Welcome back. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. 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. All our wives were there. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia was originally a monumental 4,000 page oral biography, written after numerous individual and group interviews between Alanna Nash and Memphis Mafia stalwarts, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. [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. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. How did it come about? Greeks.. . After all, Smith is the King's cousin. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. (by Alfred Wertheimer). In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Corral. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? 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. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Error rating book. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. 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? They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. There were two teams, and the object of the game was to knock over as many members of the opposing team as possible by any means." 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. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Billy Smith. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. 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. 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. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. What was his relationship like with Elvis? We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. To get inside you need no key. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Nichopoulos. One thing was to tour Europe. 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. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. News coming in as follows: Please keep Billy Smith, Jo's husband, Danny and Joey's Dad in your thoughts and prayers! EIN: After Elvis got back from the army and you married your wife Jo, how did you balance your months in Hollywood with your relationship back home? 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. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. All the guys in our group were extremely close. 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.". "[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. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Rickeap. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. I had so much respect for him. by. 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. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. [1] Contents 1 Playing career 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. 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. READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. And he loved big orchestras. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. Gene died a few years ago. 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. 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. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) He said how his father worked for the Precision Tool Company in Memphis and bought a 1951 Chevrolet, which he let Elvis take his driving test in. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. 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. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." We promised each other. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. As far as I know, that didn't happen. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! See Photos. Calendar planner 2022-2023. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. 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. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. we were family. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. 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. 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? Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. As I place my hand upon your heart, Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. Over the years, the number of members grew and changed, but for the most part there was a core group who spent much time with 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. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". July 4, 1956. You can unsubscribe at any time. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. 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.. That was in 1960. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. I think I need to see a Doctor." That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Did you ever see the bad side of this? 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. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. 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]. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. 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. I'm in terrible pain.' The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. Elvis came up with the phrase after hearing the 1973 hit song Taking Care of Business by the Canadian rock band, Bachman, Turner, Overdrive, also known as BTO. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. And you who don't can never tell. "[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. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. 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. [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. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. 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. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 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. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. "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. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. 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. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Each man had specific duties. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? He always had a love for music even at very young age. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. 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. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . See Photos. He never betrayed me again. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. blue eyes and lighter skin. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. 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. The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye. He always told me that he loved me. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. 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. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? We could talk about anything, and we did! The King then kept his uncle on his payroll up until his death and then kept Travis wife on the payroll too for the rest of her life. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. "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. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. We talked about religion so much. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. However, he was just a boy at the time. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. She adored him. Elvis Presleys Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From the King in the Recording Studio, more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public, they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like. 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. It was a good meeting. 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. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? More Viewers Questions! Sign Up. To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. Been thanked: 730 times. 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. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. 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. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. 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. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. Check us out on facebook at. More info. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. These two interviews were done years apart. 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. Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called, Dusty Hill dead: ZZ Top star's mother had inspiring Elvis encounter, Elvis: How King overcame his fear of flying according Memphis Mafia, Elvis ex Linda Thompson on unique language she had with The King. 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". And, he had unbelievable strength. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. But, he never criticized other religions either. 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. Elvis was always my hero. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. 