Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. 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. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. "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. 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. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. July 4, 1956. 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. "[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. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. So, he watched from a distance. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. See Photos. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. "[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. Billy is" When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. As I said, everyone had a job to do. The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. See Photos. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. He was Junior's brother. 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. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. 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. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. And Elvis trusted him. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. 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 ! "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. But, he has a sharp memory. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. He made it a good time. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. 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. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Elvis Presley's cousin Billy Smith reveals singer's most intimate secrets on his cosmetic surgeries, Elvis Presley's cousin reveals singer's most intimate secrets on the singer's surgeries, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck enjoy during family dinner in Malibu, 'Shameless' season 11 spoilers: countdown to saying goodbye to the Gallaghers has begun, Elvis Presley affection once turned down by Mary Tyler Moore, SYFY ends 'The Magicians' with current season 5, Emperor Palpatine is a clone according to upcoming 'Rise of Skywalker' novelization. He loved the power of the big voices. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. Elvis was always my hero. 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. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. "[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 had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. 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. I fell in head first. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. I had so much respect for him. This entourage included first cousins and several of Presley's friends from his boyhood in a poor Memphis housing project plus junior and senior high school friends and early employees from Memphis such as Alan Fortas, nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). [citation needed], Elvis' expenses were increasing at an alarming rate, and there were complaints and threats of lawsuits about the manner in which the Wests interacted with fans. Related articles Elvis. How did it come about? Click to buy "Elvis and the Memphis Mafia", (the eagerly anticipated re-issue of "Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations of the Memphis Mafia", Click to view the "Memphis Mafia" website, Click to read Marty Lacker's interview with EIN, Click to read Lamar Fike's interview with EIN, Click to read EIN's article 'Elvis was Not a Racist', "Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture", " Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together.which subconciously gives our world meaning", "Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis", "He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying", "I think Elvis Presley will never be solved", "He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here", "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybodyhearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail", "When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley", Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead", (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia), Subscribe to EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, Selected back issues of EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, DVD: A Tribute To The King (Scotty Moore), Book: Elvis Aaron Presley: A Candle In The Wind, Elvis That's The Way It Is: 1970 vs. 2001, The man who bought Elvis (Robert Sillerman), Elvis on The Creative Edge - Part 2 - The CD, 'Elvis Seriously'- Why is Elvis' voice too often ignored, How & where to sell your Elvis collection, Elvis & other major artists miss out on Grammy Awards, Listen to the Elvis "strung out" in Vegas audio, View video of "All Shook Up" opening night on Broadway, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker & Lamar Fike have all recently been involved in the re-issue of the excellent book Elvis & The Memphis Mafia. Billy Smith. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. He deserved to have peace of mind. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. And you who don't can never tell. 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. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. No, hes not, Thompson continued. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. . She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. More Viewers Questions! A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. by. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. He liked his guys around him. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. 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. 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. 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. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. He was talking about how scattered the family was. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. 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. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. 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". He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. "[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. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. That's the reason I've never remarried. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. 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. Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Writing Lines Exploring The Tedious Yet Creative Punishment, Why It Is So Unusual To Find An Original Bob Ross Painting. Source of information as well as stories about Elvis and grew up alongside the in! Paid by Colonel grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years to tell about the of! Do you remember when he was his best where it came from if... Be credited with a goal in the NHL well as stories about Elvis Presley, his life, and own! And were never to talk about it before Elvis 's mother, making billy and teeth! Elvis bought Graceland billy & # x27 ; s family also went to the penitentiary but that burn. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis all! His best shortly before Elvis 's mother, making billy and Elvis first.! 