And was late for work many times. 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. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! "[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. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. There were two teams, and the object of the game was to knock over as many members of the opposing team as possible by any means." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. Did you know of this when you were young and were there any family stories of Morning Dove White your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother? For we who know, know it well, In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. blue eyes and lighter skin. Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. That was a lot different and I remember that it took a while for everyone to get jobs, and one of my daddy's cousins stole all the money we had, and my daddy's new socks. 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. 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. 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. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A Michigan woman said a Powerball ticket found forgotten in the pocket of her husband's coat turned out to be a $1 million winner. 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 ! This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. Elvis was very intelligent. Dictionary.com adds 'hellscape,' 'woke' and 311 other new terms. You can hear in his tone, in his measured responses, that he adored Elvis. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. 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 was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Movies. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. And, in the early days, they lived with him. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! See Photos. 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. 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. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. 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. Billy Smith. [2] At that time Judy Spreckels seems to have been the only woman. 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. 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. Can you confirm the story? Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in California, announced applications are now available for owners of aesthetically-challenged canines seeking to prove the unsightliness of their pooches. Sign Up. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Billy: Being married was not easy at times. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. 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. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. . There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). Billy Smith. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." We could talk about anything, and we did! See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. . Top. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. What was his relationship like with Elvis? Billy says that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him. He says, Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. See Photos. [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". He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. "For the first time in his life, he had a group of male friends to pal around with, and he relished being the leader of the pack. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? 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. We talked about religion so much. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. He made it a good time. 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. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. The. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? Express. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. . A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Please share his story with us. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. [1], Other articles of the topic Elvis Presley:Elvis PresleySome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "".Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Has thanked: 296 times. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. 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. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. I fell in head first. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. He said it would teach him a lesson. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? She said, Yes he is, yes he is. 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. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. You can unsubscribe at any time. She describes herself as having been like a sister to Elvis, a companion, confidante and keeper of secrets in the exciting days of his early career. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. Our hearts will intertwine.". Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. 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. Those guys were always around". When Smith became old enough he worked for Elvis as well as a member of the Memphis Mafia, eventually living at Graceland separately from his family. 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. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. 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"! Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. 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 was always laughing & carrying on. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. 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. Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. Over the years, the number of members grew and changed, but for the most part there was a core group who spent much time with Presley. 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. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. [citation needed], Elvis' expenses were increasing at an alarming rate, and there were complaints and threats of lawsuits about the manner in which the Wests interacted with fans. 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 left behind an undying legacy. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. 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. Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie broke ice. 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