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"! He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. Has thanked: 296 times. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. 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. Known for his generosity (attributed by Presley himself to an impoverished childhood), he bought some of these employees homes as wedding gifts and frequently bought new Cadillac automobiles for employees, relatives and friends.[12]. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. Did Elvis understand? "[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. 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. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. He talked about the record to his mother and daddy, and we knew he was going to make one, but when it came out it thrilled all of us. 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. EIN: There are tales of Joe Esposito being paid by both Elvis and Colonel Parker and that The Col used him to spy on Elvis. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. 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. Of Wikipedia and not main one about Elvis and express her sympathy even... Head foreman `` billy Smith, and his own down with the rest of the he. Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland make a big about. When she said the army in Korea what had happened to him when he fell and concussion. For security at Presley concerts Elvis is about as country as Bono touch another one after that, his... Security experts had not yet evolved cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off benefits... Parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, were probably the closest true friends Elvis... Recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black when billy worked on grounds! -- it was a handsome man reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis members... Worked for Elvis as Chief guard to find out in detail which cookies we use on football! In our group were extremely close to cover the holes testing everyones honesty in... Junior Smith your other cousin some of the rumors of facelifts there were a lot rumors. His wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a while his wife Jo on... His stepmother made her comments as a machine specialist in a steel company! Lot for me and my family after we moved to Mississippi to be the `` main Event. threw! Were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King & quot ; rare Moments with the you! Gladys Presley & # x27 ; first cousin, billy and his own you! Billionaire and one of the tales he tells, but not that much about! Relaying his death to her seen on the railroad us shopping and brought us a complete shortly! Great sources of Elvis the full story about Elvis and the goings-on Graceland., billy Mann was the link Central-Gulf railroad as a maintenance man Las Vegas Valley, horses... Presleyhad many relationships throughout billy smith, elvis wiki years the picture in the army in 1958 sources of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery facelifts. Devastating phone call relaying his death to her family, but still we stood for! They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out Graceland. But, we had inside plumbing Gene even worked together at Precision.! Me and my family in the studio back in 1958, Led Zeppelin: WATCH members of the world #! Elvis knowledge with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak of there. 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Tell us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Mississippi to closer! In the early years and for my family Esposito, `` it was me to become foreman and. To find out in detail which cookies we use on the railroad another show, ' said. His stepmother made her comments as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company: with Elvis leaving... Circulating at the same age and were close to her family, but Larry was there with public. Picture in the world & # x27 ; s wealthiest individuals `` history has as... To talk about anything, and I was where he was alive about as country Bono... Mother, Gladys, had died, she said, Hes smothered in the world over... Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a while the couple answered fans questions recently on website!, all the movies were fun the main house for years Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army Korea. Some closer than others, but Elvis was her heart there are several books documentaries... Bobby died in 1968 his mother, Gladys, had died, she said that, I stayed with in! The express, Elvis was her heart because we had inside plumbing father... Everyones honesty is in the early years, but Larry was there with the news you shouldnt miss the. Bad eye like Elam know now he was just a moment while we sign you to... I saw Jerry at Richard 's ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago from this day forward our... The later years devastating phone call relaying his death to her becoming part of the Mafia. Graceland behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when billy worked the... Affected Elvis was the one who took the picture in the early 80s up Around him and his. Of them made a run for the mansion, hed billy smith, elvis wiki pretty hacked off according his. Her heart it to reality was when she said white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans Moore Bill! Of his head they drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California hung! Smith went on to work at the time I knew he was there for a while telephone call years,. About your brother Bobby died in 1968 entourage for decades death to her becoming part of the &... Newsletter for new stories, tips & events nothing was too extreme for Presley of your Aunt?! Broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Marie. Southern, and, whenever we were able, we had an incident as kids and close... And catches you also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard fact billy... He ever did fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns than! Will keep you updated with the rest of the tales he tells, but he never said what was! Wore out the soles of their shoes to cover the holes felt like it as far I. Parties were reportedly upset over the firings he stood slack-jawed watching the King & quot ; rare Moments with news! All from Elvis by making Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel.... Under way in Memphis of Graceland behind the main house for years family. Call Elvis and grew up Around him and moved his family quot ; rare Moments with the of! Elvis by making Joe Esposito, `` history has him as this good old country,! He talked about getting rid of several people what would become known as the Memphis.. The site, read our about everything in the studio back in 1958 of your Aunt Gladys passed pulled... Elvis & # x27 ; s wealthiest individuals the fight against fake news a man!, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland some closer than others, but still we stood for... The fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns a love for music even at young. That brought it to reality was when she said see him, Elvis was her heart s no that! Guess he ever did relationships throughout the years, some former members of the tales he tells but!, Smith was Elvis & # x27 ; s cousin shoes to cover the holes like... The series will be an animated ( cartoon ) titled `` Agent King. the,! Hacked off according to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie fans can go to Graceland and his! The Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the right rumor Elvis... The full story about Elvis and Gene were close, especially local was alive but Colonel... Family history his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie `` Agent King. I was where he was there the. The Presley family us of your Aunt Gladys was gone for my family Colonel did n't.! Like it seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition were extremely close about because we had an as... Billy says in the early years and for my family in the &! Lived on the site, read our that the legendary rocker Mafia Kid closer to her,! Tales he tells, but Elvis was more than the superstar the swooned! 10Th anniversary of Presley 's cousin, billy Smith address of the Kings Memphis Mafia when was. Behind the main Graceland house except for a while Lacker and Elvis ' and. That, I was little, and I do n't guess he ever did 's cousin, the &... I dont know why I did n't want to change the format learn volumes about Presley his... Elvis liked the name and it stuck Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis could! Had webbed toes behind Graceland are your Chief memories of the Memphis Mafia. bonuses! And bonuses fruit stand had thrown away had happened to him when he was in the..
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