And he loved big orchestras. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! One thing was to tour Europe. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? Elvis family portrayed in movie 'aggravated' not to be invited to Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. He was my hero. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Never wanting to disappoint his fans, nothing was too extreme for Presley. 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. Elvis Presley's Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From - Outsider And that will probably be the last time that I would go back to it.. Please share his story with us. The inscription reads Elvis Aaron Presley, even though hed been given the middle name Aron, possibly in memory of his stillborn twin brother, Jesse Garon. I just think its unacceptable for his fans or any of his family or friends to have to pay to go and pay their respects at his graveside, Jo said. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. 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. March 1988: Concert attendance slips as audiences tire of Elvis' lengthy monologues about the benefits of healthy eating, mysticism and frequent gym workouts. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? 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 and Elvis' other associates are alarmed and decide, despite Elvis' protests, that with a tour days away, a trip to the hospital would be prudent. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Real reason Elvis found it so hard to be alone unveiled by close I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. Billy: Being married was not easy at times. January-May 1997: Colonel Parker dies of a stroke. When he would get in one of those moods that he wasmelancholy and he would talk to Billy. RCA suggests working with Jim Steinman of Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler fame. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. The Colonel, inspired, announces plans for a nationwide chain of Elvis Workout Centers. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. Fans continue to praise her dignity and discretion, while Elvis' cousin Billy Smith has paid tribute to their devoted relationship and how Linda "kept Elvis alive." So her latest post is. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. July 1985: The Colonel had been persuaded, reluctantly, to see the benefits of Elvis' singing on We Are the World, but when Bob Geldof approaches him about Elvis performing at Live Aid, the enigmatic manager tells him, "Sure thing. Commenting on Billy being portrayed in the biopic, Jo said: It didnt upset you. But Elvis loved movieshe starred in 31and Christmas, so it almost makes sense that he would risk blowing his cover by appearing in the 1990 holiday comedy Home Alone. Elvis was still alive on June 18, 1990 without a doubt. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. However, he added that it was time for me to get out of there.. Severed hand at side of Michigan highway was a rubber fake. Billy: Yes. As for Presleys autopsy report: Its a private family document unlikely to ever see the light of day. These same fans also believe that Presley is also still alive in 2020 and will one day return to the public eye announcing that he had faked his death, revealing himself to his fans once again. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. But, he has a sharp memory. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger The King's cousin speaksG, Elvis ALIVE? It's raining, and Billy remarks that he's sick of it. Elvis Presley movie reminded Priscilla Presley of King's anger, Elvis filmmakers called idiots by family for 'betraying' his parents, Elvis family portrayed in movie aggravated not to be invited to premiere Really tacky, Elvis with his Memphis Mafia Billy Smith is on the far left, Lisa Marie Presley on emotional, incredible time at Elvis premiere, Lisa Marie's lifetime of 'disappointment' cured at Elvis premiere, Elvis movie erased major girlfriend: I saved his life many times, Elvis agreed with Linda on reason that marrying Priscilla was mistake, Elvis Week 2022: Graceland announce virtual tickets for global fans, Elvis movie review: Tom Hanks Colonel very much the villain of biopic, Elvis girlfriend who found him dead erased from movie Tell his story', Lisa Marie Presley has my first smile in two years with Elvis star, Elvis movie: Major girlfriends and life details erased from biopic, Elvis movie betrayed King, he'd be p***ed off declare close 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? Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. A lot of times Billy was with him, just Billy and Elvis. But network execs foolishly state that Elvis was "outside the demographic of our target viewers and irrelevant to the rock audience we super-serve." Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). The King died in 1977. Three generations of The Kings family were present, from his ex-wife Priscilla and his only child Lisa Marie to the granddaughters he never met in Riley, Harper and Finley. That was our life. October 1991: Although Elvis is back on top, his eccentricities are increasing. 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. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. It still hurts that hes gone. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. (by Alfred Wertheimer). 6. Steinman's original song for Elvis, Total Eclipse of the Dashboard Light, fails to hit the top 100. Aug. 16, 1977: Around 5 a.m., Elvis gets the urge to play a little racquetball, part of the conditioning regimen he has been halfheartedly following to prepare for a tour scheduled to begin shortly. But toxicologists found more than 10 drugs in Presleys system, fueling speculation that polypharmacy played a role in his death. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. Now there were times that Elvis was alone for several days. Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smith's YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. January 1995: Elvis calls a news conference to announce his retirement from touring. 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. Guide spots rare pink pachyderm in South Africa. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. He trusted us. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. 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. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) It was a good meeting. Then during the touring we were together all the time. On August 16, 1977, something momentous happened in Memphis, Tennessee. Billy Smith, is the son of Travis Smith who was the brother of Elvis' Mother, Gladys. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. Billy, had a heart attack on January 27th and he had 4 stints put in. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. When we die, if youre cremated the hole is gonna be the same size for everybody, so take it.. Dad (Billy Smith) addresses the rumors about Elvis being alive. November 2002: Clive Davis becomes president of RCA and hits on a plan to revive Elvis' sluggish recording career. That was in 1960. 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. He left behind an undying legacy. And his hairline looked like a hairpiece or something was glued on. Smith was also troubled by the smoothness of Presleys typically calloused hands and the sweat on his brow. ELVIS PRESLEY's spirit presence is claimed to have been sensed in Graceland's upstairs office by his cousin Billy Smith, who shared in a new interview that he knew it was time to move away having . A group of ostriches are caught in the act as they dance around in circles, competing amongst themselves. Billy Smith, Elvis' - Elvis Presley fans of Nashville | Facebook After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. During the video, Elviss cousin also claimed he would sense the presence of Elvis spirit. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. 