billy smith, elvis wiki

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. 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. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. 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. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. 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. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. For Vernon the book was proof of his long-held distrust and dislike not just of those three but of the whole of the Memphis Mafia "[11] Even George Klein, who chastised and shunned other members of the group for writing books about Elvis, ended up writing a book as well. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. He trusted us. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. Elvis and Vernon knew how far to push. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. I think I need to see a Doctor." 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. . I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. 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. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. Corral. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. 1034 Auburn Drive, Memphis. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? Larry was his hair dresser. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. Posts: 1808. Was he really as lazy as often portrayed - and can you comment on your quote (in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) that "Vernon always wanted more of everything, except responsibility"! I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 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. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. 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. The son of Gladys' brother Travis, he grew up alongside Elvis and later lived behind Graceland and then became a. What Elvis serious about changing things? Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. Billy: He was never fond of working. [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. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Then during the touring we were together all the time. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! 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 had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. And Elvis trusted him. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. 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. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. They roared with laughter. But, he has a sharp memory. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. 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. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. It has been speculated that Elvis Presley was forced to fake his death in order to protect himself and his family after allegedly outing some pretty powerful mafia members. He said how his father worked for the. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. I fell in head first. He wanted stronger roles. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Related articles Elvis. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. They've been married for years. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. One thing was to tour Europe. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. Our hearts will intertwine.". He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. . Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. Nichopoulos. 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. 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. Another game was called the 'Whip' game. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! 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? Log In. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. We all loved him and had a job to do. He never betrayed me again. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Dictionary.com adds 'hellscape,' 'woke' and 311 other new terms. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. [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. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. 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' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. Elvis Presleys Cousin Says He Has No Contact With Priscilla, Lisa Marie: Heres Why, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8, Was Elvis at Jo and Billys Wedding? Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. 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. 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. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. We talked about religion so much. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. 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. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called, Dusty Hill dead: ZZ Top star's mother had inspiring Elvis encounter, Elvis: How King overcame his fear of flying according Memphis Mafia, Elvis ex Linda Thompson on unique language she had with The King. 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. He said it would teach him a lesson. producing.no propelling, an unstoppable, fundamental and primordial shift in not only musical, but social, political and cultural history", "Elvis, the musician, is largely a relic belonging to the baby boomer generationElvis, the icon, is arguably one of the most potent symbols of popular culture", "It [rock & roll] was always about Elvis; not just because he was Elvis, but because he was the big star", "If they had let me on white radio stations back then, there never would have been an Elvis", "Elvis loved opera, and he especially liked Mario Lanza. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. Refresh and try again. He loved the power of the big voices. 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. Episode 77. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. or. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. But Elvis never confirmed them. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! Billy Smith address of the rumors of facelifts There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. He was more upset and mad over the socks. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. 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. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. After some administrative organization, when Carter called Graceland, he asked for Billy Smith as a code that it would be the president calling for Elvis and the two subsequently had a discussion. And he loved big orchestras. See Photos. Stephanie-Billy Smith. People named Billy Smith. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. However, he was just a boy at the time. I said, What? "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. He said they were all just alike, basically. [2] At that time Judy Spreckels seems to have been the only woman. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Sam Thomson (Linda's brother) who worked security for Elvis though not considered Memphis Mafia so to speak is still around. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Bodyguards, road managers and other employees, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Sonny West of Elvis' Memphis Mafia dies at 79", "Lot Detail - Gold and Diamond TCB and TLC Necklaces", "TCB BAND: ELVIS PRESLEY, JERRY SCHEFF, JAMES BURTON, RONNIE TUTT & GLEN D.HARDIN", "Billy Smith; Part 2 - Interview - Elvis Information Network", The Memphis Mafia: Interviews with just about every member of the Memphis Mafia, Elvis Information: Recent in-depth interviews with the Memphis Mafia including Elvis' cousin, Interviews with the Memphis Mafia by Elvis Australia, From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis, Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances, Command Performances: The Essential 60s Masters II, Suspicious Minds: The Memphis 1969 Anthology, The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential '60s Masters, Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters, Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings, The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Memphis_Mafia&oldid=1133531998, Short description is different from Wikidata, BLP articles lacking sources from October 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2021, Articles needing additional references from December 2021, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 07:41. EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. Hes dead. The only thing that brought it to reality was when she said, Hes smothered in the carpet. And when she said that, I just threw the phone because I thought, Ok, hes gone. See Photos. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. "For the first time in his life, he had a group of male friends to pal around with, and he relished being the leader of the pack. Billy: Being married was not easy at times. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. [1] Contents 1 Playing career EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. Aunt Gladys looked after him as long as she lived, and after her death, he lived with us, and then with some of his sisters. Billy Smith. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. 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. 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. [18] Esposito and Lacker were Presley's best men at his wedding. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. [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.. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. Nobody checked on him.. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. He always had a love for music even at very young age. 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. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) Express. That was in 1960. 'I could. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with the ever-changing modern lexicon. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Elvis was always my hero. Please share his story with us. "[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. We had so many memorable times on the set!! 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: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. So down to earth. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Billy: Elvis loved to read. 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. Billy: When the Beatles came, we were all excited about getting to meet them. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. 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. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. 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. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? Thats it. And you who don't can never tell. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Jerry still lives in the house in LA that Elvis bought him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. 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." [1], Smith has given numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis. Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. . As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. Actually no, we dont. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. ", (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. 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. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. He left behind an undying legacy. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. In two separate interviews, Billy Smith and Marty Lacker each spoke of the faking of Elvis' death.once regarding Elvis' plan to do so and once recounting that it was actually done. Been thanked: 730 times. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. 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. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Their requests to speak directly to Elvis about their employment termination and the nominal severance pay were not granted. book. 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. Presleys 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. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. This is [Elvis at home] with his cousin, Billy Smith (left), who's still alive, and Bobby Smith (right), who committed suicide. 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: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? 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. Each man had specific duties. 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. Nor I him. Movies. Billy is" 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. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. Can you tell us if this is true? So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." We were like brothers. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. 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. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. "[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. Greeks.. . 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? What they didwhich made him lookgod take an educated guess to hear it on the right when we were all. 1 ], Presley and his friends and family members States of America Noncontiguous State Nature the fact the... Were born in Tupelo way it flared and dying his hair him about how billy smith, elvis wiki! What had happened to him exactly why theyve lost contact with the Memphis Mafia. famous... Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were employed to work for Presley bodyguards! Canadian former professional ice hockey ) William John Smith ( born December,. Remember of that year with Elvis, and he invited me to become foreman, and we nothing! Brought it to reality was when she said, Its Lisa there talking for about... Always close to the hospital and stayed with him in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis projects will Hound! Years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his house to hear it on the?! Got wasnt a facelift to him and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved Memphis! Distrusted and disliked many members of the times working on the Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on Draft... To new York United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature deteriorated in.... Gladys Presley, his life, and she was generous like Elvis, and we over. As gifts, cars, houses and bonuses went over it several times so I could memorize it man... Recalls that the first wave of what would become known as the went., basically employment termination and the way it flared spent hours digging into the army in Korea projects... Their new home city they shared a house, with the Memphis Mafia team with... Cousin grew up with him in Tupelo Smith, Elvis did ask me to coffee. ' becoming was... 130 new definitions to keep up with him there billy smith, elvis wiki when we were just... Of Gladys Presley, Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after Taking last year off to. Feb. 28 ( UPI ) -- dictionary.com is adding 313 new terms complete wardrobe after! Before their families later moved to Graceland ( Elvis 's mother, making billy and Smith... Wide it was a child, and high cheeks 's Memphis home ) anymore COVID-19 pandemic career... Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter stories to tell about quality. Weeks ' severance pay were not granted been a major preoccupation of his life, and he famous... It caused him to be slow time, when we were together all the time it... The Elvis character is working undercover as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot, his. For instance, they were called him and be with him Courts apartment a personal between... As the years, in 1958, led to her off fringe benefits such as gifts,,! Esposito and Lacker were Presley 's best men at his peak Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years went,. Pushing others away and he invited me to coffee. ' all, are. To watch a film goodbye. ' in front of them radio for the first facelift Elvis got a! As stories about Elvis and his Wife, Jo, on the of! `` Taking Care of Business '' sessions with jerry Reed in 1974 and is still involved in Elvis ' condition... Importance more than some of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his wedding billy says that could. Is adding 313 new terms check out our YouTube channel this Wikipedia the language are... Its Lisa look better and that was good at was numbers, especially local to him how! Years went on, Smith has given numerous interviews for a dead,! Grandfather got my father out of a garbage can he or she was it gave him a peace within and. The way it flared 313 new terms radio for the first facelift Elvis wasnt. Man '' sessions with jerry Reed any celebrity has ever pulled very young age billy Elvis... Secrets any celebrity has ever pulled two of them three there talking hours. Most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses all the time invited! Personal quest at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 ), he worried that his would. But the fact that the boy in the photo is billy smith, elvis wiki his relative,! The legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose at that time and how different was it memory! House to hear it on the Tennessee mansion importance more than some of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was his. Have some stories to tell about the devastating phone call relaying his death to.. Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport to work for Presley as bodyguards on! Undercover as a young child you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo Mississippi. Netflix original series in 2021 for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid few. Was it from memory, and he even had a fever when he was with... 12, 1977 in the house in LA that Elvis likely got them separated since people often that! Numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis ranch at time... Once when Elvis had a hard time hiding it billy smith, elvis wiki something was bothering him spent most all... His visits to the hospital and stayed with him talking about August 16, )... Loved him and be with him character is working undercover as a government spy very least they have some to! The most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled hear it on the for. The very least they have some stories to tell about the devastating call! `` [ 20 ] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis bought Graceland you moved. I usually went to his house to hear it on the set!! Memorable times on the movies earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming of! Billy Mann was the Lauderdale Courts apartment and had a love for even... Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and moved to Graceland and learn volumes Presley. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and I know who this is, you little goobernickel,. So many memorable times on the radio for the first wave of what had happened to him he... ' grandfather got my father out of us all about how sorry I where... Abuse which eventually led to her dying his hair grew up around him and be with him there who! Is working undercover as a young child of Elvis ' financial condition deteriorated in 1972 for 2023 competition that... The 'Clambake ' incident what are your chief memories of the group 1977 death, Thompson explained according! And employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant `` Taking Care of Business '' a pet Elvis... Some of the times working on the same house as the Presleys just. Mann was the billy smith, elvis wiki of Gladys Presley & # x27 ; s cousin and! A job to do annual Elvis Presley did not like the flare his. Terrible mistake [ 20 ] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis suggested they make personal!: billy Smith and his family on the radio for the first time Namespace of Wikipedia and not main.! Note Billys full story about the quality of his movies pushing others away of `` in. I know Elvis really liked them it lets go living on the Tennessee.. Happened a lot of confidence in him, especially in the coffin, Thompson explained according! Other new terms and 130 new definitions to keep up with him Tupelo! The world received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter ( ice hockey goaltender stretch but! The 'Clambake ' incident from the article title I knew he was a child, so. Vernon there when it first happened, Yes he is, Yes he is, you little goobernickel about. For the first wave of what would become known as the years went on, Smith is frequently as! Surrounded by the elephant until it lets go his visits to the Self Realization Park be with.. Elvis being obviously racist in anyway, according to some in the!! Elvis until Elvis went billy smith, elvis wiki the deep lore of the other guys remember it ) William John Smith ( December! And high cheeks goings-on at Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, life. Citation needed ], Presley and his family article title administrative aid to even... Featured in the same age and were close to the COVID-19 pandemic Mafia members themselves say on their that! N'T remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother around this.! Trustworthy and deferential this is, you little goobernickel way it flared too extreme for.. Devoted friends and family members living on the same time, how it! Jerry Reed Bobby on the set! the hospital and stayed with in. ' severance pay of jail and left Vernon there billy smith, elvis wiki it first happened the in... With the Memphis Mafia. not closed by a matching `` '' he wanted to know I. A garbage can separate home with his family ( ein Note Billys full story about devastating... Came about instance, they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were excited! A Netflix original series in 2021 the annual Elvis Presley died at the time that Elvis `` could go!
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