"[12] Marty went on to say, "Most of us were not there for the money, we were there because we all cared about Elvis and each other like brothers. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. July 4, 1956. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. 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. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. blue eyes and lighter skin. "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. Gene died a few years ago. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' 'He was so wonderful. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Beatles came to Elvis' house at 525 Perugia Way in Bel Air, and we all sat around and talked, and they were extremely nice. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. 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. All the guys in our group were extremely close. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. Movies. Billy Smith. 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? I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. 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. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. He said it would teach him a lesson. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. Has thanked: 296 times. As I place my hand upon your heart, 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. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. 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. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. 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. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. And Elvis trusted him. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. or. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. 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. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. 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. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. 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. 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." DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Each man had specific duties. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. Elvis and his friends got out of the two cars and someone in the crowd yelled, "Who are they, the Mafia?" Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. The Smith family collection includes a toy car from Elvis's childhood that was given to Billy Smith by Gladys Presley, a pair of lamps purchased by Elvis on one of his shopping sprees for the . [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. 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. 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"! They've been married for years. 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. 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. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. (2002) Live in Las Vegas is a four-disc box set by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, released in July 2001 on RCA Records, catalogue 07863 69354-2. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. . Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. But, he has a sharp memory. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. 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. Do you still see him or have any contact? Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. "[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. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. And you who don't can never tell. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Welcome back. Among Memphis natives, he was most known for renting out the entire Memphis amusement park Libertyland in order to ride his favorite roller coaster the Zippin Pippin. Elvis was always my hero. . ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. See Photos. 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 Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. However, he was just a boy at the time. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? Did Elvis understand? Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. Billy is" Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. And, in the early days, they lived with him. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. 'I could. EIN: And what of Vernon? The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. 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. Error rating book. Posts: 1808. EIN regularly gets asked questions relating to Billy Smith & his life with Elvis, so we sincerely thank him for taking time out of his busy life for this long interview. Menu. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. But, he never criticized other religions either. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. book. 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. [GRACELAND UPSTAIRS]Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called[LISA MARIE], Jo shared: He actually was there [as a Graceland guard] until he became ill and couldnt work anymore and Elvis retired himhed had a stroke.. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. 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. We promised each other. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. 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. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. See Photos. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. Express. 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