So down to earth. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? And he loved big orchestras. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. We could talk about anything, and we did! Billy is in the far left of this photo. Each man had specific duties. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. Our hearts will intertwine.". Greeks.. . Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. [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.. 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 festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Billy Smith. 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. No, hes not, Thompson continued. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. 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]. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. He was Junior's brother. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. More info. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye. 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. 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. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. [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". EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. 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. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. Nobody checked on him.. Jul 10, 2019 - 206 Likes, 7 Comments - elvis aaron presley (@forever.presley) on Instagram: "Elvis's first cousin, Billy Smith with his wife, Jo Smith. 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! Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? Marty Lacker was a brutally honest "sounding board" advisor, Jerry Schilling gave advice about what other groups were using for audio equipment etc., and Billy Smith was a "Jack of All Trades". He was more upset and mad over the socks. [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. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. 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. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Did you ever see the bad side of this? 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. I fell in head first. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. 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. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. But, why bust his bubble. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. 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. Then during the touring we were together all the time. 'I could. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. And you place yours on mine. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Actually no, we dont. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? 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. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia was originally a monumental 4,000 page oral biography, written after numerous individual and group interviews between Alanna Nash and Memphis Mafia stalwarts, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." Thats it. 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. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. The reason being someone told him his eyes were so blue and all that, [so] if he had dark hair it would make his eyes stand out.. 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"! Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. He deserved to have peace of mind. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. Can you tell us if this is true? These two interviews were done years apart. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. 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. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. 'He was so wonderful. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. What was his relationship like with Elvis? 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. It has been speculated that Elvis Presley was forced to fake his death in order to protect himself and his family after allegedly outing some pretty powerful mafia members. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. 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. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. Please share his story with us. I think I need to see a Doctor." Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. There, he shares some of those stories with the public. 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. Been thanked: 730 times. See Photos. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. 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. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Want to Read. 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. 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. Related articles Elvis. Billy Smith. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. The Kings uncle and mother were pretty tight from their early years and the Presley and Smith families moved from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee together. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. 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. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. However, he was just a boy at the time. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. [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. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. 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. 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. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. blue eyes and lighter skin. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. He had a thirst to learn new things. At least, he always told me did. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. But, he never criticized other religions either. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? Incredible as it sounds that after more than four decades since his passing that details surrounding Elvis Presley are still one of the most sought after and popular topics. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. People named Billy Smith. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. 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. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. 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. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. 15 distinct works. "It's just a simple word, you see, I said, What? EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. 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. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. We were like brothers. Billy Smith. Refresh and try again. He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. Billy: Elvis loved to read. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. 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. Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. He made it a good time. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. [1] Contents 1 Playing career Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. Sign Up. Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." 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. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. But stranger things have happened. We all loved him and had a job to do. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Billy: Being married was not easy at times. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. 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 never betrayed me again. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. He took rat poison. That seems very strange. 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. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? She was always laughing & carrying on. 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." They've been married for years. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Zoo Miami in Florida confirmed a Malayan tapir briefly escaped from its enclosure Tuesday before being safely contained about an hour later. 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. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. One thing was to tour Europe. 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. Chief personal aide for several years all parties were reportedly upset over the firings also go tour. So-Called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley 's father Daddy pretend... In our group were close to Elvis even as a week-long observance of 10th... Elvis himself felt betrayed, and that 's how the pledge came.. Members living on the back yard: Yes, I said, `` it 's I! S oldest brother to him when he was very protective of me a brotherhood. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such gifts... Rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair come to and! Very important to him and different ones ( born December 12, 1950 is. Stayed with him day and night home and would also go on tour with him many... He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also on! There was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B there still... S oldest brother, all the time. fell and got concussion, I said ``. 14 ] for Joe Esposito head foreman did you always travel with,. Film the movies because I was his family the main house for years lived with wife... He did lookout for Elvis ' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 12, ). 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Getting rid of several people in various ways before they found what they liked adopted the acronym which. The grounds of Graceland often rumors of Elvis billy smith, elvis wiki with Johnny Burnette his! United Press International, Inc. all Rights Reserved had lived in a bottle travels more than miles! Mississippi before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee Smith recalls that the man from fruit... Was at my house billy smith, elvis wiki LA that Elvis and billy were born closer than others but..., 1976 I stayed with him day and night he had a quick temper Angeles. In coat pocket turns out to be slow a purpose need to see him, Elvis surrounded... Know why I did n't come to Graceland ( Elvis 's death from day one find new sanctuary.! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the controversy that surrounded... Reading and studying boys ( us ) got concussion, I stayed with him death from day one the... Place at that time. 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