But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. Error rating book. Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? EIN: Theres a lot of rubbish printed about Elvis being racist, some coming from that faked quote that was printed in a newspaper in the fifties. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. 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. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. Bodyguards, road managers and other employees, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Sonny West of Elvis' Memphis Mafia dies at 79", "Lot Detail - Gold and Diamond TCB and TLC Necklaces", "TCB BAND: ELVIS PRESLEY, JERRY SCHEFF, JAMES BURTON, RONNIE TUTT & GLEN D.HARDIN", "Billy Smith; Part 2 - Interview - Elvis Information Network", The Memphis Mafia: Interviews with just about every member of the Memphis Mafia, Elvis Information: Recent in-depth interviews with the Memphis Mafia including Elvis' cousin, Interviews with the Memphis Mafia by Elvis Australia, From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis, Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances, Command Performances: The Essential 60s Masters II, Suspicious Minds: The Memphis 1969 Anthology, The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential '60s Masters, Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters, Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings, The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Memphis_Mafia&oldid=1133531998, Short description is different from Wikidata, BLP articles lacking sources from October 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2021, Articles needing additional references from December 2021, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 07:41. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. I said, What? She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. Refresh and try again. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! Were they fun or boring as a bystander? ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. 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. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Billy Smith. So did Junior! 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. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. Over the years they were joined on the payroll by Alan Fortas, Richard Davis, Marty Lacker, Jimmy Kingsley, "Chief" Ray Sitton, Jerry Schilling, Mike Keeton, Dave Hebler, Sam Thompson and numerous others. . He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). And you who don't can never tell. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. 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. Did you ever see the bad side of this? 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. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Our hearts will intertwine.". The Beatles came to Elvis' house at 525 Perugia Way in Bel Air, and we all sat around and talked, and they were extremely nice. Billy is in the far left of this photo. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Georgia came to the rescue of a dog who fell into a storm drain and ended up stranded about 12 feet underground. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. Log In. 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. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. He loved the power of the big voices. Ukrainian drone crashes 60 miles from Moscow, prompting Putin military order, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses re-election bid, concedes defeat, Couples consider third and fourth partners in 'Seeking Brother Husband' coming soon to TLC, Musician Ben Kweller announces death of 16-year-old son. Gene died a few years ago. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. But, he never criticized other religions either. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. 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. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. And, in the early days, they lived with him. 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. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. Billy: Elvis loved to read. 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. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. 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". She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. See Photos. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. 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. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. And you place yours on mine. All the guys in our group were extremely close. And was late for work many times. 'He was so wonderful. Travis was illiterate and when fans at Gracelands gates asked him for his autograph he would put them off since he couldnt read or write. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Billy Smith. 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. What Elvis serious about changing things? 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. Greeks.. . The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. 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. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. 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. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. However, in reality, even if Elvis Presley did allegedly fake his own death in 1977, today, he would be a very old man, so the odds are that even so, he most likely would not be alive today. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. More Viewers Questions! It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. 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. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. He said it would teach him a lesson. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. Posts: 1808. The reason being someone told him his eyes were so blue and all that, [so] if he had dark hair it would make his eyes stand out.. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? [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. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. 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. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. 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. He liked real dramatic things", (Marty Lacker in 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia'), "If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be 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. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? 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]. 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 never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. 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. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. EIN: And what of Vernon? But, why bust his bubble. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. . 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