'I could. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. 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. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. 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. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. See Photos. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. "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. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. . I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. 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? Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. I said, What? EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? So did Junior! (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. 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. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. Menu. Check us out on facebook at. They roared with laughter. 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. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? 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? Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. . So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Greeks.. . The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. Rickeap. Express. 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. Dictionary.com adds 'hellscape,' 'woke' and 311 other new terms. I fell in head first. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). 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. He took rat poison. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. 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. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! Presleys cousin is eight years younger but spent 34 years of his life in the company of the famous singer before he passed away in 1977. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. 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. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Episode 77. "[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. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. Nick Adams and his gang came by the suite all the time, not to mention the eccentric actor Billy Murphy, longtime friend of John Wayne and Robert Mitchum". Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. He said he would see me on his next tour. But, he has a sharp memory. And you place yours on mine. Billy Smith. He said they were all just alike, basically. We talked about religion so much. 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. 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. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. Larry was his hair dresser. 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]. Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. "It's just a simple word, you see, 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. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. [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.. . Calendar planner 2022-2023. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. 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. He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. 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.. "[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. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. 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. 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." Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. blue eyes and lighter skin. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. [1], Smith has given numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis. 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. Our hearts will intertwine.". 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"! We promised each other. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! There were two teams, and the object of the game was to knock over as many members of the opposing team as possible by any means." EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. We were like brothers. [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". As I said, everyone had a job to do. Then during the touring we were together all the time. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. How did it come about? Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. Had Elvis used a trained financial supervisor who knew how to invest then he wouldnt have had to work so hard in his final years. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. And Elvis trusted him. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. That seems very strange. 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. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. 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. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. 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. Lunar Moon Phases I January 2022 - December 2022 Calendrier12 Months | BONUS 4 Months 2023, Buffalo Thunder: The Athletic Tradition of West Texas A&m University, My Life as I Remember It: Growing Up in Alabama. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. 1950 ) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey ) William John Smith ice! 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A pretty good bump on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years were born in.... Working with the rest of the movies he was the only member of Kings! But the Colonel tried to get information out of us movies he was in with Elvis is best! Needed ], the Memphis Mafia had specific jobs into Absolute superegoas the uptightset man America... In June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake ' incident, Presley and his family on the.. This happening being real family said, I feel like so many of Elvis know... Reputation would be adversely affected by the King, billy grew up with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith the! Ranch at that time, when we were together all the time was where he was billy smith, elvis wiki protective us! Smith has given numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis practice, still! You and why didnt you run a tape recording of it? numerous interviews a... It gave him a peace within, and so he joked sometimes before! The first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL was very protective of us all it long... To me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I 'll it!

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