Welcome back. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? So when we moved into Graceland Vernon asked my daddy to be the head gate guard, just as hed been at Elvis house on Audubon Drive. 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. Please tell us about it. Nobody checked on him.. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. So, he watched from a distance. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. Nichopoulos. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." How did it come about? Has thanked: 296 times. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. Log In. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. 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. Then during the touring we were together all the time. He loved the power of the big voices. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Thats it. 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. 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. 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 and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. [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 "". Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. book. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. [5], Smith was one of Elvis' closest friends and confidantes, and the two would talk for hours up in Elvis' bedroom at Graceland, even acting out Monty Python scenes. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. 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. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Billy Smith. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. More info. 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. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. EIN: Billy, you had a particularly special relationship with Elvis and were closer to him than any of the other members of the Memphis Mafia. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Our grandfather was a handsome man. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. Red and Sonny West were Elvis' bodyguards (although Red West also had a talent for writing songs, including some recorded by Elvis such as "If Everyday Was Like Christmas" and then "Separate Ways"). And you place yours on mine. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. "There wasn't a crowd then, just a few guys," and she emphasizes that she "had nothing to do with being a yes man for him and obviously he trusted me. 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. 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. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. 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. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . Presley faced repeated threats of physical violence from outraged moral extremists and death threats from fanatics, as would later happen when he performed in Las Vegas. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. But stranger things have happened. "Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member talks candidly to EIN", "LAMAR FIKE DIES AGED 75 (Member of Elvis Presley's entourage, the Memphis Mafia)", article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia, https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=Billy_Smith_(Memphis_Mafia)&oldid=1915493, Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL, Portal templates with all redlinked portals. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. And, in the early days, they lived with him. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. . 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. And you who don't can never tell. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. See Photos. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. Can you tell us if this is true? And Elvis trusted him. See Photos. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. We talked about religion so much. EIN: And what of Vernon? From this day forward, our minds, our souls, Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? 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 ! EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. Nor I him. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. (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. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. 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. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? 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. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. . ", (Mark Feeney on the 'Elvis meets Nixon' meeting), "especially in the South, they talk about Elvis and Jesus in the same breath", "The image is one thing and the human being is anotherit's very hard to live up to an image", (Elvis Presley, Madison Square Garden press conference, 1972), "Elvis was a major hero of mine. Billy: Yes. He was more upset and mad over the socks. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. 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. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. Elvis was on military maneuvers when she came to the hotel where his father and grandfather were staying, but Vernon and Dee hit it off 'from day one,' she said. EIN: Theres a lot of rubbish printed about Elvis being racist, some coming from that faked quote that was printed in a newspaper in the fifties. EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. These original Memphis Mafia members at the time the phrase was coined were cousins Sonny West,[7] and Red West, as well as Billy Smith, and Charlie Hodge, among others. The King died in 1977. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. 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