billy smith, elvis wiki
Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer 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. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? Known for his generosity (attributed by Presley himself to an impoverished childhood), he bought some of these employees homes as wedding gifts and frequently bought new Cadillac automobiles for employees, relatives and friends.[12]. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. She adored him. He was Junior's brother. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. 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. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. Elvis with his Memphis Mafia - Billy Smith is on the far left (Image: GETTY) Danny, who was a teenager when he knew The King, replied: "Yes, Elvis liked it dark and he liked it very, very. [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". Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. Marty Lacker was a brutally honest "sounding board" advisor, Jerry Schilling gave advice about what other groups were using for audio equipment etc., and Billy Smith was a "Jack of All Trades". She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. According to Alan Fortas, an all-Memphis football halfback who became a bodyguard and part of the Presley entourage, "Elvis needed someone to baby more than he needed a sex partner. EIN: There are tales of Joe Esposito being paid by both Elvis and Colonel Parker and that The Col used him to spy on Elvis. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. Billy Smith. 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. Corral. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. 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. 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"). 'He was so wonderful. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. See Photos. However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. She was always laughing & carrying on. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? Billy: He was never fond of working. 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. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Our hearts will intertwine.". He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. 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. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. Presley had the tail of his private jet painted with the initials "TCB" and a lightning bolt and gave away gold and diamond chain necklaces with TCB (and TLC) logos as gifts. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. All our wives were there. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. For we who know, know it well, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. Nichopoulos. But, he has a sharp memory. 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. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. 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. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. ", (Mark Feeney on the 'Elvis meets Nixon' meeting), "especially in the South, they talk about Elvis and Jesus in the same breath", "The image is one thing and the human being is anotherit's very hard to live up to an image", (Elvis Presley, Madison Square Garden press conference, 1972), "Elvis was a major hero of mine. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. "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. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Incredible as it sounds that after more than four decades since his passing that details surrounding Elvis Presley are still one of the most sought after and popular topics. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) 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. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Each man had specific duties. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. 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. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. 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. As I place my hand upon your heart, But stranger things have happened. Then during the touring we were together all the time. He said they were all just alike, basically. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. EIN: After Elvis got back from the army and you married your wife Jo, how did you balance your months in Hollywood with your relationship back home? They roared with laughter. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. Billy Smith. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. Is he still alive? Refresh and try again. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. We had to eat turnip greens for a month. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. We promised each other. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. "[3], Among "the first to live, travel and play with Elvis" were cousins Red West and Sonny West,[4] as well as Billy Smith (who was with Elvis from the start to the end and the only original member still with Elvis after 1976), Charlie Hodge, Mevlana Hezri, and Joe Esposito. He loved the power of the big voices. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. 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. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. He always told me that he loved me. People named Billy Smith. Calendar planner 2022-2023. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. 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. 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. Billy is" Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. These two interviews were done years apart. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). "It's just a simple word, you see, https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. 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. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. We were like brothers. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. [citation needed], Elvis' expenses were increasing at an alarming rate, and there were complaints and threats of lawsuits about the manner in which the Wests interacted with fans. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. See Photos. He said how his father worked for the. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. However, in reality, even if Elvis Presley did allegedly fake his own death in 1977, today, he would be a very old man, so the odds are that even so, he most likely would not be alive today. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. He wanted stronger roles. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. 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. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? 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. However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. Billy Smith. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. I dont know how you can look any better, but he did., RELATED: Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Elvis also dyed his hair jet black often. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. 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