He talked about the record to his mother and daddy, and we knew he was going to make one, but when it came out it thrilled all of us. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. 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. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. 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. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. He deserved to have peace of mind. While there is no living person that has spent more time with Elvis, Billy and Jo say they have no contact with Priscilla, Lisa Marie, or any other member of the Presley family. All the guys in our group were extremely close. 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. "[3], 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. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. We promised each other. I guess they dont like us, I dont know, youd have to ask them. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. [citation needed], In numerous press conferences concerning Elvis: What Happened?, both of the West cousins stated they wrote the book in part to make Elvis realize that his dependence on prescription medications was (literally) killing him. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. And you place yours on mine. 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. "[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. 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. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. However, he was just a boy at the time. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. Travis son Billy Smith, Elvis cousin who was a Memphis Mafia member, shared the story of his father in the latest YouTube episode of Memphis Mafia Kid. Been thanked: 730 times. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. 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. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. He said how his father worked for the Precision Tool Company in Memphis and bought a 1951 Chevrolet, which he let Elvis take his driving test in. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Over the years, the number of members grew and changed, but for the most part there was a core group who spent much time with Presley. Billy: Well it's true that my father, Travis, went to the penitentiary with Vernon, but Vernon got out of prison a few months before my father because of good behavior. That was a lot different and I remember that it took a while for everyone to get jobs, and one of my daddy's cousins stole all the money we had, and my daddy's new socks. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in California, announced applications are now available for owners of aesthetically-challenged canines seeking to prove the unsightliness of their pooches. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? "[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. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Dee Presley said her telephone conversation with Elvis shortly before his death was the first indication she had that something was seriously wrong with him. 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. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. 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. So, he watched from a distance. 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. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. 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. [10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers." The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. With Elvis' cousin Billy Smith also in the hospital room, the elder Presley lashed out at his already reeling son, blaming him for the heart attack and shouting, "I can thank you for this.". [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. He has a variety of sources of income, which has enabled him to rise to the top of the list of the most prominent celebrities in such a short period of time. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. Corral. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. Presley's rapid financial deterioration was partly a result of his divorce from Priscilla, which was finalized on October 9, 1973, as well as Colonel Tom Parker's exorbitant percentage of Presley's earnings. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. Then during the touring we were together all the time. 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]. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. What Elvis serious about changing things? 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 was my hero. A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Express. In the years leading up to his purchase of the ranch, Elvis' schedule was heavily focused on film; he starred in 21 feature films released between 1960 and 1967. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. Billy is" Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? 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. "[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. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Billy Smith. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. 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 were told that she was a beautiful woman. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. So down to earth. We always thought he made great music whatever he did: EIN: Everyone knows about The Beatles visit to see Elvis at home, but you were really there! He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. 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. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. But, why bust his bubble. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. But Elvis never confirmed them. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! 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: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. He always told me that he loved me. He took rat poison. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. Billy: Elvis loved to read. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. Hes dead. The only thing that brought it to reality was when she said, Hes smothered in the carpet. And when she said that, I just threw the phone because I thought, Ok, hes gone. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' 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. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. . Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. 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. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. 'I could. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. 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". Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? One thing was to tour Europe. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. She was always laughing & carrying on. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? I fell in head first. Nobody checked on him.. 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. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. People named Billy Smith. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. 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. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. 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