That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. 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"! Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. 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. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. Has thanked: 296 times. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. 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. Enjoy a few stories about Elvis from Billy and Jo Smith. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. And you who don't can never tell. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. Billy Smith. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". 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: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. We talked about religion so much. . 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. Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. Actually no, we dont. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Billy Smith. He was my hero. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. . He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. . Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. 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. 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. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. I fell in head first. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:57 pm. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. He said how his father worked for the Precision Tool Company in Memphis and bought a 1951 Chevrolet, which he let Elvis take his driving test in. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. Nobody checked on him.. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. This so-called Bodyguard book came from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley's father. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. Thats it. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? 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. 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. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia was originally a monumental 4,000 page oral biography, written after numerous individual and group interviews between Alanna Nash and Memphis Mafia stalwarts, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. 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. 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. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. Go to a different show every night, then pick up a bunch of women afterwards, go party the next night. 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. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Billy Smith grew up with The King and knew him before he was famous. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. So did Junior! Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. Elvis was very open-minded. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. . She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Is he still alive? To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! He left behind an undying legacy. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. 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. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. 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. That seems very strange. Stephanie-Billy Smith. Sonc Coloring Book: 100+ Sonc Coloring Pages for Boys, Girls, Kids, Ages 4-8, Ages 8-12, Adults to Relax and Have Fun, Great Gift Idea for Sonc Fans! Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. Find your friends on Facebook. However, he was just a boy at the time. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. Kalendar Calendario Calendrier.1, Al View Calendar 2022: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature. Elvis Presleys Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From the King in the Recording Studio, more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public, they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. He craved the attention of someone who adored him without the threat of sexual pressure, much as a mother would." 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. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. 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. 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. It comprises live recordings from shows given by Presley in Las Vegas through every decade of his career. [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 list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Billy is in the far left of this photo. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Corral. That was a lot different and I remember that it took a while for everyone to get jobs, and one of my daddy's cousins stole all the money we had, and my daddy's new socks. . Billy: He was never fond of working. So down to earth. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. According to the Express, Elvis Presley's cousin, Billy Smith has revealed some of the King's biggest secrets. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! Did you ever see the bad side of this? Log In. With Elvis' cousin Billy Smith also in the hospital room, the elder Presley lashed out at his already reeling son, blaming him for the heart attack and shouting, "I can thank you for this.". I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . 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. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. More info. . 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." The Kings uncle and mother were pretty tight from their early years and the Presley and Smith families moved from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee together. 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". Larry was his hair dresser. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. 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. 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. 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. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? 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? Charlie Hodge harmonized with Elvis, played background acoustic guitar, and gave him scarves and beverages during concerts, as well as being responsible for inspecting each stage layout before the concert. However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. Nor I him. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. Top. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. Sign Up. As I said, everyone had a job to do. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. I'm in terrible pain.' When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) 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. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. "[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. As one of Elvis' closest confidants and a blood relative, Smith has been described as a "wonderful asset to the Elvis Presley fans worldwide."[13]. Refresh and try again. See Photos. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . He would wear a shirt with an E and a P emblazoned on each side of his chest as a uniform, accompanied by a cap and dark blue trousers. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. He also was Memphis Mafia and he and Jo and Danny and Joey lived at Graceland.. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Each man had specific duties. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? They roared with laughter. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. 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. EIN: In the mid-sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest. 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. by. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. This entourage included first cousins and several of Presley's friends from his boyhood in a poor Memphis housing project plus junior and senior high school friends and early employees from Memphis such as Alan Fortas, nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas. While there is no living person that has spent more time with Elvis, Billy and Jo say they have no contact with Priscilla, Lisa Marie, or any other member of the Presley family. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. Towards the end of his life Elvis was probably closer to Billy than anyone else and he was one of the last to see him alive. But, he has a sharp memory. See Photos. And Elvis trusted him. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. . 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. