Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. You can unsubscribe at any time. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. 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. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. Greeks.. . Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. 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.. 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. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. For Vernon the book was proof of his long-held distrust and dislike not just of those three but of the whole of the Memphis Mafia "[11] Even George Klein, who chastised and shunned other members of the group for writing books about Elvis, ended up writing a book as well. He had a thirst to learn new things. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! 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. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. 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. Top. Gene died a few years ago. . He was more upset and mad over the socks. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! They've been married for years. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. 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." Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. I dont know how you can look any better, but he did., RELATED: Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Elvis also dyed his hair jet black often. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. But, why bust his bubble. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. 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.. Can you confirm the story? Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. Nobody checked on him.. "[12] Marty went on to say, "Most of us were not there for the money, we were there because we all cared about Elvis and each other like brothers. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. She adored 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. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. "[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. Elvis Presleys Cousin Says He Has No Contact With Priscilla, Lisa Marie: Heres Why, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8, Was Elvis at Jo and Billys Wedding? She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. [2] At that time Judy Spreckels seems to have been the only woman. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. He took rat poison. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. book. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. Elvis Presley's cousin Billy Smith reveals singer's most intimate secrets on his cosmetic surgeries, Elvis Presley's cousin reveals singer's most intimate secrets on the singer's surgeries, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck enjoy during family dinner in Malibu, 'Shameless' season 11 spoilers: countdown to saying goodbye to the Gallaghers has begun, Elvis Presley affection once turned down by Mary Tyler Moore, SYFY ends 'The Magicians' with current season 5, Emperor Palpatine is a clone according to upcoming 'Rise of Skywalker' novelization. He said it would teach him a lesson. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. . In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. People named Billy Smith. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. We promised each other. He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. 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. And you who don't can never tell. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. The Beatles were excited about meeting him, but when they first got there they were a little quiet and were just kind of feeling him out. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. Our hearts will intertwine.". It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. Episode 77. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? Billy: He was never fond of working. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. 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. TV Shows. I had so much respect for him. Find your friends on Facebook. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. She was always laughing & carrying on. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Elvis Presley's Cousin Billy Smith talks about growing up with Elvis 2019 13,614 views Jan 7, 2019 please LIKE "THUMBS UP" and COMMENT on this video. So did Junior! Check us out on facebook at. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Dee and Vernon Presley remained friends after their divorce, she said, and might have gotten back together someday if he had not died in 1979. Billy Smith. At least, he always told me did. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. 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. Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Please tell us about it. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. Billy: Elvis loved to read. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Travis was illiterate and when fans at Gracelands gates asked him for his autograph he would put them off since he couldnt read or write. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. He was talking about how scattered the family was. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. we were family. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. Posts: 1808. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. However, he was just a boy at the time. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. Error rating book. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Did Elvis understand? But, he has a sharp memory. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. Want to Read. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. 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. All our wives were there. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. 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. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. 'He was so wonderful. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! He always told me that he loved me. 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. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. We were like brothers. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Georgia came to the rescue of a dog who fell into a storm drain and ended up stranded about 12 feet underground. And, in the early days, they lived with him. Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. 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