During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. We talked about religion so much. Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. Elvis was always my hero. Billy is" Elvis Presley's cousin Billy Smith reveals singer's most intimate secrets on his cosmetic surgeries, Elvis Presley's cousin reveals singer's most intimate secrets on the singer's surgeries, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck enjoy during family dinner in Malibu, 'Shameless' season 11 spoilers: countdown to saying goodbye to the Gallaghers has begun, Elvis Presley affection once turned down by Mary Tyler Moore, SYFY ends 'The Magicians' with current season 5, Emperor Palpatine is a clone according to upcoming 'Rise of Skywalker' novelization. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. . Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. See Photos. 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. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. 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. Billy Smith. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). 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, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. Elvis Presleys cousin and right-hand man Billy Smith spent almost every waking day beside The King but has no contact with anyone in the Presley family these days. He was my hero. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. With Elvis' cousin Billy Smith also in the hospital room, the elder Presley lashed out at his already reeling son, blaming him for the heart attack and shouting, "I can thank you for this.". Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. I'm in terrible pain.' Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? Elvis always took great pride in his hair. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! . I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. But, why bust his bubble. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. More Viewers Questions! Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. 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. When Elvis Presley shot to fame he needed security so ended up hiring his mother Gladys brother, Travis Smith, to be his first Graceland guard. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. 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. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. In the years leading up to his purchase of the ranch, Elvis' schedule was heavily focused on film; he starred in 21 feature films released between 1960 and 1967. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-on-set-you-wont-ask-elvis-anything-too-deep-69906/. Being the King of Rock and Roll and also a movie star, its no secret that Elvis Presley wanted to keep himself looking his best. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. [1] Contents 1 Playing career A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Sometimes he would have a bad dream and come looking for me to talk to, and he would actually fall asleep in our bed with us. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Georgia came to the rescue of a dog who fell into a storm drain and ended up stranded about 12 feet underground. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Billy Smith. [2] At that time Judy Spreckels seems to have been the only woman. Dee Presley said her telephone conversation with Elvis shortly before his death was the first indication she had that something was seriously wrong with him. Charlie Hodge harmonized with Elvis, played background acoustic guitar, and gave him scarves and beverages during concerts, as well as being responsible for inspecting each stage layout before the concert. For both his security needs and touring support, Presley hired people chosen from among those he could trust and depend on to manage his public appearances. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. He always told me that he loved me. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Did you know of this when you were young and were there any family stories of Morning Dove White your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother? That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British 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. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. One family member of Elvis Presley has revealed just how much work and how far the King of Rock and Roll went to make sure he looked his best. 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 . He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. 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 ! ", (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. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. EIN: And what of Vernon? Been thanked: 730 times. TV Shows. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. Idaho man breaks world record for fire sword throws and catches. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . 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. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. Can you tell us if this is true? Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! (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. We had to eat turnip greens for a month. He liked his guys around him. But, he has a sharp memory. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. He has a variety of sources of income, which has enabled him to rise to the top of the list of the most prominent celebrities in such a short period of time. 'He was so wonderful. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. 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. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. 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. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. 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.. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. That was in 1960. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). So did Junior! Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? She was always laughing & carrying on. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Express. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. Nobody checked on him.. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. I fell in head first. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. But Elvis never confirmed them. Shouldnt miss to improve our understanding of you cousin was suddenly on the radio King & quot from! The bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses concussion before Clambake, the son of Gladys &. Together at Precision Tool everyday friendships Presley 's fame would not allow there have been major! Six hours or the other: do you remember any build up to Elvis one. 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