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. 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. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. Billy Smith. Rickeap. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. 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. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. 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. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. See Photos. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music! 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! Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. 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. Both families were very poor at that time, to the point that the fathers searching for work added cardboard to the soles of their shoes when they wore through. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. 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. 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]. It was a good meeting. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! 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. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. You can unsubscribe at any time. we were family. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. Greeks.. . EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? 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. Billy Smith. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. 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". Billy Smith. 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. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Did you ever see the bad side of this? 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. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. Been thanked: 730 times. 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. So down to earth. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. [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 "". He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. Billy Smith. He said it would teach him a lesson. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. Posts: 1808. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. As I said, everyone had a job to do. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. 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. Billy: Being married was not easy at times. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. He was Junior's brother. Please share his story with us. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. . "[11] noted Buzz Cason. And, he had unbelievable strength. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. Those guys were always around". After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. Presley's 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. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! 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. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. [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. Billy: Elvis loved to read. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . More Viewers Questions! The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. 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: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. 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. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. "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. EIN: And what of Vernon? Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. Did you know of this when you were young and were there any family stories of Morning Dove White your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother? To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Episode 77. 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." They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. 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. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. (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. 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. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. 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. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. 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. "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. I think I need to see a Doctor." Isaid, hello and she said, Linda. I said, hey, she said, Its Lisa. I said, I know who this is, you little goobernickel. It was a pet name Elvis and I had for her, Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? I fell in head first. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. 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. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. or. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. He said they were all just alike, basically. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. He was talking about how scattered the family was. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) He said he would see me on his next tour. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. 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. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes.
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