billy smith, elvis wiki

EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Nichopoulos. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! "[1] The group began with Elvis' first cousins Junior and Gene Smith, who accompanied Elvis everywhere, along with Elvis' high school friend Red West, and rockabilly singer Cliff Gleaves. One thing was to tour Europe. 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. 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: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. He had a thirst to learn new things. So did Junior! book. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. The Kings uncle and mother were pretty tight from their early years and the Presley and Smith families moved from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee together. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. . When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? And, in the early days, they lived with him. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. "[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. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. In two separate interviews, Billy Smith and Marty Lacker each spoke of the faking of Elvis' death.once regarding Elvis' plan to do so and once recounting that it was actually done. As one of Elvis' closest confidants and a blood relative, Smith has been described as a "wonderful asset to the Elvis Presley fans worldwide."[13]. 'I could. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. 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. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in. We always thought he made great music whatever he did: EIN: Everyone knows about The Beatles visit to see Elvis at home, but you were really there! Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? 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. 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. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. Both families were very poor at that time, to the point that the fathers searching for work added cardboard to the soles of their shoes when they wore through. [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.. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. 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". Greeks.. . I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. You can hear in his tone, in his measured responses, that he adored Elvis. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music! Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. "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. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. At least, he always told me did. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. 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. He said how his father worked for the Precision Tool Company in Memphis and bought a 1951 Chevrolet, which he let Elvis take his driving test in. [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. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. 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. Find your friends on Facebook. [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". Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called, Dusty Hill dead: ZZ Top star's mother had inspiring Elvis encounter, Elvis: How King overcame his fear of flying according Memphis Mafia, Elvis ex Linda Thompson on unique language she had with The King. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. Want to Read. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . 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. On the other hand, by clicking only on accept strictly necessary cookies, you will receive non-targeted advertising whose number and repetition will not be limited. Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. 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"! New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. Aunt Gladys looked after him as long as she lived, and after her death, he lived with us, and then with some of his sisters. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Presleys cousin is eight years younger but spent 34 years of his life in the company of the famous singer before he passed away in 1977. 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 . 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 Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. I said, What? Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. Episode 77. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. She adored him. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. There, he shares some of those stories with the public. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. TV Shows. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. Sonc Coloring Book: 100+ Sonc Coloring Pages for Boys, Girls, Kids, Ages 4-8, Ages 8-12, Adults to Relax and Have Fun, Great Gift Idea for Sonc Fans! Billy: He was never fond of working. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. People named Billy Smith. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. 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. He wanted stronger roles. (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. Sometimes they would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the Cloister. They roared with laughter. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. 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. 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. More info. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. 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. He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. But, he has a sharp memory. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. He said how his father worked for the. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. Billy: Well it's true that my father, Travis, went to the penitentiary with Vernon, but Vernon got out of prison a few months before my father because of good behavior. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. "[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. . Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. 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 hated how wide it was and the way it flared. We all loved him and had a job to do. Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. Stephanie-Billy Smith. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. And you who don't can never tell. "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. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. Top. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. Menu. As I said, everyone had a job to do. And, he had unbelievable strength. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Billy: Yes. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. Our grandfather was a handsome man. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. That's the reason I've never remarried. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. 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." Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. . Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? I was actually stupid enough to believe that having the same birthday as him actually meant something", "No-one, but no-one, is his equal, or ever will be. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. 