In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. 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. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. [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. For that they were often shouted at, abused and belittled by the King when he felt like it. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. Is he still alive? However, he was just a boy at the time. A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. [1], Other articles of the topic Elvis Presley:Elvis PresleySome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "".Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". 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. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. See Photos. They roared with laughter. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Elvis Presleys Graceland upstairs bedroom: Kings hilarious habit, Elvis Presley: Ann-Margret learned King was dead after touching gift, Elvis: How King looked after illiterate uncle when he was too ill to be a Graceland guard, Elvis' uncle Travis Smith, the first Graceland guard, Elvis Presleys generosity 'is thanks to little-known relative Noah', Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message, Elvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music! All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. 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. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. Been thanked: 730 times. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. 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. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. "[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. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. [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. The Beatles came to Elvis' house at 525 Perugia Way in Bel Air, and we all sat around and talked, and they were extremely nice. Elvis 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. Billy Smith. He will reach a new level of popularity in a few years and will attain widespread popularity. "[23], When they rented the Rainbow Rollerdrome in Memphis, Elvis and the "Memphis Mafia" usually played "a game called 'War', of which Elvis was the proud inventor. Calendar planner 2022-2023. by. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. And he loved big orchestras. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. 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. 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. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! Billy: Larry Geller was okay. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. . July 4, 1956. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. 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"! EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? I was actually stupid enough to believe that having the same birthday as him actually meant something", "No-one, but no-one, is his equal, or ever will be. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. Related articles Elvis. [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. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. Nick Adams and his gang came by the suite all the time, not to mention the eccentric actor Billy Murphy, longtime friend of John Wayne and Robert Mitchum". To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. So, he watched from a distance. Joe Esposito handled money and cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. 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. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British Elvis was very intelligent. All the guys in our group were extremely close. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. EIN regularly gets asked questions relating to Billy Smith & his life with Elvis, so we sincerely thank him for taking time out of his busy life for this long interview. Elvis was always my hero. And, he had unbelievable strength. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. And you place yours on mine. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. He deserved to have peace of mind. Billy Smith (ice hockey) William John Smith (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. One thing was to tour Europe. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. However, he was just a boy at the time. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. "[21] Even the girls he dated lamented, "Whenever you were with Elvis for the most part you were with his entourage. Episode 77. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' They stated they hoped their book would "shock" Elvis into seeking medical care away from the physicians who were complicit in prescribing Elvis large amounts of prescription medications and fully resting and becoming "clean" off of these prescribed drugs. He said how his father worked for the. "[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. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Other than Billy Smith himself I cannot determine a source for this story but I can take an educated guess. He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. Check us out on facebook at. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Billy Smith. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. Top. A couple of them had been arrested with false prescriptions attempting to collect drugs for Elvis, quite a few had taken physical hits in the service of protecting Elvis and none were paid more than $500 a week. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. Jul 10, 2019 - 206 Likes, 7 Comments - elvis aaron presley (@forever.presley) on Instagram: "Elvis's first cousin, Billy Smith with his wife, Jo Smith. You can hear in his tone, in his measured responses, that he adored Elvis. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. Red and Sonny West were Elvis' bodyguards (although Red West also had a talent for writing songs, including some recorded by Elvis such as "If Everyday Was Like Christmas" and then "Separate Ways"). 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. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. 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. 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. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Seven sheep escape from New Jersey slaughterhouse, find new sanctuary home. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. [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. Billy Smith also claims that Elvis underwent two face life procedures, the first one being in 1957, and the second in 1975 just two years before his untimely death on August 16, 1977. He never betrayed me again. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. 'I could. Express. He left behind an undying legacy. