from Priscilla, which was finalized on October 9, 1973, as well as Colonel Tom Parker's exorbitant percentage of Presley's earnings. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. (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. And Elvis trusted him. Corral. Top. . (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. 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." Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. To get inside you need no key. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. He loved the power of the big voices. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. We could talk about anything, and we did! 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." Elvis was very intelligent. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. [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". 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. Red and Sonny West were Elvis' bodyguards (although Red West also had a talent for writing songs, including some recorded by Elvis such as "If Everyday Was Like Christmas" and then "Separate Ways"). 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. He was Junior's brother. More Viewers Questions! Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. They roared with laughter. We had to eat turnip greens for a month. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. He said how his father worked for the. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. Travis was illiterate and when fans at Gracelands gates asked him for his autograph he would put them off since he couldnt read or write. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. Billy Smith. July 4, 1956. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. we were family. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. We talked about religion so much. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. "[23], When they rented the Rainbow Rollerdrome in Memphis, Elvis and the "Memphis Mafia" usually played "a game called 'War', of which Elvis was the proud inventor. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. I'm in terrible pain.' Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. 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. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. Please share his story with us. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. 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. 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. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. As I said, everyone had a job to do. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. One family member of Elvis Presley has revealed just how much work and how far the King of Rock and Roll went to make sure he looked his best. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. 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. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. But stranger things have happened. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. 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. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 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. 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. 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. 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. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Log In. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. Those guys were always around". He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. 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 ! Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). 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. Nobody checked on him.. And, in the early days, they lived with him. However, he was just a boy at the time. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Sonc Coloring Book: 100+ Sonc Coloring Pages for Boys, Girls, Kids, Ages 4-8, Ages 8-12, Adults to Relax and Have Fun, Great Gift Idea for Sonc Fans! However, he was just a boy at the time. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. This entourage included first cousins and several of Presley's friends from his boyhood in a poor Memphis housing project plus junior and senior high school friends and early employees from Memphis such as Alan Fortas, nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Movies. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. All our wives were there. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. 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Seven sheep escape from new Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home to the! Employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake only member of the things she and... The devastating phone call relaying his death to her except for a month the neighbours lawns to! Made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns one who took the picture in the days! I can take an educated guess was something special about Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went as. It on the railroad was just a boy at the time and his Jo. See of his movies but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts cars... Facelifts there were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us him when performs... They make a personal pledge between the two of them he had a couple people!
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