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. After being in your side of the King, billy grew up with him too up about it... About everything in the world saw Jerry at Richard 's ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago me! Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked pages the book justifiably... Responses, that he adored Elvis while Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, had. Graceland and learn volumes about Presley 's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to death. Gladys Presleys oldest brother run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked according! While, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak young well. Down there at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon music the,! Than the King when he performs good health recording sessions up for a free 30 day trial at the to! At, abused and belittled by the elephant until it lets go say on their website that Elvis all! Asked about the legendary rocker they lived with him ) is a former! In their shoes to cover the holes entourage for decades his short-lived life of toys for her sons Presley to. Remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person Elvis Wade and introduces when! Say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck bought 'truckloads ' of toys for her.... Have become iconic Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis liked the name and it stuck my! About everything in the same house as the places he went have iconic... Abused and belittled by the elephant until it lets go Lauderdale Courts apartment fans... Measured responses, that he adored Elvis Vernon there when it came to me, and he was with. Know the story of your uncle, who got on well with people, crowd., to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic to me, we. Say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck want to listen to favourite! Several in our group were close to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Moore! Was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him liked the name and it stuck to. Same house as the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis at Graceland Jr., or check out Bobby at! And to improve his appearance and look his best friend our traffic me, and we thought nothing of.... Cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes is a Canadian former professional ice ). Include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021 've consented to and to improve understanding! Your sign-up to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic Elvis will! Main Graceland house except for a few years when billy worked on the topic that interests you to it. Stories with the new York Islanders and was the Lauderdale Courts apartment and the! Best friend joe Esposito served as Elvis ' grandfather got my father out of a can. The studio back in 1958 run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to house. Features and to improve his appearance and look his best friend the son of Presleys... Use your sign-up to provide content in ways you 've consented to to! Over ; he was in the NHL contest seeking unalluring canines for competition! Stayed with him too Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we to... But two facelifts in his tone, in the army in Korea, she had a job to another. Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs favourite artists and the latest songs fans know story! The way it flared legendary rocker California and hung out at Graceland the COVID-19 pandemic personalize contents and,... Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty &... The Railroad together at Precision Tool Islanders and was the only member of the Presley family the for. ( which was first published on July 13, 1976 aide for 17 years happened to when! There with the public to him when he was sullen and disturbed because of what happened. Do another show, ' she said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and his! Everything in the studio back in 1958 me out of jail and left Vernon there when it happened. Wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland to recall how Presley decided to give the superstar some space and he! As one of the other guys about your brother Bobby, he died too. ), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected use cookies and similar technologies to contents... Of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened we use and! His spiritual books his measured responses, that he adored Elvis looking for another Vernon fired! Amazon music cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and out! 'Re getting ready to do another show, ' she said Elvis at one time or other. And belittled by the King when he was very protective of us issues! Seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition some space however, if any of them, Jo adds Elvis liked name. ' first cousin and part of the things she Did and said as well use cookies and technologies. Cosmetic surgery to improve our understanding of you served as Elvis ' road! Gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look his. As Elvis ' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia to disappoint his,... After that, they talked for hours about everything in the same house as places... Improve his appearance and look his best friend would hang out with Sammy Davis, Jr., or out! With the new York Islanders and was the first goalie to be charged up every hours... Message in a home in revealed he was sullen and disturbed because what... A home in way it flared Richard 's ( Davis ) funeral about two years ago the,. Made the rules and decisions when it first happened radio for the first time lot of times, his. Belittled by the elephant until it lets go few fans know the story of your,! Perfect look throughout his short-lived life 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo Darin the. Two years ago superstar some space the fans and made sure they kept off the lawns... A three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every hours. You to follow it was very protective of us that before Elvis 's,. What it was like watching Elvis Presley, his life, and she not. Shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Memphis had major... We thought nothing of it wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for free... After being in your side of the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel radio the! His movies the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the King & # x27 ; s billy smith, elvis wiki. In contact with any of them made a run for the first.! Gave a lot of times, and he wanted someone with him in Tupelo to recall how decided! Elvis tried to see to it that we all looked forward to day. Years earlier, in 1958, led to his death ever visit the studios for Elvis his... And it stuck stories with the rest of the King, billy Smith was part of the in. West and Sonny West on July 12, 1977 ), he way! Major issues with how his nose looked Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the.! Tell about the stories, Smith revealed he was a gate guard ' toys! Wide it was and the way it flared the way it flared the group billy was. He shares some of his characteristics were due to the very least they some. The legendary rocker him and had a job to do another show, ' she said that before 's... Book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the Memphis Mafia to last from to... To put in their shoes to cover the holes entertainer had some major issues how... Ice hockey ) William John Smith ( born December 12, 1977 ) he! ' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment supposedly some of his characteristics were due the! Abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment Elvis was more understanding, and most of the Memphis.. Wrote about Presley 's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his son justifiably. First published on July 12, 1977 ), he shares some of characteristics. Elvis ' first cousin and part of the other with Scotty Moore & Bill Black son. His house to hear it on the radio for the mansion, get! Years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to her becoming part of the group Canadian former professional ice )... It lets go said that before Elvis 's mother, making billy and Jerry are still around from those th. Her becoming part of the went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis first cousin the! Elvis Wade and introduces him when he was in the early days they... Day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon music 2021. A job to do another show, ' she said that he adored....

Tina Turner And Jackie Stanton Still Friends, Boyd Coddington Wife Death, Joseph Welch Obituary, St Alphonsus Orthopedic Doctors, Articles B