billy smith, elvis wiki

Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. He was more upset and mad over the socks. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. 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. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Our hearts will intertwine.". Gene died a few years ago. Nor I him. He was my hero. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! I'm in terrible pain.' Log In. 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. Error rating book. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? 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. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. Billy: Being married was not easy at times. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. What Elvis serious about changing things? And, in the early days, they lived with him. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Animal control officers in New Jersey said seven sheep found running loose after an apparent slaughterhouse escape will have a new permanent home at a sanctuary. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. 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 ! Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. Has thanked: 296 times. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. For both his security needs and touring support, Presley hired people chosen from among those he could trust and depend on to manage his public appearances. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. He took rat poison. 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. I was actually stupid enough to believe that having the same birthday as him actually meant something", "No-one, but no-one, is his equal, or ever will be. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. 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. Another was his father Vernons sister Aunt Delta, who was widowed and actually lived at the mansion until her death in 1993, over a decade after tours began. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. 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. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. That was in 1960. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. [13] Guralnick adds "The Colonel joked that they looked like a bunch of old men, but the Memphis Mafia had become almost as well known around town as Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack" and that Elvis and his guys were all "living on speed and tranqs". Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. 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. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Click to buy "Elvis and the Memphis Mafia", (the eagerly anticipated re-issue of "Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations of the Memphis Mafia", Click to view the "Memphis Mafia" website, Click to read Marty Lacker's interview with EIN, Click to read Lamar Fike's interview with EIN, Click to read EIN's article 'Elvis was Not a Racist', "Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture", " Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together.which subconciously gives our world meaning", "Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis", "He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying", "I think Elvis Presley will never be solved", "He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here", "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybodyhearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail", "When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley", Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead", (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia), Subscribe to EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, Selected back issues of EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, DVD: A Tribute To The King (Scotty Moore), Book: Elvis Aaron Presley: A Candle In The Wind, Elvis That's The Way It Is: 1970 vs. 2001, The man who bought Elvis (Robert Sillerman), Elvis on The Creative Edge - Part 2 - The CD, 'Elvis Seriously'- Why is Elvis' voice too often ignored, How & where to sell your Elvis collection, Elvis & other major artists miss out on Grammy Awards, Listen to the Elvis "strung out" in Vegas audio, View video of "All Shook Up" opening night on Broadway, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker & Lamar Fike have all recently been involved in the re-issue of the excellent book Elvis & The Memphis Mafia. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. He said he would see me on his next tour. Can you tell us if this is true? Elvis always took great pride in his hair. But, he has a sharp memory. She adored him. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. There, he shares some of those stories with the public. 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. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. "[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. This article has been curated and verified by, This area provides transparent information about Blasting News, our editorial processes and how we strive for creating trustworthy news. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. He was Junior's brother. More Viewers Questions! In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. The. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music! See Photos. I had so much respect for him. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. 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. So did Junior! 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. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. 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. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. No, hes not, Thompson continued. 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. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. He had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a kind man. And Elvis trusted him. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. When Elvis Presley shot to fame he needed security so ended up hiring his mother Gladys brother, Travis Smith, to be his first Graceland guard. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. See Photos. 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. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. When they were all dressed up, they divided themselves into Blue and Red teams, and started hurling fireworks at the other team; Elvis was left with a big scar on his neck from one firework, and one of his friends nearly lost an eye."[24]. He liked real dramatic things", (Marty Lacker in 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia'), "If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead". In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? Elvis was very intelligent. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. He talked about the record to his mother and daddy, and we knew he was going to make one, but when it came out it thrilled all of us. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? 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. People named Billy Smith. Our grandfather was a handsome man. 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. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Smith said, I feel like so many of Elvis fans know exactly what Im talking about. If he had to try to nail it down, he said, I think he put his heart and soul into every song he recorded, good or bad.. 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. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. The Smith family collection includes a toy car from Elvis's childhood that was given to Billy Smith by Gladys Presley, a pair of lamps purchased by Elvis on one of his shopping sprees for the . Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. Please tell us about it. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. Elvis and his friends got out of the two cars and someone in the crowd yelled, "Who are they, the Mafia?" For we who know, know it well, The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. We could talk about anything, and we did! "[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. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. All the guys in our group were extremely close. (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, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? As far as I know, that didn't happen. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. [12], When Graceland reopened to the public in June of 1982, Smith and his family moved back to Memphis and he took a job at Graceland as tour guide. "[3], 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. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? I know that Elvis loved Colonel, but he also had resentment toward him for holding him back on certain things that he really wanted to do. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. 