Top. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. [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. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. Hes dead. The only thing that brought it to reality was when she said, Hes smothered in the carpet. And when she said that, I just threw the phone because I thought, Ok, hes gone. 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. Our hearts will intertwine.". There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. 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. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. We had to eat turnip greens for a month. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? [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.. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. 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. 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. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. To get inside you need no key. GIFTS, Decor for Classroom, 18 monthly. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. One thing was to tour Europe. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. 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. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. That's the reason I've never remarried. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. He always had a love for music even at very young age. 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. 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. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. 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. Elvis Presleys Graceland upstairs bedroom: Kings hilarious habit, Elvis Presley: Ann-Margret learned King was dead after touching gift, Elvis: How King looked after illiterate uncle when he was too ill to be a Graceland guard, Elvis' uncle Travis Smith, the first Graceland guard, Elvis Presleys generosity 'is thanks to little-known relative Noah', Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message, Elvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil. So down to earth. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Error rating book. Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. . EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British 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.". 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"! Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. Billy: He was never fond of working. And Elvis trusted him. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. or. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. Charlie Hodge harmonized with Elvis, played background acoustic guitar, and gave him scarves and beverages during concerts, as well as being responsible for inspecting each stage layout before the concert. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Stephanie-Billy Smith. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. Thats it. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. However, in reality, even if Elvis Presley did allegedly fake his own death in 1977, today, he would be a very old man, so the odds are that even so, he most likely would not be alive today. So, he watched from a distance. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. 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. These two interviews were done years apart. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. 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 ! Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. They've been married for years. And, he had unbelievable strength. EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. He was talking about how scattered the family was. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. [10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers." Larry was his hair dresser. He was my hero. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. Has thanked: 296 times. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. Billy Smith. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. "[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. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. Nobody checked on him.. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. He trusted us. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). Then during the touring we were together all the time. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. 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. 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. "[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. He was Junior's brother. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. 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: Yes. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. [1], Smith has given numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis. People named Billy Smith. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. 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." 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. Nichopoulos. That seems very strange. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. We all loved him and had a job to do. That was in 1960. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. . Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. Dee and Vernon Presley remained friends after their divorce, she said, and might have gotten back together someday if he had not died in 1979. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' 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. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. But, why bust his bubble. She was always laughing & carrying on. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. We talked about religion so much. [1] Contents 1 Playing career It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. Since then, Dee Presley has worked as a sales clerk in a department store -- a job she described as 'the best therapy in the world -- and now does public relations in Nashville. 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