He was Junior's brother. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. And Elvis trusted him. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. He was my hero. Larry was his hair dresser. 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. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. Billy Smith. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. . He was talking about how scattered the family was. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. Billy: Yes. But, why bust his bubble. 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 had so much respect for him. As I said, everyone had a job to do. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). I'm in terrible pain.' Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. They roared with laughter. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. [22] According to Presley's cousin Billy Smith, Elvis got into bed with Smith and his wife Jo "many times at Graceland when we would spend the night there in Lisa's room, or on tour in the hotel, and at the trailer on the property at Graceland. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. "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. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. Has thanked: 296 times. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. Elvis was very open-minded. "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. . Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. . "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. They've been married for years. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. 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. We had so many memorable times on the set!! The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. About Elvis Presley, Smith said, When Elvis was on stage, somehow he had a way of bringing you into his world. That was also true when he performed in the studio. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. 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. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. 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. 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"). Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! GIFTS, Decor for Classroom, 18 monthly. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. Episode 77. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. The King died in 1977. 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. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Dee Presley was married to the famed singer's father, Vernon, from 1960 -- at the height of Elvis's stardom -- until 1974 when they were divorced. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. 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. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. How did it come about? And you place yours on mine. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. What was his relationship like with Elvis? 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. [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.. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. or. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. 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. Posts: 1808. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music! 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. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Billy is in the far left of this photo. 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". At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. (by Alfred Wertheimer). [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 "". Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. [13] Guralnick adds "The Colonel joked that they looked like a bunch of old men, but the Memphis Mafia had become almost as well known around town as Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack" and that Elvis and his guys were all "living on speed and tranqs". 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. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! 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"! Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) Those guys were always around". Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? book. And was late for work many times. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. 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. . He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. 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. 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. 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. He liked his guys around him. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Billy Smith. Stephanie-Billy Smith. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. 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 spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." For both his security needs and touring support, Presley hired people chosen from among those he could trust and depend on to manage his public appearances. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. 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. "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. 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. Error rating book. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. 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. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. 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. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. He deserved to have peace of mind. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Sometimes he would have a bad dream and come looking for me to talk to, and he would actually fall asleep in our bed with us. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. He said it would teach him a lesson. Thus family members and friends of his youth were very important to him. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. And, he had unbelievable strength. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. 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. More Viewers Questions! When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer 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. 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