Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. or. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? I had so much respect for him. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. 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. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' So, he watched from a distance. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. 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. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. See Photos. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. Billy: Yes. The King then kept his uncle on his payroll up until his death and then kept Travis wife on the payroll too for the rest of her life. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. Been thanked: 730 times. 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. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. 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. Menu. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. It was a good meeting. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Serial world record breaker David Rush reclaimed a Guinness World Records title when he threw and caught a fire sword 135 times in 1 minute. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. 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. 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. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. 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. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. 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. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Zoo Miami in Florida confirmed a Malayan tapir briefly escaped from its enclosure Tuesday before being safely contained about an hour later. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. 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. 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]. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. book. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. These two interviews were done years apart. 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. See Photos. And was late for work many times. 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. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. Billy is in the far left of this photo. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. Elvis was very intelligent. What Elvis serious about changing things? He was my hero. 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. "[23], When they rented the Rainbow Rollerdrome in Memphis, Elvis and the "Memphis Mafia" usually played "a game called 'War', of which Elvis was the proud inventor. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. But Elvis never confirmed them. Elvis was always my hero. Welcome back. Elvis was very open-minded. [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. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. 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. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. He went to great lengths to make sure that it was kept a jet black color at all times, making his blue eyes stand out. 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. Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. by. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. He was, and is supreme", "I wasn't just a fan, I was his brotherthere'll never be another like that soul brother", "There were rock 'n' roll records before Heartbreak Hotel, but this was the one that didn't just open the doorit literally blasted the door off its rusted, rotten, anachronistic hinges. . There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. As I place my hand upon your heart, Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. More Viewers Questions! Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. The. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? 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. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. 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]. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. I think I need to see a Doctor." Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. "Some of the Memphis Mafia would buy up to $15,000 worth of fireworks in today's money, including skyrockets, baby giants, firecrackers, and chasers, which moved rapidly and unpredictably until they exploded. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." He said it would teach him a lesson. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. 'He was so wonderful. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. Sign Up. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. [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. Actually no, we dont. He wanted stronger roles. 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. Our grandfather was a handsome man. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. Please share his story with us. See Photos. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. 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. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . You can unsubscribe at any time. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. And you who don't can never tell. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. Movies. 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. blue eyes and lighter skin. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! 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". We were told that she was a beautiful woman. . Related articles Elvis. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. 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. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. 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. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. He loved the power of the big voices. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. [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: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. Nor I him. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. 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: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. The Kings uncle and mother were pretty tight from their early years and the Presley and Smith families moved from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee together. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. "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. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. . 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 ! He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. 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. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Please tell us about it. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. . (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). And he loved big orchestras. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. 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. 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. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. Billy Smith. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. (by Alfred Wertheimer). 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. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. For we who know, know it well, Want to Read. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. . Elvis always took great pride in his hair. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. A couple of them had been arrested with false prescriptions attempting to collect drugs for Elvis, quite a few had taken physical hits in the service of protecting Elvis and none were paid more than $500 a week. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. "It's just a simple word, you see, 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. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son.
Plane Crash Beaufort Sc 1955,
Head Reliquary Of Saint Alexander Facts,
Dysphemism Examples In Literature,
Articles B