We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. Dee Presley was married to the famed singer's father, Vernon, from 1960 -- at the height of Elvis's stardom -- until 1974 when they were divorced. . The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. [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. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Did Elvis understand? When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Georgia came to the rescue of a dog who fell into a storm drain and ended up stranded about 12 feet underground. 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! Were they fun or boring as a bystander? Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. 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." His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. . To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. 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. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. 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. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. 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. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. 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. And you place yours on mine. More info. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! 'He was so wonderful. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. 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.". Can you tell us if this is true? Billy Smith (Billy Smith) "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. "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. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. 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. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. 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? 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. 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. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. He wanted stronger roles. Billy Smith. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. We could talk about anything, and we did! After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. As I said, everyone had a job to do. 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. 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. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. 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? Billy is in the far left of this photo. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. "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. 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. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Larry was his hair dresser. We all loved him and had a job to do. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. At least, he always told me did. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. or. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. 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 ! But, why bust his bubble. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in California, announced applications are now available for owners of aesthetically-challenged canines seeking to prove the unsightliness of their pooches. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. He was more upset and mad over the socks. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. He said they were all just alike, basically. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? blue eyes and lighter skin. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. He said he would see me on his next tour. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. Elvis was very open-minded. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. Billy Smith. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. We talked about religion so much. A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. He always told me that he loved me. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. Priscilla Presley said these employees were paid an average of $250 per week during the 1960s, which rose to $425 per week in the 1970s, however one pay stub does exist that showed a weekly pay of only $35 for the '63-65 era. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) 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. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. "It's just a simple word, you see, I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. Been thanked: 730 times. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. Welcome back. [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 "". The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. Episode 77. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. Sonc Coloring Book: 100+ Sonc Coloring Pages for Boys, Girls, Kids, Ages 4-8, Ages 8-12, Adults to Relax and Have Fun, Great Gift Idea for Sonc Fans! 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. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. Related articles Elvis. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. 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. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. Billy Smith. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. 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