We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. She adored him. 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. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. See Photos. EIN: And what of Vernon? I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. Express. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Welcome back. 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. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. 'I could. Being the King of Rock and Roll and also a movie star, its no secret that Elvis Presley wanted to keep himself looking his best. Priscilla Presley said these employees were paid an average of $250 per week during the 1960s, which rose to $425 per week in the 1970s, however one pay stub does exist that showed a weekly pay of only $35 for the '63-65 era. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. People named Billy Smith. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. 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. Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called, Dusty Hill dead: ZZ Top star's mother had inspiring Elvis encounter, Elvis: How King overcame his fear of flying according Memphis Mafia, Elvis ex Linda Thompson on unique language she had with The King. So, he watched from a distance. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. 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]. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. . DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. 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. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. 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. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. 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. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. Do you still see him or have any contact? Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. She was always laughing & carrying on. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. As I place my hand upon your heart, So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. Elvis was always my hero. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? He wanted stronger roles. 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. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. 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? We all loved him and had a job to do. But, he never criticized other religions either. 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! EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. It was a good meeting. 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. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. Posts: 1808. But stranger things have happened. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. GIFTS, Decor for Classroom, 18 monthly. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. 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. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. "[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. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. Elvis Presleys Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From the King in the Recording Studio, more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public, they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like. At least, he always told me did. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Nor I him. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. Movies. Calendar planner 2022-2023. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. 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. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. Elvis was very open-minded. Greeks.. . we were family. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. The. Please tell us about it. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. 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]. Marty Lacker was a brutally honest "sounding board" advisor, Jerry Schilling gave advice about what other groups were using for audio equipment etc., and Billy Smith was a "Jack of All Trades". "[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. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. 'He was so wonderful. Our grandfather was a handsome man. 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. 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. He made it a good time. These two interviews were done years apart. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. 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. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. When Elvis Presley shot to fame he needed security so ended up hiring his mother Gladys brother, Travis Smith, to be his first Graceland guard. A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Billy: Being married was not easy at times. 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. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. 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. But, he has a sharp memory. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. 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. 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. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! [1] Contents 1 Playing career l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. 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. Please share his story with us. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. [5], Smith was one of Elvis' closest friends and confidantes, and the two would talk for hours up in Elvis' bedroom at Graceland, even acting out Monty Python scenes. We also share some information about the way you use our site with our partners who deal with web analytics, advertising and social media content: our partners may combine it with other information that you have provided them or that they have collected from the use of their services. He said how his father worked for the. The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Authorities in Maine said one bison remained on the loose Tuesday after three of the animals were seen running loose on a road Monday. Has thanked: 296 times. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. To get inside you need no key. Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. 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. 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. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. 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. I said, What? So did Junior! See Photos. See Photos. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. 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. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. 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. Refresh and try again. It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. (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. 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. 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. 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. 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. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. 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? When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. 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 ! 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. Sign Up. Find your friends on Facebook. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. He always told me that he loved me. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. Billy: He was never fond of working. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. "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. Red and Sonny West were Elvis' bodyguards (although Red West also had a talent for writing songs, including some recorded by Elvis such as "If Everyday Was Like Christmas" and then "Separate Ways"). He said he would see me on his next tour. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Episode 77. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. 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. 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. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. Been thanked: 730 times. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. 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]. Did you ever see the bad side of this? Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. Can you tell us if this is true? They stated they hoped their book would "shock" Elvis into seeking medical care away from the physicians who were complicit in prescribing Elvis large amounts of prescription medications and fully resting and becoming "clean" off of these prescribed drugs. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. 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.

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