That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Nor I him. Actually no, we dont. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] But, why bust his bubble. Can you tell us if this is true? Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! 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. All the guys in our group were extremely close. "Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member talks candidly to EIN", "LAMAR FIKE DIES AGED 75 (Member of Elvis Presley's entourage, the Memphis Mafia)", article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia, https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=Billy_Smith_(Memphis_Mafia)&oldid=1915493, Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL, Portal templates with all redlinked portals. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Billy Smith. EIN regularly gets asked questions relating to Billy Smith & his life with Elvis, so we sincerely thank him for taking time out of his busy life for this long interview. 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. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A swimmer visiting a beach in New South Wales, Australia, found a mussel-covered message in a bottle that turned out to have traveled more than 185 miles. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. I'm in terrible pain.' 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. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. 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. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Sign Up. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! He left behind an undying legacy. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Elvis was very intelligent. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. 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. We talked about religion so much. Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. He trusted us. He liked his guys around him. 'I could. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. So did Junior! 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. Billy Smith. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. We promised each other. Do you still see him or have any contact? After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. "[15], When Presley emerged as a major celebrity in 1956, he was constantly besieged by adoring fans and the press, making a normal lifestyle impossible. [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". Has thanked: 296 times. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. Billy is in the far left of this photo. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. 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. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. . I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. 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? The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. Top. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Express. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. (by Alfred Wertheimer). [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. They roared with laughter. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. blue eyes and lighter skin. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? But, he has a sharp memory. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. Been thanked: 730 times. He was Junior's brother. 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. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. 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? This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. [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. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. That was in 1960. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. 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]. Sometimes he would have a bad dream and come looking for me to talk to, and he would actually fall asleep in our bed with us. People named Billy Smith. EIN: After Elvis got back from the army and you married your wife Jo, how did you balance your months in Hollywood with your relationship back home? EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. It was a good meeting. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. [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.. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. Nobody checked on him.. Log In. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. [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. She was always laughing & carrying on. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. 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. 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. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! See Photos. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. 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. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. 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. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. 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