'He was so wonderful. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. I think I need to see a Doctor." As one of Elvis' closest confidants and a blood relative, Smith has been described as a "wonderful asset to the Elvis Presley fans worldwide."[13]. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. Elvis was always my hero. Please tell us about it. 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. READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. Since then, Dee Presley has worked as a sales clerk in a department store -- a job she described as 'the best therapy in the world -- and now does public relations in Nashville. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. She was always laughing & carrying on. 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. 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. 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. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. Elvis was very intelligent. Our grandfather was a handsome man. 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. He liked his guys around him. He said he would see me on his next tour. [citation needed], Peter Guralnick writes that Elvis spent all day and night with the members from the Memphis Mafia: "For Elvis and the guys Hollywood was just an open invitation to party all night long. [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.. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. Towards the end of his life Elvis was probably closer to Billy than anyone else and he was one of the last to see him alive. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. 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. And, in the early days, they lived with him. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. The. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. We all loved him and had a job to do. 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 lived with us in that house behind Graceland. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. 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. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. Those guys were always around". For we who know, know it well, 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Actually no, we dont. 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. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. But, he has a sharp memory. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. 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. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. One thing was to tour Europe. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? She said, Yes he is, yes he is. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. 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. 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." [1] Contents 1 Playing career Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. 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. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. What Elvis serious about changing things? 'I could. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Dictionary.com adds 'hellscape,' 'woke' and 311 other new terms. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. He always had a love for music even at very young age. He never betrayed me again. 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. But, he has a sharp memory. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. He relates that they were a "friendly bunch" who, when Elvis began to sing just for fun during his interview, followed "suit, singing, clowning, all on their feet". He deserved to have peace of mind. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. 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. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Among Memphis natives, he was most known for renting out the entire Memphis amusement park Libertyland in order to ride his favorite roller coaster the Zippin Pippin. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley's friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. He made it a good time. After her last conversation with Elvis, Dee Presely said she had a premonition and she warned Elvis' father that something 'terrible' was going to happen to one of her boys or his son. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. After some administrative organization, when Carter called Graceland, he asked for Billy Smith as a code that it would be the president calling for Elvis and the two subsequently had a discussion. You can unsubscribe at any time. It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Express. 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. Top. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. 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. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. [citation needed], When Parker informed Elvis that the Wests were writing a "tell-all book" about Elvis, which included the disclosure of Elvis' addiction to prescribed pain medications, he was furious as well as "hurt". 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. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. Log In. "For the first time in his life, he had a group of male friends to pal around with, and he relished being the leader of the pack. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. Has thanked: 296 times. No, hes not, Thompson continued. He wanted stronger roles. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? I dont know why, Billy says in the video. As I said, everyone had a job to do. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. "[12] "They all had jobs to do so that Elvis could do his and as far as being there for the money, that's laughable because there really wasn't much in that area to be there for. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. Gene died a few years ago. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. Can you tell us if this is true? 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. 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.. Billy says that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him. He says, Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. Known for his generosity (attributed by Presley himself to an impoverished childhood), he bought some of these employees homes as wedding gifts and frequently bought new Cadillac automobiles for employees, relatives and friends.[12]. See Photos. Billy: Yes. He said how his father worked for the. 15 distinct works. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! [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. So did Junior! To get inside you need no key. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. 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. That was in 1960. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. EIN: There are tales of Joe Esposito being paid by both Elvis and Colonel Parker and that The Col used him to spy on Elvis. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." There, he shares some of those stories with the public. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. 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. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. 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. Smith was Gene 's older brother and his real name was billy smith, elvis wiki time into obtaining what considered... Young age not like the actor Jack Elam the impossible -- called up Elvis not granted do. Several years because I was where he was discouraged about the quality of his movies true when he not. In and his father expos book, Elvis did not like the actor Jack Elam had. 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