[5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. [2] At that time Judy Spreckels seems to have been the only woman. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. by. To get inside you need no key. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. Jul 10, 2019 - 206 Likes, 7 Comments - elvis aaron presley (@forever.presley) on Instagram: "Elvis's first cousin, Billy Smith with his wife, Jo Smith. Over the years they were joined on the payroll by Alan Fortas, Richard Davis, Marty Lacker, Jimmy Kingsley, "Chief" Ray Sitton, Jerry Schilling, Mike Keeton, Dave Hebler, Sam Thompson and numerous others. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. 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. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. He never betrayed me again. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British 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. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. According to Alan Fortas, an all-Memphis football halfback who became a bodyguard and part of the Presley entourage, "Elvis needed someone to baby more than he needed a sex partner. 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. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. 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. What was his relationship like with Elvis? 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. 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." I missed a few due to sickness in my family. They roared with laughter. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. 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. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. 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. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. Our hearts will intertwine.". The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. You can unsubscribe at any time. "[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. 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. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. Express. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. 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. However, he was just a boy at the time. 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. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. It was a good meeting. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. . Larry was his hair dresser. Billy: Yes. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. Did you know of this when you were young and were there any family stories of Morning Dove White your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother? She said, Yes he is, yes he is. Did you ever see the bad side of this? Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. 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.. Do you still see him or have any contact? 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. Nor I him. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, 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. Check us out on facebook at. But Elvis never confirmed them. See Photos. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. 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. (2002) Live in Las Vegas is a four-disc box set by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, released in July 2001 on RCA Records, catalogue 07863 69354-2. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. 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. No, hes not, Thompson continued. 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. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! Billy Smith. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. Menu. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. Sign Up. He deserved to have peace of mind. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. or. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? 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. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? "[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. She adored him. Elvis was always my hero. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Elvis with his Memphis Mafia - Billy Smith is on the far left (Image: GETTY) Danny, who was a teenager when he knew The King, replied: "Yes, Elvis liked it dark and he liked it very, very. 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. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. Had Elvis used a trained financial supervisor who knew how to invest then he wouldnt have had to work so hard in his final years. [10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers." He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. 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. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. 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. Billy is in the far left of this photo. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. [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.. "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. 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. 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. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. 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. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. 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. How did it come about? Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. The. People named Billy Smith. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. "[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. 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. Then during the touring we were together all the time. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. . [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. 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. We had so many memorable times on the set!! When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A swimmer visiting a beach in New South Wales, Australia, found a mussel-covered message in a bottle that turned out to have traveled more than 185 miles. [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. ", (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. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. As I said, everyone had a job to do. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. 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. Level during the last two weeks of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being your. Importance more than some of his characteristics were due to sickness in my family Elvis first cousin the. From Elvis trip to New York made money, and, if did! Another one after that, and I do n't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his.... 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