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. READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. He has a variety of sources of income, which has enabled him to rise to the top of the list of the most prominent celebrities in such a short period of time. Gene died a few years ago. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? [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 "". Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. He always had a love for music even at very young age. 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. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. 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. 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"! 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. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. 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. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. Sign Up. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. 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? We had so many memorable times on the set!! That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. How did it come about? Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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". Billy Smith. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. 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. 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.. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. 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. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. All our wives were there. In the years leading up to his purchase of the ranch, Elvis' schedule was heavily focused on film; he starred in 21 feature films released between 1960 and 1967. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. Want to Read. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? We all loved him and had a job to do. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. As I said, everyone had a job to do. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. 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. He loved the power of the big voices. For we who know, know it well, Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Each man had specific duties. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. 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." Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. Billy: He was never fond of working. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! But, he has a sharp memory. 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. He said he would see me on his next tour. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. And you place yours on mine. . 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. And Elvis trusted him. . 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. "[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. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. [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. Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. 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. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Please share his story with us. But stranger things have happened. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. And you who don't can never tell. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. Calendar planner 2022-2023. I'm in terrible pain.' After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. He was talking about how scattered the family was. And, he had unbelievable strength. He always told me that he loved me. 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. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. 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. A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. [12], When Graceland reopened to the public in June of 1982, Smith and his family moved back to Memphis and he took a job at Graceland as tour guide. See Photos. But, he never criticized other religions either. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. 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. To get inside you need no key. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? Actually no, we dont. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. 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"). Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. He had a thirst to learn new things. We could talk about anything, and we did! So, he watched from a distance. ", (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: Elvis loved to read. "[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. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. . He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. As I place my hand upon your heart, He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. 'I could. He liked his guys around him. He trusted us. That seems very strange. He said they were all just alike, basically. Been thanked: 730 times. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. "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. She was always laughing & carrying on. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. 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. Dee and Vernon Presley remained friends after their divorce, she said, and might have gotten back together someday if he had not died in 1979. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. 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