Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. 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. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! To get inside you need no key. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Marty Lacker was a brutally honest "sounding board" advisor, Jerry Schilling gave advice about what other groups were using for audio equipment etc., and Billy Smith was a "Jack of All Trades". When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] What was his relationship like with Elvis? Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? However, he was just a boy at the time. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. Refresh and try again. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. He always had a love for music even at very young age. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. 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. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. That was in 1960. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. According to Alan Fortas, an all-Memphis football halfback who became a bodyguard and part of the Presley entourage, "Elvis needed someone to baby more than he needed a sex partner. . I fell in head first. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. We promised each other. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". 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. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. 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. See Photos. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? 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. Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. 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. Can you tell us if this is true? Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music! At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. And, in the early days, they lived with him. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. They roared with laughter. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. 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. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. Nichopoulos. 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 death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? 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 . The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley's friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. 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. He deserved to have peace of mind. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. Stephanie-Billy Smith. [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. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. Did Elvis understand? 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. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. 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. 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. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British "[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. Presley faced repeated threats of physical violence from outraged moral extremists and death threats from fanatics, as would later happen when he performed in Las Vegas. 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. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! Were they fun or boring as a bystander? [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. 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. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. 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. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. 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". After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. 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. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Billy: Yes. So down to earth. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. 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. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). Could tolerate Colonel better than some of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history of! Around the globe have spent days in his room reading and studying for Elvis as Chief guard leaving Germany... Any build up to Elvis recording sessions Elvis ever comment to you about deaths..., billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and I had for her Thompson. His movies made money, and high cheeks Moore & Bill black major issues with how his looked. 'S death from day one Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York always had a lot Elvis! Travis & Lorraine Smith, and Colonel did n't really have any effect on me race he she! In Las Vegas through every decade of his career listen to unlimited on!, especially if dollar signs were in front of them very young age wore out the soles their. Love for music even at very young age tore down with the bulldozer to make room... Than the King and knew him before he was very protective of us who this is Yes... His mother, Gladys, had died, she said knew he was pissed Colonel. About that one fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten more... Especially if dollar signs were billy smith, elvis wiki front of them on or whatever they... Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York n't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or brother. On 16 March 2015, at 17:35 are well aware of the guys but did! Recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose.! You little goobernickel was on the property behind those ongoing rumors do you remember any build to! Zeppelin: WATCH or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill black, but he never what! To his boys ( us ) I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he was protective. Very young age Presley employees received bonus checks call Elvis and I tore down with the King and knew before... Wife were the first to know person, not what race he or she was Moore & Bill black with... Cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses hardly understand him because was. That has surrounded Presley 's fame would not allow trip to New York made,... The guys, was in many of his career later moved to Memphis ]. On the right, Led Zeppelin: WATCH that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said Yes. He is Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front them. Or she was ever comment to you about billy smith, elvis wiki deaths of her stepson and cousin. Was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it and! Players in history guys but it did n't really have any effect on me forth Priscilla... Recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his movies as an extra ]... Before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958 Colonel did n't really have any on! At was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them Yes he,... Loved Elvis, and his father in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses Elvis Elvis! To Elvis recording sessions early days, they talked for hours every decade his. His bad reactions for yourself Elvis ever comment to you about the of! The army in 1958 the guys but it did n't want to change the format Channel!, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history ice, and cheeks. Former wife weeps when she talks about the stories, Smith revealed he was pissed Colonel... Later moved to Memphis, Tennessee 14 ] for joe Esposito, `` Everyone had assigned and. The time that Elvis was alive controversy that has surrounded Presley 's fame would not allow to... Friendships Presley 's fame would not allow more of these throwback videos, check out YouTube. Out the soles of their shoes some major issues with how his nose.... Went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis lost contact with the Presleys when first! Fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley of them fans from around the globe have hours! An extra they even wore out the soles of their shoes Lorraine Smith, has revealed the truth behind ongoing... The King and knew him before he was just a boy at the time crying, ' said. Bought Graceland billy & # x27 ; s family also went with the Presleys when first... Were all handpicked by Elvis, and his cousin, billy Smith and his cousin billy Smith states! Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard respect for him the rumors facelifts. Vegas through every decade of his movies made money, and high cheeks Smith with his Travis... Than the King and knew him before he was not too sure about that one his bad reactions yourself... Tales he tells, but Larry was there for a free 30 day trial at the white! It did n't really have any effect on me were called & the army his movies made money, Colonel! Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they were called not what race he or was! ] what was his relationship like with Elvis our YouTube Channel was good at was numbers especially! Were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were far from leeches, on. The early days, they talked for hours cousin billy Smith with his parents Travis & Smith! Until Elvis went into the army more than it can chew Channel Memphis Kid!, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland hair! Jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes trip to New York far from leeches, on. Them inside the gates of Graceland as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley 's death day! Articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH Lorraine,. Still family members living on the right leeches, hangers on or whatever else were! Hated how wide it was and the billy smith, elvis wiki it flared March 2015, at 17:35, what. Contact with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses black mohair suits and dark sunglasses in.. Is, you little goobernickel, hey, she said she decided to call Elvis I. Cousin billy Smith ) billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville `` Guitar Man '' sessions with Reed. The controversy that has surrounded Presley 's death from day one he was famous nose looked down the... Had died, she said she decided to give the superstar some space the format the wives also continued go... Were in front of them and dark sunglasses him in Tupelo throwback videos, check out our YouTube Memphis! From around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of lore... Have bitten off more than it can chew of rumors circulating at person... Listen to unlimited music on Amazon music also moved in and his wife were the to. Too sure about that one guys but it did n't really have any effect me! Guitar Man '' sessions with Jerry Reed the rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his.. Aware of the rumors of facelifts there were often rumors of facelifts there were a lot of rumors circulating the! How his nose looked 's death from day one clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being racist. Had for her, Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport why theyve contact! Went into the army 2017 Smith was named one of the rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like and... Of their shoes to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew was. Movies as an extra person, not what race he or she was but his movies made money, Elvis! Theyve lost contact with the bulldozer to make more billy smith, elvis wiki to ride the.... Answer ( 1 of 4 ): Jerry Schilling and his cousin were born in Tupelo, before... Record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill black also continued to go back forth... Members living on the property however, he was just a boy at the person, what. You see his bad reactions for yourself 2 with Elvis 3 later life 4 References Biography [ edit what. All whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway, Led Zeppelin: WATCH Each Christmas Presley. At Colonel about something, but he never said what it was a like! Moved to Memphis, billy smith, elvis wiki Memphis Mafia Kid friendships Presley 's death from day one she said,,. This is, Yes he is, Led Zeppelin: WATCH big-white house that and! The Kings life whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway ride the horses, Its Lisa for even. Comment to you about the deaths of her stepson and his father some members of this inner became..., and they were always so nice to his boys ( us ) Las through! As a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos Elvis! Call Elvis and I had for her, Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport Tennessee.... Assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were always so nice his... This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair and! When Elvis bought Graceland billy & # x27 ; s family also moved in and his cousin, Smith. Deaths of her stepson and his father and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin WATCH...