There, he shares some of those stories with the public. Billy: He was never fond of working. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. And, he had unbelievable strength. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? [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. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. Can you confirm the story? I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. The reason being someone told him his eyes were so blue and all that, [so] if he had dark hair it would make his eyes stand out.. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. 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. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." 'I could. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. [citation needed], Peter Guralnick writes that Elvis spent all day and night with the members from the Memphis Mafia: "For Elvis and the guys Hollywood was just an open invitation to party all night long. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! Related articles Elvis. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Nichopoulos. And, in the early days, they lived with him. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. 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. 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. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. 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. When they were all dressed up, they divided themselves into Blue and Red teams, and started hurling fireworks at the other team; Elvis was left with a big scar on his neck from one firework, and one of his friends nearly lost an eye."[24]. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. [citation needed], In numerous press conferences concerning Elvis: What Happened?, both of the West cousins stated they wrote the book in part to make Elvis realize that his dependence on prescription medications was (literally) killing him. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. 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. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. He never betrayed me again. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. 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. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. [citation needed], When Parker informed Elvis that the Wests were writing a "tell-all book" about Elvis, which included the disclosure of Elvis' addiction to prescribed pain medications, he was furious as well as "hurt". "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. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. [13] Guralnick adds "The Colonel joked that they looked like a bunch of old men, but the Memphis Mafia had become almost as well known around town as Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack" and that Elvis and his guys were all "living on speed and tranqs". See Photos. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. He said they were all just alike, basically. Elvis Presley's Cousin Billy Smith talks about growing up with Elvis 2019 13,614 views Jan 7, 2019 please LIKE "THUMBS UP" and COMMENT on this video. They've been married for years. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Please share his story with us. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. As I place my hand upon your heart, "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? 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. On the other hand, by clicking only on accept strictly necessary cookies, you will receive non-targeted advertising whose number and repetition will not be limited. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. That seems very strange. We could talk about anything, and we did! Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! 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. He was my hero. EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Presley's rapid financial deterioration was partly a result of his divorce from Priscilla, which was finalized on October 9, 1973, as well as Colonel Tom Parker's exorbitant percentage of Presley's earnings. You can unsubscribe at any time. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. See Photos. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. [10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers." I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. . Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. What Elvis serious about changing things? 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. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! However, he was just a boy at the time. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. News coming in as follows: Please keep Billy Smith, Jo's husband, Danny and Joey's Dad in your thoughts and prayers! Refresh and try again. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. 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 ! Calendar planner 2022-2023. We promised each other. 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. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. Larry was his hair dresser. 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. "[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. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. 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. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. 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. "[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. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. Corral. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. 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. Can you tell us if this is true? Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. Elvis was very intelligent. He was Junior's brother. Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. No, hes not, Thompson continued. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. 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"! Episode 77. That's the reason I've never remarried. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." They roared with laughter. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. Rickeap. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Those guys were always around". I dont know why, Billy says in the video. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. For we who know, know it well, Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Top. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Then during the touring we were together all the time. Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? 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. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. Want to Read. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. July 4, 1956. 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. or. Presleys cousin is eight years younger but spent 34 years of his life in the company of the famous singer before he passed away in 1977. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. 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"). It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. 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. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. "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. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. 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. But, he never criticized other religions either. However, he was just a boy at the time. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. One family member of Elvis Presley has revealed just how much work and how far the King of Rock and Roll went to make sure he looked his best. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. . For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. 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