When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis . Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. "What gives this account eerie credibility, expert David Adler told the Los Angeles Times in an interview promoting his Presley-themed cookbook, is that Burger King was by far Elvis's favorite fast food chain.. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. What was his relationship like with Elvis? What Elvis serious about changing things? NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. 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. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. He lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Can you tell us if this is true? One explanation: The casket was outfitted with a cooling systemthe kind youd use to keep a wax dummy of a beloved celebrity from melting on a hot summer day. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? May 1 (UPI) -- A school principal in West Virginia received a scare Monday morning when he unlocked a dumpster outside of the building and came face to face with a bear. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. All our wives were there. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. Did you know of this when you were young and were there any family stories of Morning Dove White your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother? Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true . 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. He made it a good time. And that will probably be the last time that I would go back to it.. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. It was a good meeting. Our hearts will intertwine.". During the interview, Billy Smith noted something else he felt the famous rocker would have changed over the years, were he to have lived to the age of 86. Memphis Mafia Kid has over 19,000 subscribers and racks up thousands of views with each clip. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. His account, Memphis Mafia Kid contains a multitude of videos posted by the family of Elvis Presley. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Dad (Billy Smith) addresses the rumors about Elvis being alive. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? It wasnt like he constantly had to have somebody, but he preferred it.. February 1983: A furor erupts when new video network MTV refuses to play Elvis' first video, shot to promote his new cover of Olivia Newton-John's Physical. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. Elvis was on military maneuvers when she came to the hotel where his father and grandfather were staying, but Vernon and Dee hit it off 'from day one,' she said. October 1991: Although Elvis is back on top, his eccentricities are increasing. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? Its not Elvis. Adding to his wifes statement, Billy Smith said, Graceland didnt make Elvis. An ill-advised follow-up single, a disco-style cover of an old Stevie Wonder song with the title changed to Work Out, Elvis, Work Out, fails to reach the top 100. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. January 1995: Elvis calls a news conference to announce his retirement from touring. Another one of Elvis's cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, as legal documents bearing Presley's signature attest. 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. . To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. Elvis is treated for deep bruising, and a doctor decrees that he stay overnight for observation. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. While visiting Graceland with his family, a man named Mike Joseph took some random pictures of Presleys pool house. And Elvis trusted him. Additionally, some of Elvis family and friends would live on the property, including his cousin Billy Smith and his family. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. . 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. We promised each other. MTV could have dodged the controversy by explaining that the spectacle of a bare-chested Elvis in a series of multihued headbands and sweatpants was faintly ludicrous, or even that Physical was a lousy record. He raises his hands, and the rain stops on cue. "I turn 60 this month. 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". Episode 11. Can you confirm the story? He was rocking a white jumpsuit, naturally, and purchasing an electrical fuse. . 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. 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! He is surrounded by his inner circle, one of whom anonymously reports Elvis' last words. He was my hero. He trusted us. They have a little trouble finding material at first, since Elvis has already sung most of the great American songbook, but they widen the scope to include more recent standards. He didnt just go up in his room and not do anything His room up there with his office and all that was big, so. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. It's raining, and Billy remarks that he's sick of it. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. He takes Elvis into the studio to record the first in a series of Elvis Sings the Great American Songbook albums. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father . He liked his guys around him. This guys had a facelift to look like me., READ MORE:Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland', Billy continued: I said Elvis, Now you can fool a lot of peoplebut no. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' Hes portrayed in a couple of scenes of the biopic, but he and his wife Jo, who lived at the Memphis mansion with the singer, claimed they werent invited to the premiere, nor consulted on the movie. Not that we arent happy with our family, we are, Jo said. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. At least, he always told me did. A pink elephant goes for an afternoon swim with its mother and herd, and despite its unique color, the herd passionately cares for it. That was the very first I knew how upset Elvis was. 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. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. blue eyes and lighter skin. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. Billy: He was never fond of working. Our lives are like night and day. January 1986: Elvis is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's initial class with nine other seminal artists. As I said, everyone had a job to do. For we who know, know it well, 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. 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. January-May 1997: Colonel Parker dies of a stroke. we were family. Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley ALIVE? The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. What follows is a brief history of why some people refuse to let this American icon rest in peace. We talked about religion so much. I can use a little rest," he says. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. A new adaptation of an old Creedence Clearwater Revival hit, retitled Who'll Stop the Rain (I Will), is his first record to miss the charts in three years. Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family post . Patrick Lacy, author of the book Elvis Decoded, claims to have debunked this popular and wholly unsubstantiated story by interviewing airport officials and determining that international flights werent available from Memphis in 1977. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Elvis Presleys second cousin replied by saying that he and his family want to keep Graceland in our memories as we lived it and knew it.He added, Its great, dont get me wrong, to go see Graceland if youve never seen it or [to] see it again. Yet, he went on to add that his family had not returned to their former home, calling it not the same anymore. Round-the-clock demonstrations outside MTV's New York headquarters by Elvis fans, some attired only in multihued headbands and sweatpants, cause MTV to reconsider, and Physical leaps into the top 10. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. November 1977: In an exclusive interview with People, Elvis confesses that he became a little too dependent on "the pills" but says he's now drug-free and feeling better than ever. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. Danny later admitted that for his wife Teresa, he would return to Graceland one final time. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. As for Presleys autopsy report: Its a private family document unlikely to ever see the light of day. In recent years, Billy Smiths son, Danny, created his own YouTube channel. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. Aug. 16, 2012: Elvis dies in his sleep at Graceland on the 25th anniversary of the first Harmonic Convergence and 35 years to the day after his near-death in Memphis. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. Aside from his blood relatives, his Memphis Mafia gang of male friends had free rein of the estate and home. Elvis, and Billy were close Cousin's even in eight years apart in age. Billy admitted: And [for] many years Id always heard these fans saying, Is Elvis still alive?, So many sightings and all this. 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. Billy Smith with members of the Memphis Mafia in the 1990s (Image: GETTY) Elvis Presley 'is still alive' says Mayor at Graceland event Danny added: "I wanted to be one of the guys." EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. January 1980: The tour over, Elvis spends most of his time in the gym. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Attentive fans were further spooked when they saw the Kings headstone. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. Steinman's original song for Elvis, Total Eclipse of the Dashboard Light, fails to hit the top 100. And, in the early days, they lived with him. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Elvis' cover of Paul Revere & the Raiders' 1966 hit Kicks ("You don't need kicks/To help you face the world each day") becomes his first top-five hit since 1972's Burning Love. June 1988: NBC and Elvis Enterprises announce a TV special for late November, 20 years after Elvis' '68 Comeback Special. . Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. On the afternoon of August 16, 1977, a man bearing a striking resemblance to Elvis is said to have purchased a one-way ticket from Memphis International Airport to Buenos Aires. A group of ostriches are caught in the act as they dance around in circles, competing amongst themselves. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. 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. A cover of Air Supply's All Out of Love breaks into the top 30, but his take on Sheena Easton's Morning Train is a flop. 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 generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. Billy continued: Even when he was in his bedroom he always had somebody there. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. In an interview accompanying The Beatles Anthology DVD, George Harrison likens a brief 1972 encounter with Elvis at Madison Square Garden to meeting Vishnu or Krishna or something. His hair was black, his skin was tan, and his aura left the Beatle feeling like a snooty little nobody. Harrison may have been hinting at something Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper said rather deftly with their 1987 single Elvis Is Everywhere. Alive or dead, Presley is one pop culture deity well never stop worshipping. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? The King had packed on a few pounds in his later years, but theres no way he was pushing a half-ton. And I would hear him calling me.. 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. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! And I can truthfully say, hes gone. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. He read a lot too. His performance with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Keith Richards and Paul Shaffer's band on Berry's Promised Land is a highlight, though Little Richard hogs the microphone and Berry tries to upstage Elvis with a prolonged duckwalk. Back in June, Baz Luhrmanns Elvis movie starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks had a premiere in Memphis, Tennessee at Elvis Presleys home of Graceland. As far as I know, that didn't happen. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Elvis cousin Billy Smith, the last surviving original Memphis Mafia member, knew The King before he was famous and was with him in the Graceland upstairs bathroom just hours before the star died there of a heart attack on August 16, 1977. He said he would see me on his next tour. USA TODAY contributor Ken Barnes imagines how his career might have continued. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. Billy Smith Interview at MarlowesCheck out the full playlist please LIKE "THUMBS UP" and COMMENT on this video.Check us out on facebook at https://www.facebo. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. About Elvis Presley, Smith said, When Elvis was on stage, somehow he had a way of bringing you into his world. That was also true when he performed in the studio. A lot of times Billy was with him, just Billy and Elvis. I know this picture is of you and not of somebody else., I never thought about [that conversation] again until after Elvis was dead.. Today the stars close relative has a YouTube channel with his wife Jo and the couple answers fans questions about their private times with him. THE DEATH ITSELF. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. That means we've got maybe another 40 years of stories about the King chilling in Argentina or sipping coffee at Tim Hortons or doing whatever you do as an elderly man whos been in hiding since the Carter Administration. This story came out, like I said it was supposed to be kind of a joke, but the English paper picked it up and they wrote it as a factual story. 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. But what if, by some amazing stroke of fortune, he had lived? She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. Nor I him. He tells variations of this story, often using a line like "the ego flies on Tuesday, baby," in most of his subsequent live appearances. September 1982: The commercial instincts of the Elvis camp seem increasingly erratic. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group.