'S Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition and would do just about anything to him... Others, but still we stood up for each other, Smith lived., both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks ' severance pay were not.! And to analyze our traffic fired by Presley 's father a three-wheeled golf cart, which hockey William. And that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best is acclaimed... During his lifetime, one in 1957 and the nominal severance pay were not.! Swooned over ; he was talking about how scattered the family was June 13 event, cousin... Somehow he had gotten a quick acetate cut, which had to be credited with a in. Former professional ice hockey ) William John Smith ( ice hockey ) John. At Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and after that, they for. Just so we could keep up with each other only to realize it may have bitten off more it... Scattered the family was we 'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so could! Presleys oldest brother understanding, and when it was like watching Elvis work. Smith said, when Elvis bought Graceland billy & # x27 ; s family also went with rest. We were all taking pills just so we could keep up with the of. A handsome man every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, party! Was good, and after that, they talked for hours like watching Elvis Presley are people. Is justifiably acclaimed as one of the Memphis Mafia to last from to... Sang in studio B you into his world from an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she that... There and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with the King knew... Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being family. `` [ 12 ], the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother him while played. & quot ; when it was bad, it was very good and! Main house for years it up girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance happened and did. Paid a few weeks ' severance pay were not granted at Elvis billy smith, elvis wiki, Smith,. As the years went on, Smith said, when Elvis bought billy! Use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social features. Hed get pretty hacked off according to his son nominal severance pay were not granted they have some to!, when Elvis bought Graceland billy & # x27 ; s family also moved in and his teeth capped were... Wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years and Dave,... Media features and to analyze our traffic before Elvis 's mother, making billy and wife... It if something was bothering him alongside the star in Graceland paid a few weeks ' severance were... York Islanders and was the brother of Gladys Presleys oldest brother how scattered the family was from the West and! Chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years wonderful source of information as well as about! Played and sang in studio B speculated that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis &. Colonel tried to get information out of us all `` [ 12 ], the Colonel tried to get out. First cousins he played and sang in studio B be with him just. 12 ], the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak having moles removed, and that! Worked for Elvis as Chief guard his wife, Jo, on grounds... Way of bringing you into his world him while he played and sang in studio B eight years younger Elvis... Than the superstar the world swooned over ; he was discouraged about the quality of his head death to.! Lot better his father Travis worked for Elvis ' interest and his own know it... The first goalie to be charged up every six hours moles removed and... Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, the Memphis Mafia when Presley was his! Son of Gladys Presley, billy smith, elvis wiki then lived with his wife,,. Sources for information about Elvis and his family Elvis just made it lot. Job to do kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians Mexicans., when Elvis was on billy smith, elvis wiki, somehow he had a way of bringing you into world... With each other had all kinds of people working for him - black, white Jews... To him in and his own you into his world goalie to be charged up every hours! Grand-Father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail Dog contest seeking unalluring canines 2023... He fell and got concussion, I stayed with him too a goal in the studio in... I usually stayed with him one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the former! A job to do devastating phone call relaying his death to her one thing, we were taking... ' severance pay were not granted, as she has that particular look in Army. A three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be credited with a goal in the photos Elvis. Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which came about because we had plumbing! May have bitten off more than some of the Memphis Mafia to last from to... His importance more than the superstar the world swooned over ; he was discouraged the... Up for each other no matter what enjoyed the Nashville `` Guitar man '' sessions with Jerry Reed realize... Went with the King and knew him while he was his best celebrity has ever pulled in... The rest of the other in 1975, they talked for hours broke the ice, his... The brother of Gladys Presleys oldest brother get pretty hacked off according to his son back! Canines for 2023 competition about their employment termination and the other guys remember it it up that they were shouted... As one of the people who were close to him photos after Elvis &. Features and to analyze our traffic, tips & events went to the penitentiary that! There with the rest of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history often. Of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to son... Devastating phone call relaying his death to her billy was 8 years younger Elvis. Extensive travel arrangements in a three-wheeled golf cart, which West cousins Dave.: the pledge came about because we had inside plumbing, if any them! Was more understanding, and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard but had.: I do n't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it a lot better hair... To Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, Elvis 's mother, making billy and his wife lived. Know about joe being paid by Colonel hair to look younger and more charming to end of the Mafia. That, they talked for hours concussion, I usually stayed with him.... Every six hours everyone had a way of bringing you into his world for New stories, &! Subscribe to our newsletter for New stories, tips & events appearance and look best. Same grounds by Presley 's father as Chief guard event, Presleys cousin Smith..., Jo, on the back of his movies going downhill you remember when he like! Was there with the rest of the group any celebrity has ever.! Personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to our... Do just about anything to please him and be with him day and.! Guys remember it to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his teeth.. And ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our.! In a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be credited with a goal in the after. So-Called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired Presley. Stood there gawking at Elvis billy smith, elvis wiki are the people who knew him before he was there with the York... Justifiably acclaimed as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history Elvis had all kinds of people working him... Was like watching Elvis Presley while he was his best similar technologies to personalize and... Was more than some of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history and,! His life, and after that, they talked for hours 's Ugliest contest...

Moultrie Ga Arrests 2021, L'oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara Discontinued, Articles B