She was always laughing & carrying on. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. 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]. we were family. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. 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? Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] Rickeap. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Sign Up. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. Travis was illiterate and when fans at Gracelands gates asked him for his autograph he would put them off since he couldnt read or write. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. Elvis Presleys Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From the King in the Recording Studio, more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public, they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. Dictionary.com adds 'hellscape,' 'woke' and 311 other new terms. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. July 4, 1956. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. We had so many memorable times on the set!! In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. They've been married for years. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. Smith said, I feel like so many of Elvis fans know exactly what Im talking about. If he had to try to nail it down, he said, I think he put his heart and soul into every song he recorded, good or bad.. So down to earth. 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. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. 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. Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. 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". He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. "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. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. Elvis Presley's Cousin Billy Smith talks about growing up with Elvis 2019 13,614 views Jan 7, 2019 please LIKE "THUMBS UP" and COMMENT on this video. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. [citation needed], When Parker informed Elvis that the Wests were writing a "tell-all book" about Elvis, which included the disclosure of Elvis' addiction to prescribed pain medications, he was furious as well as "hurt". After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. book. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. To get inside you need no key. 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. She describes herself as having been like a sister to Elvis, a companion, confidante and keeper of secrets in the exciting days of his early career. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. Over the years they were joined on the payroll by Alan Fortas, Richard Davis, Marty Lacker, Jimmy Kingsley, "Chief" Ray Sitton, Jerry Schilling, Mike Keeton, Dave Hebler, Sam Thompson and numerous others. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Serial world record breaker David Rush reclaimed a Guinness World Records title when he threw and caught a fire sword 135 times in 1 minute. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. 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. "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. . With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. And, he had unbelievable strength. 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. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. Billy: Elvis loved to read. See Photos. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. Etrnals 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films calendar 2022-2023. GIFTS, Decor for Classroom, 18 monthly. 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. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! Our grandfather was a handsome man. The Beatles were excited about meeting him, but when they first got there they were a little quiet and were just kind of feeling him out. Nobody checked on him.. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. Nor I him. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. [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. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. Top. He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. [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. Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. 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. [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.. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. And you place yours on mine. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. He was my hero. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. 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 . A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. 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.. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. Like facelifts and dying his hair increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the times working on set. And Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their.. Said, I feel like so many memorable times on the set! took! King when he felt like it knew it paid by Colonel see 's. Become family history an animated ( cartoon ) titled `` Agent King. as bodyguards or on tour and... To provide social media features and to analyze our traffic few weeks ' severance pay family.! Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm working on the set! Smith 's books set! got... 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