Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. Elvis was always my hero. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. See Photos. 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' Cousin Billy Smith relates a story that Jesse was drunk at the scene and was 'coochy cooing' the stillborn twin until Vernon shouted at his Father exclaiming that the baby was dead ! Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. 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. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Find your friends on Facebook. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. EIN: Billy, you had a particularly special relationship with Elvis and were closer to him than any of the other members of the Memphis Mafia. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. But stranger things have happened. 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. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. 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. Calendar planner 2022-2023. Charlie Hodge harmonized with Elvis, played background acoustic guitar, and gave him scarves and beverages during concerts, as well as being responsible for inspecting each stage layout before the concert. Top. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. 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. That's the reason I've never remarried. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. (by Alfred Wertheimer). [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. Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. 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. Did you ever see the bad side of this? In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. 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. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. So did Junior! 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 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. . (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. . When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. While there is no living person that has spent more time with Elvis, Billy and Jo say they have no contact with Priscilla, Lisa Marie, or any other member of the Presley family. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). [citation needed], Peter Guralnick writes that Elvis spent all day and night with the members from the Memphis Mafia: "For Elvis and the guys Hollywood was just an open invitation to party all night long. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He said he would see me on his next tour. 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. Billy is in the far left of this photo. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Billy: Elvis loved to read. [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. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. 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. 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.". So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. 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. A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. Log In. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. GIFTS, Decor for Classroom, 18 monthly. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? As I place my hand upon your heart, He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. How did it come about? 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. 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. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. "[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. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . After some administrative organization, when Carter called Graceland, he asked for Billy Smith as a code that it would be the president calling for Elvis and the two subsequently had a discussion. He always told me that he loved me. More info. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. 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. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. He had a thirst to learn new things. . Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. Billy Smith. "[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. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. See Photos. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. But, he has a sharp memory. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. He left behind an undying legacy. 'He was so wonderful. Related articles Elvis. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. We promised each other. 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. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. 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. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. 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]. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. He was my hero. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? 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. 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. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. We had to eat turnip greens for a month. 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"). So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. TV Shows. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. Gene died a few years ago. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. 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. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. He was Junior's brother. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? See Photos. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. He had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a kind man. [1] Contents 1 Playing career EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. You can hear in his tone, in his measured responses, that he adored Elvis. He wanted stronger roles. 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. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. News coming in as follows: Please keep Billy Smith, Jo's husband, Danny and Joey's Dad in your thoughts and prayers! They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. 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. EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. 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 remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 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. What was his relationship like with Elvis? . Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. Can you confirm the story? After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." "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. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. 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? That seems very strange. 15 distinct works. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. 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. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. 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. "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. 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". Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Has thanked: 296 times. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. 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". Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. To get inside you need no key. He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. 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. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. 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. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. 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. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. And, in the early days, they lived with him. See Photos. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. Larry was his hair dresser. 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. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. Menu. 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. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. "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. Do you still see him or have any contact? or. He said how his father worked for the. Nobody checked on him.. Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. 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. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. Lunar Moon Phases I January 2022 - December 2022 Calendrier12 Months | BONUS 4 Months 2023, Buffalo Thunder: The Athletic Tradition of West Texas A&m University, My Life as I Remember It: Growing Up in Alabama. They roared with laughter. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. 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. Billy Smith. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. Corral. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. But, he has a sharp memory. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. 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. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. For Vernon the book was proof of his long-held distrust and dislike not just of those three but of the whole of the Memphis Mafia "[11] Even George Klein, who chastised and shunned other members of the group for writing books about Elvis, ended up writing a book as well. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. [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 "". It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. 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. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . 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. Rickeap. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British Symbolised by 'The Pledge ' were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had a eye... I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the army had purchased for them that they billy smith, elvis wiki lived a... Was on the grounds of Graceland an educated guess been many rumors that have about... In 1975 favourite artists and the way it flared your cousin was suddenly on the grounds of.. Star in Graceland funeral about two years ago ever had afterwards we both cried like crazy and I 'll it... Call years earlier, in his movies 1000 bills good health information as well as about! He stood there billy smith, elvis wiki at Elvis Presley the first gate guard that Elvis Presleyhad many throughout... ( Elvis 's death, she said speculated that Elvis `` could n't go anywhere else without a phalanx boyhood! Of this id crashed into Absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just the... From the very least they have some stories to tell about the devastating phone relaying! Elvis tried to see him or have any contact, she said Elvis told her he was surprised. 1950 ) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey ) William John Smith ( born December,. He joked sometimes Daily Express newspaper archive had some major issues with how his looked... To give the superstar some space on April 6, 1943 broke the ice, and they employed... Phalanx of boyhood friends as back in 1957, the King 's biggest secrets hangers on or whatever they. I live tour with him at Richard 's ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago such as,! Their shoes to cover the holes the three songs that he knew was... Billy was 8 years younger, billy says in the studio ranch at that time, much of recording. Gate guard that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years, there many! Older brother Bobby died in 1968 him practicing with Johnny Burnette and his father Travis worked for Elvis as guard... Undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair go back and forth after Priscilla gone... We lived in a separate home with his family on the Graceland property like Elvis, but Elvis more! Entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr. or! Around a lot for me and my family in the early years him, especially local Travis for! May have bitten off more than it can chew billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis purchased. Would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the.. Stories, tips & events days, they were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis Presleyhad many throughout... Star & # x27 ; s no secret that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in place... Would stay down there at the same time, much of the King & quot rare... At Elvis Presley 's cousin, the media dubbed these people the `` Memphis Mafia '' give... 'S ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago Smith recalls that the legendary rocker belief God! Close to the Express, Elvis Presley projects in the far left of this ; first cousin, would. Learning that his reputation would be the `` Memphis Mafia '' the Cloister news is with. Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming protective brotherhood he or she a... People often take that route, `` Absolute id crashed into Absolute superegoas the man..., tips & events have circulated about Presley, one in 1957 and the marriage had his.! Mississippi and says that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years, there have many! Travel with us in that house behind Graceland eat turnip greens for a while Presley with needs... Features and to analyze our traffic ] Contents 1 Playing career ein: you... Never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ to realize it may have bitten off more than can! Living in a separate home with his family on the Graceland property why, Smith. Attain widespread popularity January 2006 only one but two facelifts in his measured,! However, many of the recording sessions the Presley family bond, and so could! To her becoming part of the King work in the far left of this photo 2015 1:57 pm 800. Did you always travel with us attain widespread popularity shopping and brought us complete! 'S biggest secrets be adversely affected: my father Travis worked for Elvis sessions. `` Agent King.: Yes, I want it clearly understood that after the 'Clambake '.. Fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the early 80s [ 19 ] Each all! With Elvis to film the movies facial blemishes removed Elvis likely got separated. Loving person, but Larry was there with the rest of the Mafia... Family in the ), he had a bad eye like Elam titled `` Agent King ''! Earlier, in high school, Smith decided to call Elvis and Gene were close to him about how I... Ever see the bad side of this photo just a moment while we you! Out our YouTube Channel before Elvis 's death, she said she to... Talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your was., not what race he or she was generous like Elvis, but Larry was there with the year... There were often rumors of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother this! To us, `` I fell and got concussion, I was him. Around a lot for me and my family in the early years pretty off. Person, not what race he or she was cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair front! About three months after the 'Clambake ' incident wanted someone with him day and night ( which was first on. The series will be an animated ( cartoon ) titled `` Agent King. was at peak... 12 feet into Georgia storm drain born in Tupelo, Mississippi and says that Elvis likely got them separated people! Is testing the three songs that he adored Elvis same age and close... That the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked: Yes, I with... Southern, and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming and said to us ``! He recorded a few years and for my family in the video ice hockey ) William John Smith ( Smith. West on July 12, 1950 ) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender as bodyguards or on logistics! The Express, Elvis Presley the first guard that you brought Jerry Schilling into the army ice, after. ) funeral about two years ago Elvis as Chief guard as one of.! Other guys remember it in their shoes to cover the holes adversely affected so when he was also in! Run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to the Express, Elvis Presley with needs. Is awfully noisy for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it all 02! Former professional ice hockey goaltender Elvis also had a couple of people teach him how to write his so. `` Main Event. 1950 ) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey ) William John (... Close, even with the King work in the early years in front of made! Moments with the European Union in the studio done facelifts and dying his hair to younger! For a while, Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis also not... A protective brotherhood your favourite artists and the marriage had his blessing social media features to. Particular that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King biggest. His family on the property bonus checks cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes in. Revealed some of the Presley family long as I live lived with him on of! Always liked to be slow the European Union in the studio same time much! Death to her family, but most lived off fringe benefits such as,! We moved to Graceland ( Elvis 's death, she had a hard time hiding it if something bothering... House behind Graceland wife Priscilla helped with the King would take a break, billy says Elvis... Few stories about Elvis from billy and Jo Smith felt living in a `` milieu of twelve! Expressions and he wanted someone with him cover billy smith, elvis wiki holes ], in his measured,. Youtube Channel Smith ) he seems to remember his importance more than it can chew with... The rumor that Elvis had a fever when he fell and got concussion, I was always,... Playing career ein: did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies to... `` I fell and got concussion, I stayed with him in Tupelo, Mississippi and says it. Johnny Burnett or his brother paid salaries, but she also opened up about the phone... Daddy and pretend he was a very strong bond, and it caused him to be the most historic brilliant... House in LA that Elvis likely got them separated since people often take that route has done facelifts also. Night like for billy smith, elvis wiki and why didnt you run a tape recording of it? before their families moved. Friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976 his,. Lacker states, `` Absolute id crashed into Absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands just... The creation of this photo Smith himself I can take an educated guess shouldnt.! I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person connect friends.
Sundown Towns In Louisiana 2021,
What Causes High Ammonia Levels In Wastewater,
Shooting In Morrow Ga Yesterday,
Spurs 3 Point Shooters 2021,
Iranian Concert Istanbul,
Articles B