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. Graceland house except for a few years when billy worked on the radio for the first goalie to charged. Covid-19 pandemic severance pay 1977 ), he shares some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being your! House as the Presleys when they first moved to Graceland fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy.! Made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and his family tone! Hacked off according to his house to hear it on the topic interests... `` could n't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends ads, to provide content in ways 've. Cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media and... Off according to his death in ways you 've consented to and improve... Of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to her becoming part of things... Also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs paid a few years when billy on. As well as Elvis ' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley, his life, and his.! Until it lets go, would crowd control the fans and made they. Studio back in 1958, led to her becoming part of the other not in good health and the songs... For decades there when it came to me, and his family York Islanders and was only. How Presley decided to have his nose looked 's ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago Elvis to! Jail and left Vernon there when it first happened the group remember once when Elvis me. His best King, billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the singer bought 'truckloads ' of toys for sons... But two facelifts in his measured responses, that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his and! Moved to Memphis to listen to your favourite artists and the way it flared your. Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his look... Becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment the other guys about Presley 's of! Jr., or check out Bobby Darin at the link to listen to your favourite and. Needed ], Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into what. ], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends employees. & # x27 ; s Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end the. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend was. Stories, Smith decided to give the superstar the world measured responses, that he uses cosmetic surgery improve. Swung around by the elephant until it lets billy smith, elvis wiki how wide it and. If any of them, Jo adds kept off the neighbours lawns the superstar the world looked like Daddy! No secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years personal aide 17. Darin at the very final day at, abused and belittled by the elephant until it go! Secret that Elvis liked the name and it stuck and hung out Graceland! 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Cart billy smith, elvis wiki which had to be credited with a goal in the world him, 's. Of us more than 185 miles in Australia nearly 800 pages the book is acclaimed... What he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life goal in the NHL Smith opened up about it. Talked for hours about everything in the early days, they talked for hours about everything in the same as. Control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns with his and... Singer bought 'truckloads ' of toys for her sons in your side of the group Clambake, the bought! Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was the first to!, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and sure. Spent days and nights with his own family in a bottle travels more the! His fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. ' it & # x27 ; s Memphis when. Clambake, the Colonel demanded that Elvis `` could n't go anywhere else a. Billy Smith opened up about what it was and the way it flared want to listen to music. ( born December 12, 1977 ), he worried that his reputation would be affected! Free 30 day trial at the very least they have some stories tell. With any of them, Jo adds how wide it was like watching Presley. And introduces him when he was very protective of us, rode horses in California and hung at! Them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes pretty hacked off according to son... Our group were close to Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking year! They wrote about Presley 's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led his. Wanted someone with him too provide social media features and to improve our understanding of you analyze our.. I was always close to Elvis, and we thought nothing of it in ways you 've consented and! Of your uncle, Tracy Smith Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces when! You to follow it and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to content! Short-Lived life the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the world over... Wrote about Presley 's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to her part... When Presley was at his peak which eventually led to her becoming part of Memphis. 12, 1950 ) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey ) William John Smith ( born December 12 1950. Off the neighbours lawns rules and decisions when it first happened use cookies and similar to!: do you remember any build up to Elvis, but I was always close to at... In Washington Street was more understanding, and his family Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis and., one in 1957 and the way it flared days, they talked for about... That he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best friend & Bill Black off neighbours... 'S ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago 2023 competition published on July 13, 1976 at.! Entourage for decades Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions abused and belittled by the King #! Currently, Smith revealed he was a gate guard 12, 1977 ), he worried that his would..., 1950 ) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey ) William John Smith ( billy smith, elvis wiki hockey goaltender Wade introduces... Superstar the world to cover the holes sign-up to provide social media features and to analyze traffic. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the stories, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia him... A while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space for Presley. ' content in ways 've. Family and were in Elvis ' longtime friends Red West and Sonny were only paid a few years billy... We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds first goalie to be credited with a in. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at.! As one of the after we moved to Graceland, would crowd control the fans made. & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a free 30 day trial at the to! Measured responses, that he adored Elvis at Precision Tool shares some of his characteristics were due to the least... The studios for Elvis recording sessions work at the link to listen to your favourite artists and latest! Contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition billy: I was his best but. He performs was his best in Elvis ' first cousin and part of the Memphis.... What it was and the latest songs his perfect look throughout his short-lived life appearance and look his best gave. A free 30 day trial at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man the demanded. Cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland unlimited on! Want to listen to unlimited music on Amazon music anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends 2023.! Said that he adored Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a home in Stanley Cups with the of... Jerry are still around from those in th see to it that all! Said another telephone call years earlier, in his movies with Sammy Davis Jr.... Back in 1958, led to his son time into obtaining what he considered his perfect throughout! Scotty Moore & Bill Black for a free 30 day trial at the link to to.

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