His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. But, why bust his bubble. Billy: He was never fond of working. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. 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. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. . It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. Billy is in the far left of this photo. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. . Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. 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. 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. Please share his story with us. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. He had a thirst to learn new things. Nichopoulos. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." Some Elvis Presley fans may find the animated series an insult to the King of Rock and Roll, while many others could find it very interesting. 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. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." Elvis always took great pride in his hair. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. As I place my hand upon your heart, [citation needed], In numerous press conferences concerning Elvis: What Happened?, both of the West cousins stated they wrote the book in part to make Elvis realize that his dependence on prescription medications was (literally) killing him. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? 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. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. 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. 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! EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. we were family. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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? It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. 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. We had to eat turnip greens for a month. 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! Top. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. 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. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. 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. He trusted us. EIN: There are tales of Joe Esposito being paid by both Elvis and Colonel Parker and that The Col used him to spy on Elvis. See Photos. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. (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. 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. 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. She was always laughing & carrying on. How did it come about? Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. 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. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. GIFTS, Decor for Classroom, 18 monthly. Rickeap. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. But, he never criticized other religions either. They stated they hoped their book would "shock" Elvis into seeking medical care away from the physicians who were complicit in prescribing Elvis large amounts of prescription medications and fully resting and becoming "clean" off of these prescribed drugs. 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. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. Elvis was very intelligent. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. About Elvis Presley, Smith said, When Elvis was on stage, somehow he had a way of bringing you into his world. That was also true when he performed in the studio. 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. 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. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. 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." 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. 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. And, he had unbelievable strength. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. 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. He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. But stranger things have happened. Our hearts will intertwine.". Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. Larry was his hair dresser. "[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. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. 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? Error rating book. . He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. Menu. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! 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. Our grandfather was a handsome man. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. 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. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. 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. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." He never betrayed me again. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) . Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. 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. . Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. On the other hand, by clicking only on accept strictly necessary cookies, you will receive non-targeted advertising whose number and repetition will not be limited. Elvis was very open-minded. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. [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. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . He said it would teach him a lesson. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . 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. Billy: Elvis loved to read. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? "[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. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Billy Smith. A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. 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. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. 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. We all loved him and had a job to do. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. Related articles Elvis. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. Each man had specific duties. Known for his generosity (attributed by Presley himself to an impoverished childhood), he bought some of these employees homes as wedding gifts and frequently bought new Cadillac automobiles for employees, relatives and friends.[12]. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. Stage, somehow he had gotten a quick acetate cut, which rare Moments with the King quot... Missed a few singles while he was the one who took the `` coffin ''.... 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