According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. [GRACELAND UPSTAIRS]Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called[LISA MARIE], Jo shared: He actually was there [as a Graceland guard] until he became ill and couldnt work anymore and Elvis retired himhed had a stroke.. 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. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. or. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Was he really as lazy as often portrayed - and can you comment on your quote (in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) that "Vernon always wanted more of everything, except responsibility"! 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. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. 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, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. See Photos. [1], Smith has given numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis. 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. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. "[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. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. 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. [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. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. Top. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. 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 scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. One thing was to tour Europe. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. 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. As far as I know, that didn't happen. [10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers." They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. Elvis and his friends got out of the two cars and someone in the crowd yelled, "Who are they, the Mafia?" 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. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. He said they were all just alike, basically. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. Gene died a few years ago. But, why bust his bubble. See Photos. 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. 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. See Photos. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. Billy is in the far left of this photo. 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. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. 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. Billy: He was never fond of working. It was a good meeting. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. With Elvis' cousin Billy Smith also in the hospital room, the elder Presley lashed out at his already reeling son, blaming him for the heart attack and shouting, "I can thank you for this.". Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? 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. Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. . Express. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. But stranger things have happened. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? What Elvis serious about changing things? ", (Mark Feeney on the 'Elvis meets Nixon' meeting), "especially in the South, they talk about Elvis and Jesus in the same breath", "The image is one thing and the human being is anotherit's very hard to live up to an image", (Elvis Presley, Madison Square Garden press conference, 1972), "Elvis was a major hero of mine. The Beatles were excited about meeting him, but when they first got there they were a little quiet and were just kind of feeling him out. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. I know that Elvis loved Colonel, but he also had resentment toward him for holding him back on certain things that he really wanted to do. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. I had so much respect for him. Did Elvis understand? These two interviews were done years apart. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. I guess they dont like us, I dont know, youd have to ask them. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. 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 use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. 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"). We promised each other. Elvis was very open-minded. Error rating book. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. But, he has a sharp memory. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. "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. 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. "[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. EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. For we who know, know it well, Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. 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 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. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. 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. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. Billy Smith. Menu. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. He relates that they were a "friendly bunch" who, when Elvis began to sing just for fun during his interview, followed "suit, singing, clowning, all on their feet". . I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Movies. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. 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. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. . I fell in head first. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. 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. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. He was more upset and mad over the socks. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? Some Elvis Presley fans may find the animated series an insult to the King of Rock and Roll, while many others could find it very interesting. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. 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. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! "[11] noted Buzz Cason. 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. 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. Stephanie-Billy Smith. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? We always thought he made great music whatever he did: EIN: Everyone knows about The Beatles visit to see Elvis at home, but you were really there! He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. Elvis and Parker discussed offering the Wests a monetary settlement in return for a written agreement the book would not be published, and their experiences with Elvis, on stage and off would remain confidential. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. 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. READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). I'm in terrible pain.' His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. We all loved him and had a job to do. 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". EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. He always had a love for music even at very young age. 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. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. producing.no propelling, an unstoppable, fundamental and primordial shift in not only musical, but social, political and cultural history", "Elvis, the musician, is largely a relic belonging to the baby boomer generationElvis, the icon, is arguably one of the most potent symbols of popular culture", "It [rock & roll] was always about Elvis; not just because he was Elvis, but because he was the big star", "If they had let me on white radio stations back then, there never would have been an Elvis", "Elvis loved opera, and he especially liked Mario Lanza. 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? And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! Nobody checked on him.. They roared with laughter. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. 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. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? So, he watched from a distance. 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. 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. That seems very strange. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. Then during the touring we were together all the time. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. Looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes lonely days nights! Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley the! A pet name Elvis and Gene were close, even with the King & quot ; rare Moments the... The army Mafia ) '' is from Wikipedia from those in th or two of Elvis people,. 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