billy smith, elvis wiki

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. There were two teams, and the object of the game was to knock over as many members of the opposing team as possible by any means." Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . 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. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. She adored him. [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. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. He said he would see me on his next tour. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? He was talking about how scattered the family was. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. 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. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. He always had a love for music even at very young age. Did Elvis understand? Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. 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. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. Another was his father Vernons sister Aunt Delta, who was widowed and actually lived at the mansion until her death in 1993, over a decade after tours began. 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. And, he had unbelievable strength. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Thats it. blue eyes and lighter skin. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. See Photos. As I said, everyone had a job to do. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. READ MORE:Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. [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. [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Elvis came up with the phrase after hearing the 1973 hit song Taking Care of Business by the Canadian rock band, Bachman, Turner, Overdrive, also known as BTO. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. . Find your friends on Facebook. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. They roared with laughter. 'He was so wonderful. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. 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. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. 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." For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! He talked about the record to his mother and daddy, and we knew he was going to make one, but when it came out it thrilled all of us. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Elvis and Parker discussed offering the Wests a monetary settlement in return for a written agreement the book would not be published, and their experiences with Elvis, on stage and off would remain confidential. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). 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. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. [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.. . Larry was his hair dresser. [5], Smith was one of Elvis' closest friends and confidantes, and the two would talk for hours up in Elvis' bedroom at Graceland, even acting out Monty Python scenes. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. At least, he always told me did. Posts: 1808. EIN: Theres a lot of rubbish printed about Elvis being racist, some coming from that faked quote that was printed in a newspaper in the fifties. When Smith became old enough he worked for Elvis as well as a member of the Memphis Mafia, eventually living at Graceland separately from his family. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? Gene died a few years ago. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Writing Lines Exploring The Tedious Yet Creative Punishment, Why It Is So Unusual To Find An Original Bob Ross Painting. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. Related articles Elvis. TV Shows. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! As far as I know, that didn't happen. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. He made it a good time. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. But stranger things have happened. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. Only Billy and Jerry are still around from those in th. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. 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. Had Elvis used a trained financial supervisor who knew how to invest then he wouldnt have had to work so hard in his final years. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. Many people were employed with the group through the years but some of the more prominent members were Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Richard Davis, Red West, Sonny West, Dave Hebler, Al Strada, Dr. Nick, Larry Geller, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Schilling, Sam Thompson and Gene Smith. Been thanked: 730 times. He said how his father worked for the. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. Do you still see him or have any contact? Presley's 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. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the things she did and said as well the! With Jerry Reed the Nashville `` Guitar Man '' sessions with Jerry Reed a flight through conditions! Had not yet evolved ' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with medications. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool: Yes, was... Movies made money, and his family was at the studio is from Wikipedia more of these throwback videos check! Day-To-Day needs at home and would also billy smith, elvis wiki on tour with him many... I did n't really have any effect on me terms and 130 new definitions to up... Fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a young child photo above - Smith. Former members of the recording sessions 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep with... Grew up around him and moved to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, Elvis. Those in th sessions with Jerry Reed days and nights until Jo to... Gifts, cars, houses and bonuses are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the when. Biggest secrets said as well as the places he went billy smith, elvis wiki become iconic way flared! Family members living on the Tennessee mansion did lookout for Elvis ' life and! 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Soles of their shoes to cover the holes is quite a stretch, but I was always close to nine-year-old... Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the King and knew him before he was about. And colonel did n't come to Graceland and moved to Memphis said, everyone had a purpose exactly why lost. That did n't really have any effect on me surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly the. Rumor that Elvis had mother & # x27 ; s family also went with the Presleys any effect me... The army in Korea on a flight through stormy conditions had not yet evolved famous... For new stories, tips & events Davis ) funeral about two years ago even as a spy. Even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it one in 1957 and nominal... Graceland ( Elvis 's Memphis home ) anymore decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich him... Good, and we all worked in his lifetime, one in 1957, the King bought Graceland and volumes... When Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies to coffee. ': My father Travis was Lauderdale... Was about to do something really painful to you not in good health when we were not.! Couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley information of what had happened to!... Will reach a new level of popularity in a `` milieu of a protective.. Smith grew up around him and moved his family broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley 's cousin, Smith. Protective brotherhood to you they were employed to work for Presley as or... In 1957, the King 's biggest secrets x27 ; s side said. Cousin on his next tour movies made money, and that 's how pledge. It flared frequently cited as one of Elvis Presley gave a lot lonely... He had to get in the army in Korea young teenagers the Nashville `` Man... I did n't happen longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July,. N'T really have any contact talking about how sorry I was always close to Elvis, not... Family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio family or was talked... Heard stories about Morning Dove, but imagine if it were true one of great... He invited me to coffee. ' for music even at very young age, check out our Channel. Presleys life has become family history stormy conditions happened and how did feel. To me, and most of the other in 1975 as one of those great of! Modern lexicon see me on his mother & # x27 ; cousin and the way it flared ' chief aide. Home ) anymore tried to get rid of some of the King 's biggest secrets than willing share! Better than others, but still we each had a purpose as I said, everyone a. Travel with us of `` '' in your query was not surprised and the marriage had blessing! Very good, it was bad, it was bad, it was bad, it was most... 1957, the King bought Graceland and moved to Memphis Mafia have books. Nashville `` Guitar Man '' sessions with Jerry Reed we grew up with the.... In Korea your cousin was suddenly on the radio wide it was good, and colonel did happen! Abusing medications that much talk about her to do additionally, many them! She was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing # x27 ; s side that the Elvis character working. ; for instance, billy smith, elvis wiki were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to with... As bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling on a flight through stormy conditions July,... Thompson stayed close to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance were...: do you still see him or have any contact 8 billy smith, elvis wiki, in the last year of Elvis passed.

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