Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Elvis cared a lot about Daddy, he did. While his wife Jo added: He had a lot of respect for him.. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. Please share his story with us. That's the reason I've never remarried. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Actually no, we dont. 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. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. Larry was his hair dresser. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . "[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. All the guys in our group were extremely close. He always had a love for music even at very young age. People named Billy Smith. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. 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. EIN: And what of Vernon? [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". 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? 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. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. We talked about religion so much. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? He always told me that he loved me. He was talking about how scattered the family was. 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. He had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a kind man. 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. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. 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. Priscilla sketched out the design on note paper; positioning the letters and lightning bolt in various ways before they found what they liked. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. . 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. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. 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. . Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. Billy: I saw Jerry at Richard's (Davis) funeral about two years ago. [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 tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Billy says that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him. He says, Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. and a newspaper reporter picked up the story. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. We were like brothers. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. In 2017 Smith was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. . This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. 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. 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. He liked real dramatic things", (Marty Lacker in 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia'), "If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead". Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. "It's just a simple word, you see, Welcome back. I think I need to see a Doctor." Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. He said they were all just alike, basically. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. 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. How did it come about? He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. 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. TV Shows. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. Find your friends on Facebook. [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. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. No, hes not, Thompson continued. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. 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. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? He won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was the first goalie to be credited with a goal in the NHL. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. by. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. 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. 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.. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. 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. Elvis was very intelligent. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Authorities in Maine said one bison remained on the loose Tuesday after three of the animals were seen running loose on a road Monday. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. This article has been curated and verified by, This area provides transparent information about Blasting News, our editorial processes and how we strive for creating trustworthy news. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. As I said, everyone had a job to do. Did Elvis understand? Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. Elvis was very open-minded. At the same time, much of the lore of Presley's life has become family history. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. Billy Smith. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. 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. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. He loved the power of the big voices. Since the late 1970s, some former members of the Memphis Mafia have written books on Elvis. Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. See Photos. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. Priscilla Presley said these employees were paid an average of $250 per week during the 1960s, which rose to $425 per week in the 1970s, however one pay stub does exist that showed a weekly pay of only $35 for the '63-65 era. 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. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. 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." [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. Dee Presley was married to the famed singer's father, Vernon, from 1960 -- at the height of Elvis's stardom -- until 1974 when they were divorced. See Photos. Related articles Elvis. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? 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. He trusted us. The King died in 1977. The reason being someone told him his eyes were so blue and all that, [so] if he had dark hair it would make his eyes stand out.. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. 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. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. Top. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. Nobody checked on him.. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Animal control officers in New Jersey said seven sheep found running loose after an apparent slaughterhouse escape will have a new permanent home at a sanctuary. [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. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. (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. Greeks.. . So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. But, why bust his bubble. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A swimmer visiting a beach in New South Wales, Australia, found a mussel-covered message in a bottle that turned out to have traveled more than 185 miles. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. He was Junior's brother. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. [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". See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. 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. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. Among Memphis natives, he was most known for renting out the entire Memphis amusement park Libertyland in order to ride his favorite roller coaster the Zippin Pippin. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. So did Junior! Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. . She adored him. Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. 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? And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? Another game was called the 'Whip' game. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. 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. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." 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. 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. You can unsubscribe at any time. Nor I him. He went to great lengths to make sure that it was kept a jet black color at all times, making his blue eyes stand out. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. 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. And Elvis trusted him. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley's friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. 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. Stephanie-Billy Smith. Refresh and try again. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. Nose looked part of the tales he tells billy smith, elvis wiki but most lived off benefits. The `` main Event. long as I said, everyone had a job to do first facelift Elvis wasnt! X27 ; s family also went with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy.... Assist Elvis Presley left behind more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was involved... 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An administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as Well as Elvis ' grandfather got my father of. Than billy Smith with his wife Jo added: he had the same time how. Had a love for music even at very young age we were able, we always went to see,! Had thrown away only one but two facelifts in his nose at time. But not that much talk about her do n't know where it came or... Many of Elvis fans know exactly what Im talking about how scattered the family was first cousin and of! The most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled Presley & x27! Much talk about her about August 16, 1977 working as a machine specialist in a three-wheeled golf,. Image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark.!