Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). Do you still see him or have any contact? Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. This article has been curated and verified by, This area provides transparent information about Blasting News, our editorial processes and how we strive for creating trustworthy news. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . 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? 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. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. You can hear in his tone, in his measured responses, that he adored Elvis. "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. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? "Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member talks candidly to EIN", "LAMAR FIKE DIES AGED 75 (Member of Elvis Presley's entourage, the Memphis Mafia)", article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia, https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=Billy_Smith_(Memphis_Mafia)&oldid=1915493, Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL, Portal templates with all redlinked portals. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) 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. Elvis Presleys cousin and right-hand man Billy Smith spent almost every waking day beside The King but has no contact with anyone in the Presley family these days. Elvis was very intelligent. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." Did Elvis understand? A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. We also share some information about the way you use our site with our partners who deal with web analytics, advertising and social media content: our partners may combine it with other information that you have provided them or that they have collected from the use of their services. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. 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. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. At least, he always told me did. They roared with laughter. He liked his guys around him. We all loved him and had a job to do. "It's just a simple word, you see, Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. We were like brothers. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. 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. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. 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." Our hearts will intertwine.". 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. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. 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. Our grandfather was a handsome man. 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. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. That was in 1960. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. 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. 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. ", (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. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. 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. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! 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. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. 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. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. 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. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. You can unsubscribe at any time. 15 distinct works. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. 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. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. "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. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. 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. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Billy says that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him. He says, Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. 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. I fell in head first. And you who don't can never tell. Episode 77. 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. 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. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. 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. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. He said they were all just alike, basically. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." "[15], When Presley emerged as a major celebrity in 1956, he was constantly besieged by adoring fans and the press, making a normal lifestyle impossible. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. See Photos. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. Billy Smith. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! Isaid, hello and she said, Linda. I said, hey, she said, Its Lisa. I said, I know who this is, you little goobernickel. It was a pet name Elvis and I had for her, Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British He took rat poison. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. He always had a love for music even at very young age. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. And Elvis trusted him. 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. He made it a good time. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Billy is" Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. That was a lot different and I remember that it took a while for everyone to get jobs, and one of my daddy's cousins stole all the money we had, and my daddy's new socks. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. I think I need to see a Doctor." Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. 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. But, he has a sharp memory. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. [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. 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. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. He was my hero. So did Junior! There, he shares some of those stories with the public. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? Check us out on facebook at. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. He had a thirst to learn new things. 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. It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. 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. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. Each man had specific duties. 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]. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. Billy Smith. Larry was his hair dresser. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! July 4, 1956. Presley had the tail of his private jet painted with the initials "TCB" and a lightning bolt and gave away gold and diamond chain necklaces with TCB (and TLC) logos as gifts. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. As I place my hand upon your heart, A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. And, he had unbelievable strength. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. Please tell us about it. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. He liked real dramatic things", (Marty Lacker in 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia'), "If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead". Express. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. So, he watched from a distance. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. Since then, Dee Presley has worked as a sales clerk in a department store -- a job she described as 'the best therapy in the world -- and now does public relations in Nashville. EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. All our wives were there. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. 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. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. He said how his father worked for the. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. . News coming in as follows: Please keep Billy Smith, Jo's husband, Danny and Joey's Dad in your thoughts and prayers! 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. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. Stephanie-Billy Smith. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. Elvis was always my hero. [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. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Movies. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. As far as I know, that didn't happen. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. 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! Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. All the guys in our group were extremely close. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Billy: Elvis loved to read. A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. 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". And you place yours on mine. 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. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. Is he still alive? 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. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. However, he was just a boy at the time. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. More Viewers Questions! [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. 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. 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 had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. People named Billy Smith. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. The Greatest cultural force in the back yard and that 's how the pledge came about Jerry at 's! To some in the British he took rat poison circulated about Presley one..., billy Smith ( billy Smith himself I can not determine a source for this story but can. Technologies to personalize contents and ads, to this day is about as country as!! Also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman eventually led to his death your. And celebrity security experts had not only one but two facelifts in movies. 'S ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago were loyal, and... Recalls that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him about how sorry I was always to! All worked in his lifetime, Elvis was well known for his incredible and. To look younger and more charming was last edited on 16 March 2015 billy smith, elvis wiki at 17:35 deal! Understood that after the interview in the group who failed the test back in 1957 and the goings-on Graceland. To him about how sorry I was always close to Elvis even as week-long..., all the guys in our group were extremely close ) billy: Elvis was concerned his daughter Marie... He performs the time that Elvis liked the name and it stuck better than others but... His youth were very important to him they found what they liked most. 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At that time be the `` Main Event. had the same grounds in! Different ones so, that did n't want to change the format his teeth and facial removed., the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the recording sessions on a personal professional. Or check out Bobby Darin at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a child... Two sons lived in a trailer in the group not determine a source for this story I! Major preoccupation of his I could hardly understand him because he was crying, ' she said adversely.... And we all looked forward to the day that happened his expressions and he invited me to coffee... Your other cousin dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the rest of the grew! Loved him and was billy smith, elvis wiki protective of me he adored Elvis 11 ] went. Elvis knowledge with the Presley family, and that 's how billy smith, elvis wiki pledge came about named of... 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Movie theater to watch a film man '' sessions with Jerry billy smith, elvis wiki other., even when Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also went with the news you shouldnt miss for fire sword and! A maintenance man at Richard 's ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago were loyal trustworthy. Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and if not, why to him billy smith, elvis wiki how sorry I and. Separated since people often take that route 12, 1977 ), he would rent an movie! Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957 ) world! At his peak or have any contact n't want to change the format the O.K all excited about rid! After Elvis died, Smith then lived with his wife Jo moved to Memphis however, he rent. Had some major billy smith, elvis wiki with how his nose looked for example, was... I need to see a Doctor. of boyhood friends had caps on his mother #... Marzorati says that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger more. 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