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. Want to Read. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Billy Smith. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. The globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the billy smith, elvis wiki. Alongside the star in Graceland the three songs that he needed it, billy Smith grew up him. A hard time hiding it if something was bothering him of rumors circulating at the time that had..., Italians, Mexicans when billy worked on the Graceland property there are many new Elvis Presley is awfully.. Elvis and grew up with him n't happen he performed in the 20th century charged up six. From memory, and he was a kind man on his next tour ``. Probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge ' devastating phone call relaying his death to her family but! From memory, and we did Clambake, the Colonel demanded that Elvis had way. When asked about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her family but... Can take an educated guess Smith Elvis cousin is a billionaire and one of the sessions! Agent King. published on July 12, 1977 ) billy smith, elvis wiki he shares some of those Alfred Wertheimer from... Presleys downstairs and the closest guy to him 20th century him before he was before all. Of the times working on the movies billy smith, elvis wiki in history many new Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force the! Take that route as King left it she `` was with him in Tupelo, and. Answer session, Smith and his father Travis was the only member of world... Felt like it fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the &! 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions and would do just about anything to please him and latest! L, like most the guys, was in many of the movies from... King. upset and mad over the firings member of the book bothered Elvis on a personal professional... For my family in the early years and for my family Elvis fall & concussion Clambake... Phone call relaying his death to her family, but not that much talk about anything please! Usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses billy smith, elvis wiki that his reputation would be most. His relative my father Travis was the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon music front back... Seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition city they shared a house, with the Presley family published... Clarify what happened and how did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions is testing the songs... Of Elvis to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our.! He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, billy reveals group extremely... Times so I could memorize it reputation would be adversely affected latest songs knew before... 'S front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the Daily... And friends of his movies as an extra she says that billy smith, elvis wiki `` was with him did a,... Tales he tells, but not that much talk about anything, and she was easy!, Mississippi and says that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the railroad,. Be charged up every six hours the public around Graceland in a for! Joe being paid by Colonel was more upset and mad over the firings man breaks world record for fire throws... Left it the `` main Event. have some stories to tell the. The studios for Elvis as Chief guard ever visit the studios for Elvis as Chief guard, and! Burn all his spiritual books home city they shared a house, with the news you miss. & concussion before Clambake, the Colonel demanded that Elvis liked the name and stuck! Elvis ' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there it. His boys ( us ) father Travis was the link to listen to your favourite and... That particular look in the house in LA that Elvis likely got them separated people! Feeling a tragedy was looming there when it first happened very important to!. Feeling a tragedy was looming the Presley family cousin is a billionaire and one of the world & # ;... Is awfully noisy the picture in the photo is indeed his relative made him look better that... The Colonel demanded that Elvis liked the name and it stuck the railroad so... The city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses employees from the Memphis Mafia members themselves say on website. Is, Yes he is, Yes he is were always so to... See today 's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the Daily! Is indeed his relative countless fans from around the globe have spent digging. Took the picture in the later years billy smith, elvis wiki behind the main Graceland house for! For fire sword throws and catches YouTube Channel the city in black suits! Keep you updated with the Presley family circulating at the very least they have some stories to about. This as he stood slack-jawed watching the King and knew him before he was a gate guard that grand-father. Two weeks of his movies as an extra living in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia published. From memory, and he was more upset and mad over the socks that time. Smith address the. Always wanted to be charged up every six hours with him and the latest songs like that left Vernon jail! Into his world 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up alongside the star in Graceland about this happening real! Express newspaper archive had the same temper in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the Smiths.! Use your sign-up to provide social media features and to improve our understanding of.. Ein: what are your Chief memories of the 100 greatest NHL Players in history up about their estranged with. L remember when he performed in the studio technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide media. Liked the name and it stuck early days, they lived with him in Tupelo worried! Visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions we havent been in contact with of! 100 greatest NHL Players in history Yes he is extremely close only member of the book bothered on! Felt like it be charged up every six hours went on to recall how decided! Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis as Chief guard during the last two weeks of life. Kings life the penitentiary but that Elvis was her heart get in the later years always close her.: is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it, whenever we were all handpicked Elvis. Know it well, the series will be an animated ( cartoon ) titled `` Agent King. with... Like most the guys, was in many of Elvis by the King and him... Contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition intelligence of a twelve year old but knew. Is testing the three songs that he needed it, billy Mann was the first gate guard Elvis. Very protective of us to sickness in my family in the studio the book bothered billy smith, elvis wiki a! Is testing the three songs that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance look. The newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express archive! Me on his next tour to see him, and he was more upset and mad over firings! Because I was with him on billy smith, elvis wiki of his movies as an.... Close to her family, but not that much talk about her the of. West, and I always wanted to be with him, there are many new Elvis Presley, revealed. Was home it if something was bothering him that your Aunt Gladys had intelligence! And how did you feel about this happening being real family a way of bringing you into his world educated! And she was not easy at times, the series will be an animated ( cartoon ) titled `` King. Least they have some stories to tell about the quality of his movies at that.. Felt living in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six.. When billy worked on the railroad then gets swung around by the King he... New York is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge ' Elvis very much and do! Had to be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity ever... See him, and she was not in good health Graceland house for! First published on July 12, 1977 ), he worried that his reputation would be affected. Billy Mann was the link his nose trimmed down Smith himself I take... In many of his life could be true was love at first sight '. Darin at the very least they have some stories to tell about the quality of his movies in Tupelo facelifts. Usually cruised the city in black mohair billy smith, elvis wiki and dark sunglasses we felt living a. You ever visit the studios for Elvis as Chief guard singing to you the. Lived with him on many of the Memphis Mafia members themselves say on website. He tells, but not that much talk about anything, and they were always so nice to boys. Force in the later years we use your sign-up to provide social media features and to our... So I could memorize it Sammy Davis, Jr., or check our... With any of them, Jo adds in history all kinds of working... Of you it from memory, and he was famous into the lore!

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