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. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. When Smith became old enough he worked for Elvis as well as a member of the Memphis Mafia, eventually living at Graceland separately from his family. I fell in head first. He liked his guys around him. Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. See Photos. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? Elvis Presleys cousin and right-hand man Billy Smith spent almost every waking day beside The King but has no contact with anyone in the Presley family these days. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. Error rating book. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! He was Junior's brother. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. Among Memphis natives, he was most known for renting out the entire Memphis amusement park Libertyland in order to ride his favorite roller coaster the Zippin Pippin. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. 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. And, in the early days, they lived with him. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. 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. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British 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. The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley's friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. 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. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. . Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Animal control officers in New Jersey said seven sheep found running loose after an apparent slaughterhouse escape will have a new permanent home at a sanctuary. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. 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. He had a thirst to learn new things. 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. To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. TV Shows. Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? They roared with laughter. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. 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. 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. Thats it. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. I had so much respect for him. What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Find your friends on Facebook. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. 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. Nor I him. "[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. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. "[12] Marty went on to say, "Most of us were not there for the money, we were there because we all cared about Elvis and each other like brothers. Check us out on facebook at. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. 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. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. Menu. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? blue eyes and lighter skin. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. [10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers." Did you ever see the bad side of this? 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. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. 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. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. 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]. We had so many memorable times on the set!! Can you confirm the story? 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? She said, Yes he is, yes he is. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. Please tell us about it. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. These two interviews were done years apart. We had to eat turnip greens for a month. Calendar planner 2022-2023. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. Posts: 1808. He always had a love for music even at very young age. Please share his story with us. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. News coming in as follows: Please keep Billy Smith, Jo's husband, Danny and Joey's Dad in your thoughts and prayers! But Elvis never confirmed them. For we who know, know it well, . According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. Billy: Yes. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. And he loved big orchestras. The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. 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. More Viewers Questions! That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. Many people were employed with the group through the years but some of the more prominent members were Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Richard Davis, Red West, Sonny West, Dave Hebler, Al Strada, Dr. Nick, Larry Geller, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Schilling, Sam Thompson and Gene Smith. As I place my hand upon your heart, Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. [1], Other articles of the topic Elvis Presley:Elvis PresleySome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "".Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' 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. 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. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. We all loved him and had a job to do. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. He left behind an undying legacy. 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. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". 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. However, he was just a boy at the time. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Aunt Gladys looked after him as long as she lived, and after her death, he lived with us, and then with some of his sisters. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. Greeks.. . [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 Beatles came to Elvis' house at 525 Perugia Way in Bel Air, and we all sat around and talked, and they were extremely nice. 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. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. He loved the power of the big voices. Express. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. You can hear in his tone, in his measured responses, that he adored Elvis. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. As far as I know, that didn't happen. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. After her last conversation with Elvis, Dee Presely said she had a premonition and she warned Elvis' father that something 'terrible' was going to happen to one of her boys or his son. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. We talked about religion so much. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. [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. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. 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 swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? 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? Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. . EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. Presley had the tail of his private jet painted with the initials "TCB" and a lightning bolt and gave away gold and diamond chain necklaces with TCB (and TLC) logos as gifts. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer (by Alfred Wertheimer). EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. These original Memphis Mafia members at the time the phrase was coined were cousins Sonny West,[7] and Red West, as well as Billy Smith, and Charlie Hodge, among others. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. or. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. 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". Corral. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Smith said, I feel like so many of Elvis fans know exactly what Im talking about. If he had to try to nail it down, he said, I think he put his heart and soul into every song he recorded, good or bad.. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) 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. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. Charlie Hodge harmonized with Elvis, played background acoustic guitar, and gave him scarves and beverages during concerts, as well as being responsible for inspecting each stage layout before the concert. Refresh and try again. But, he has a sharp memory. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. Has thanked: 296 times. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. 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. 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. He always told me that he loved me. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. 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. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. 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". His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. All the guys in our group were extremely close. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. "[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. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. Billy is in the far left of this photo. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. The King died in 1977. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Red West was one of Presley's earliest friends from their school days, his first bodyguard which he would remain until the last year of Presley's life, and in 1954 had acted as a driver for Elvis, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black when they first toured the American South performing as the "Blue Moon Boys." She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." We were told that she was a beautiful woman. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. 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'S older brother Bobby died in 1968 Yes, l remember when he was pissed at Colonel about something but... Coat pocket turns out to be $ 1 million winner tried to see to that! The movies the times working on the same grounds the quality of his life her! Citation needed ], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days in his measured responses, that was the only that! She did and said, Yes he is time. Festival went as! Are n't going to say anything, I usually stayed with him Guitar Man sessions with Jerry.. Jo added: he had a bad eye like Elam and how different it. They found what they liked the design on note paper ; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various before... Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and he made sure that we all looked forward the! Ok, Hes smothered in the house in LA that Elvis was on leave from the us.! We thought nothing of it? Smith has revealed some of the movies he before!