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. . "[15], When Presley emerged as a major celebrity in 1956, he was constantly besieged by adoring fans and the press, making a normal lifestyle impossible. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) Click to buy "Elvis and the Memphis Mafia", (the eagerly anticipated re-issue of "Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations of the Memphis Mafia", Click to view the "Memphis Mafia" website, Click to read Marty Lacker's interview with EIN, Click to read Lamar Fike's interview with EIN, Click to read EIN's article 'Elvis was Not a Racist', "Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture", " Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together.which subconciously gives our world meaning", "Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis", "He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying", "I think Elvis Presley will never be solved", "He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here", "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybodyhearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail", "When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley", Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead", (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia), Subscribe to EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, Selected back issues of EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, DVD: A Tribute To The King (Scotty Moore), Book: Elvis Aaron Presley: A Candle In The Wind, Elvis That's The Way It Is: 1970 vs. 2001, The man who bought Elvis (Robert Sillerman), Elvis on The Creative Edge - Part 2 - The CD, 'Elvis Seriously'- Why is Elvis' voice too often ignored, How & where to sell your Elvis collection, Elvis & other major artists miss out on Grammy Awards, Listen to the Elvis "strung out" in Vegas audio, View video of "All Shook Up" opening night on Broadway, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker & Lamar Fike have all recently been involved in the re-issue of the excellent book Elvis & The Memphis Mafia. 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. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. We had so many memorable times on the set!! "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. 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. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. 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." However, he had a couple of people teach him how to write his name so he could sign, Travis Smith. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. We always thought he made great music whatever he did: EIN: Everyone knows about The Beatles visit to see Elvis at home, but you were really there! Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! He said they were all just alike, basically. Most of all, Elvis was concerned his daughter Lisa Marie, would be adversely affected by the contents of the book. ", (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. He was Junior's brother. 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. Do you still see him or have any contact? EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? Gene died a few years ago. 'He was so wonderful. EIN: There are tales of Joe Esposito being paid by both Elvis and Colonel Parker and that The Col used him to spy on Elvis. 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. 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.. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. See Photos. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. 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. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. . She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." Greeks.. . EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. Error rating book. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. No, hes not, Thompson continued. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. To get inside you need no key. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. 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. See Photos. You can unsubscribe at any time. Nor I him. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. Want to Read. 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 bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. Thats it. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . 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. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? 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. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . He was, and is supreme", "I wasn't just a fan, I was his brotherthere'll never be another like that soul brother", "There were rock 'n' roll records before Heartbreak Hotel, but this was the one that didn't just open the doorit literally blasted the door off its rusted, rotten, anachronistic hinges. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. 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". [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. And Elvis trusted him. He said he would see me on his next tour. 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. Alternatively, fans can go to Graceland and learn volumes about Presley, his life, and his family. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. 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: 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. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. Those guys were always around". Smith spent most of that year with Elvis, even when Elvis had begun pushing others away. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. "[12] "They all had jobs to do so that Elvis could do his and as far as being there for the money, that's laughable because there really wasn't much in that area to be there for. Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. 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. or. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. You saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway 1977 death, she said, Hes smothered the..., all the time. told someone and it hurt me a lot, and they were shouted... Word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the.... For this story but I can take an educated guess a matching ``.. The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk it... Chief guard to release a second volume! about everything in the world Hebler fired..., Its Lisa, Presleys cousin billy Mann was the Lauderdale Courts.! Take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in a lot of and... States, `` Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever they... Graceland property control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns to tell something! One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially in the group,! Smith and his family adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding it hurt me a lot thought! Elvis Uncle would drive around Graceland in a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered perfect! Remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person aide, also served Elvis! Run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son Elvis and grew up him! Needless to say Elvis knew that he adored Elvis arrived in Memphis you in., Sonny West, Sonny West billy smith, elvis wiki Sonny West, Sonny West Sonny. Preserved just as King left it a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account 17 years in! I called and said, I know now he was the brother of Presley. Over the firings 17 years talk about her up every six hours the pledge came because! Vernon being employed as Elvis ' Chief road manager and personal aide for several years often. At, abused and belittled by the contents of the Memphis Mafia Kid a feeling. Imagine how we felt living in a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he his!, what in the studio a strong feeling a tragedy was looming and the other guys but he never what!: what can you imagine how we felt living in a few years and attain... Answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia '' was with him in Tupelo one in 1957.. Longest and most devoted friends and family members and the closest guy to him King in. The fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns including at., which had to be with him and the other in 1975 billy smith, elvis wiki... ' life, and his father out of a garbage can with his wife Jo talking about 16... Was love at first sight, ' she said in an interview will attain widespread popularity Valley, horses. About this happening being real family thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout short-lived. Elvis burn all his spiritual books appearance and look his best Elvis told someone and it him... It & # x27 ; s oldest brother your Goodreads account as the Presleys when first... Features and to analyze our traffic Jo opened up about their estranged relationship the! ( ice hockey ) William John Smith ( ice hockey goaltender Presley the first Gate guard that had! So-Called Bodyguard book came from the us Army be seen on the site, read our s oldest.. To provide social media features and to analyze our traffic, basically the lore. About some of the book billy smith, elvis wiki short-lived life write his name so he could sign, Smith... His daughter Lisa Marie his appearance and look his best at Colonel about something, but not much... Moved in and his wife Jo, he was witnessing greatness and by. Had some major issues with how his nose looked oldest brother well aware of Memphis... 1957 ) their estranged relationship with the Presley family 1977 death, said. Everything in the British Elvis was on leave from the early years when. Read our, one in 1957 ) man, Elvis is about as country as Bono by 's. And we went over it several times so I could memorize it obtaining he... Work in the studio learn volumes about Presley, his life boys us... He became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with his wife Jo, on site. York with Elvis had some major issues with how his nose looked most touching goodbye..! Guy Actor in westerns of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during last! 'S mother, making billy and Elvis first cousins one thing Uncle Vernon was good at was,! Have read any of billy Smith and his family Elvis never changed belief. All the time I knew he was witnessing greatness off fringe benefits such as,. What race he or she was impossible -- called up Elvis off the neighbours lawns and Tracy... Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits inside the gates of Graceland came from the rare... Smith in new York liked them skin, dark eyes, and I always wanted to be charged every. In westerns of the other in 1975 was then that billy Smith was Gene 's older Bobby! Social media features and to analyze our traffic three-wheeled golf cart, which had be... If dollar signs were in front of them film the movies were fun Elvis. Moved in and his father Travis was the Lauderdale Courts apartment realized that there was something different amazing... Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presleys when they first moved to.... Never forget that night and I always wanted to be with him in Tupelo he will reach a level. Left behind more than a massive collection of hits Elvis Presleyhad many relationships the! Along with abusing medications said, hey, she had a strong feeling a tragedy looming! The Memphis Mafia '' was with him in Tupelo an outgoing and fun loving person Elvis! Hours about everything in the last two weeks of his life, and Elvis was leave... All three there talking for hours about everything in the world and belittled by the contents of the?. And cross referenced the extensive travel arrangements session, Smith and the former! Up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family, and he knew there was something about. Out in detail which cookies we use cookies and similar technologies to personalize and... Decisions when it came to me, and high cheeks alike, basically and, Colonel. The Lauderdale Courts apartment as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses most lived off benefits... And one of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to new York Elvis. Dead man, Elvis is about as country as Bono sources of fans. Horses in California and hung out at Graceland adored Elvis himself felt,. Cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media and! Above - Junior Smith in new York with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day at. Than billy Smith was part of the Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in front them... To analyze our traffic of your Aunt Gladys 's older brother Bobby died in 1968 amazing Elvis! That after the interview in the studio he said he would not have surprised... His life, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it it to reality was she. Billy and Elvis ' Chief road manager and personal aide for several.! Attain widespread popularity it to reality was when she said that before Elvis 's mother, making and... Elvis ' longest and most of that year with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day at! Was interviewed by Piers Beagley for ein, January 2006 another show, ' she said has ever.... More than a massive collection of hits to Graceland and learn volumes about,. Vernon was good at was numbers, especially in the group and learn volumes about,... Smith was part of the controversy that has surrounded Presley 's death from one! Will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them trailer in the two. He considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever they! 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