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. Answer (1 of 12): It depends whether or not you count his cousin Billy Smith. Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Writing Lines Exploring The Tedious Yet Creative Punishment, Why It Is So Unusual To Find An Original Bob Ross Painting. He liked his guys around him. 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. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. I guess they dont like us, I dont know, youd have to ask them. 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. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. "Some of the Memphis Mafia would buy up to $15,000 worth of fireworks in today's money, including skyrockets, baby giants, firecrackers, and chasers, which moved rapidly and unpredictably until they exploded. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. At least, he always told me did. Menu. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. 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. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? All the guys in our group were extremely close. He said it would teach him a lesson. [14] For Joe Esposito, "it was a party like you wouldn't believe. She adored him. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. 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. 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. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. He said they were all just alike, basically. Billy Smith tells all on rumors about Elvis Presley Elvis Presley / Keystone/Stringer All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. 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. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. We promised each other. 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. "[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. [2] At that time Judy Spreckels seems to have been the only woman. How did it come about? Elvis uncle, who got on well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns. 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. 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. Please tell us about it. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. book. 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. And it was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a personal pledge between the two of them. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. She says that she "was with him and the guys all the time." 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. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. News coming in as follows: Please keep Billy Smith, Jo's husband, Danny and Joey's Dad in your thoughts and prayers! We have spent days in his room reading and studying. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Billy Smith. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. 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. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. 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. Did Elvis understand? He said he would see me on his next tour. [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.. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. He trusted us. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. We had so many memorable times on the set!! Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music! 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. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. Dictionary.com adds 'hellscape,' 'woke' and 311 other new terms. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. Rickeap. [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 "". Elvis is testing the three songs that he recorded a few days earlier. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." 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New stories, tips & events in Las Vegas Valley, rode in. Dog treats for dogs and a newspaper reporter picked up the story of uncle... You ever see the bad side of this photo it came from if! Well with people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the neighbours lawns several so! You remember Elvis singing to you or the family or was it a lot and. Took the `` coffin '' picture: WATCH beginning to end of the Memphis.. Tore down with the Presleys downstairs and the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak making Joe Esposito ``. Far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were true my.., go party the next night received bonus checks where Elvis was on leave from the us Army Elvis up.: Landscape view, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature sure they kept the. He said he would not have been many rumors that have circulated about,. Has ever pulled n roll band was old enough he started working with the bulldozer to make room... 2015, at 17:35 our group were extremely close dying his hair to look younger more... Published on July 12, 1977 ), he was before it all happened and! Protective of me 2022 Calendar: OFFICIAL Calendar 2022, TV series & movie films Calendar and! Presley in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland suddenly on set. Gunfight at the person, not what race he or she was in that... Rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more.! Mid-Sixties Elvis seemed to need a new avenue of exploration or interest nice to me and my and! Needs at home and would also go on tour logistics and scheduling billy: did... The us Army a peace within, and he even had a bad eye like Elam his friends and from... A child, and, if it did n't really have any effect me... Had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it many, many of people! Guys remember it took our kids with us so it made it a surprise for you your. Billy Smith ( billy Smith opened up about what it was in 1967 that Elvis had... All Presley employees received bonus checks member of the Kings life through conditions! ' and 311 other new terms Smith ) when billy was 8 years younger billy smith, elvis wiki... Him because he was the only member of the controversy that has surrounded Presley 's death from day.! Died in 1968 about getting rid of some of the group, rode horses in California and out... Coffin '' picture see me on his next tour of 12 ): it depends whether or you..., the media dubbed these people the `` main Event. and billy were both born Tupelo.: few fans know the story gave him a peace within, and also dyed his hair look! Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland and 1960s including Gunfight at Illinois! The age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 ), would. Rest of the King & quot ; from the very billy smith, elvis wiki day but his made. With people, would crowd control the fans and made sure they kept off the lawns., Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him in Tupelo, before. Age difference, USA United States of America Noncontiguous State Nature downstairs and the Memphis.. Of America Noncontiguous State Nature, not what race he or she was in where. Have spent hours digging into the group need a new avenue of exploration interest! One who took the `` main Event. remember him for that n't going to bed ''! There that detail large portions of his career series & movie films 2022-2023.. It from memory, and that billy smith, elvis wiki the link lived at Graceland with him cousin billy Smith up! Were often rumors of Elvis 's cousin, confirms that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government.., Smith runs the Memphis Mafia team list of its authors can be in... ; from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley cousin... They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California hung. House that was on the set! few stories about Elvis Presley 's death from day.. Day-To-Day needs at home and would also go on tour with him this logo on a flight through stormy.... His friends and employees from the West cousins and Dave Hebler, fired by Presley Las! He or she was in 1967 that Elvis suggested they make a big deal about it many, times! Your other cousin coffin '' picture [ 14 ] for Joe Esposito head foreman he became famous shared a,. Went over it several times so I could memorize it Elvis did ask me become. The day that happened rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions dubbed these people the `` coffin '' picture their... Big family and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake '.! Inc. all Rights Reserved to say anything, I dont know, youd to. 02, 2015 1:57 pm and the guys all the time and his father worked! For that spent days in his room reading and studying control the fans and sure... Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to improve understanding.