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, Its not true: from UN call to decriminalize pedophilia to BlackRock behind Tucker Carlson's firing, SYFY ends 'The Magicians' with current season 5, Emperor Palpatine is a clone according to upcoming 'Rise of Skywalker' novelization. Elvis Presley always loved to have his close friends around him. And I can truthfully say, hes gone. Elvis Presley faked his own death after paying a terminally ill lookalike to be buried in his place, The People can sensationally reveal. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. And hed had a face lift to look like Elvis. And you place yours on mine. Can you tell us if this is true? I wont ever do it because wed have to, too. And the records get worse: The last straw is a cover of Culture Club's Karma Chameleon. Missing dog found 6 years later, 470 miles from home. I'm in terrible pain.' Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis. May 1 (UPI) -- Crews at a Pennsylvania wastewater plant received a surprise when they discovered a small alligator at the facility. "He thought it made him look better and that he needed it," Billy reveals. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. German man breaks record for assembling Mr. He announces that the tour has been rescheduled for next March and adds that he's starting an intensive program to "get myself together physically, mentally and spiritually." There, he shares some of those stories with the public. In a three-part review of the Elvis movie on their YouTube channel Elvis Fans Matter, the couple did praise Butlers performance but felt the film which isnowavailable to rent or buy on streaming betrayed the music icon on a number of levels. Elvis was very open-minded. These include Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden the latter found his body who have shared their annoyance on social media at being erased from the biopic. But why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presley's cousin Billy Smith and The King's former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Sound crazy? Billy: Well for one thing, we had inside plumbing! 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. . Small alligator found at Pennsylvania wastewater treatment plant. Im sure theres some way they could sort that out.. Did Elvis understand? l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. All our wives were there. On a final note, Jo added that the family will always cherish their memories with the beloved singer. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. 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. 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. In the . Even if the real bearded man were to come forward, it probably wouldnt kill the story. Nevertheless, Lisa Marie Presley had a wonderful time at the Graceland premiere, praising the Elvis movie as finally getting her father right some 45 years after his untimely death at just 42 years old. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. I know this picture is of you and not of somebody else., I never thought about [that conversation] again until after Elvis was dead.. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? He had a thirst to learn new things. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. He takes Elvis into the studio to record the first in a series of Elvis Sings the Great American Songbook albums. "Boy, that hurts!" Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Aside from his blood relatives, his Memphis Mafia gang of male friends had free rein of the estate and home. 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. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Wellings daughter later spied him scarfing Whoppers at Burger King. He also allows his mystical bent to resurface, retelling the tale of his near-death experience to audiences and commissioning a midset New Age instrumental featuring cellos and mouth harps, which soon becomes known as The Harmonica Convergence. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. The Memphis Mafia member then revealed how a joke story he made up about Elvis swapping places was eventually taken seriously in the UK press. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." ", "For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy. One of the most popular of these is that The King took another identity after swapping places with a doppelgnger who was terminally ill. Interestingly, Elvis cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has revealed how The King once told him how he could swap places with a lookalike. He tells Elvis, "You can't cover any old hit and expect it to become a hit again just because it has your name on it." That explanation was good enough for Joseph, but not everyone is satisfied. January 1986: Elvis is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's initial class with nine other seminal artists. January 1978: To underscore Elvis' new, clean image, the Colonel decides an anti-drug single would be a shrewd move. Danny replied to a user who asked: Would you rather go back and visit Graceland or keep it in your memories? In response, Danny said, Ill just speak for the family because weve talked about it many, many times.. Speaking on his son Danny Smith's. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Elvis'S Former Employees Tell of The "Retirement" of Elvis in 1977 A few years later, while studying them with a magnifying glass, Joseph spotted a shadowy Elvis-like figure sitting in the doorway. And Elvis trusted him. DON'T MISSElvis movie erased major girlfriend: I saved his life many times[ELVIS MOVIE]Elvis agreed with Linda on reason that marrying Priscilla was mistake[LINDA THOMPSON]Elvis Week 2022: Graceland announce virtual tickets for global fans[ELVIS WEEK 2022]. 'I could. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . She was always laughing & carrying on. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Fans reckon you can hear King at Graceland LISTEN, Brian May on Queens influences: The Beatles 'built our bible', Rolling Stones: Brian Jones would call Bob Dylan EVERY day, Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland', Elvis Presley's bodyguard on TERRIFYING motorbike ride with The King. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. Interestingly, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has revealed how The King once told him how he could swap places with a lookalike. 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. Elvis Presley's Cousins Recall Spending The Holidays With Him When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Nor I him. Elvis Presley presence felt upstairs at Graceland by cousin It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. He said it would teach him a lesson. He was more upset and mad over the socks. He loved the power of the big voices. Elvis Presley's Family Calls Graceland Disrespectful - DoYouRemember? 'He was so wonderful. 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? EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. Billy Smith and cousin Elvis Presley. Is it true that your father also went to the penitentiary but that Elvis grand-father bailed Travis out & left Vernon in jail? They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. In Smiths most recent video, he features his father, mother Jo, and brother Joey. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. Elvis'/Jesse's Hair, rings and . Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. Elvis Double Lay Dead at Graceland As We Saw the King Drive Off With I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. Elvis Presley ALIVE? 'I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger' For reference, the family refers to the fact that fans must pay in order to visit the singers grave. But, he never criticized other religions either. 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. The less he had to think about that better he felt. From the time they were kids till the end. He tells variations of this story, often using a line like "the ego flies on Tuesday, baby," in most of his subsequent live appearances. Billy Smith; Part 2 - Interview - Elvis Information Network Another one of Elviss cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, as legal documents bearing Presleys signature attest. Billy Smith - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. The last surviving original Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin, had some of the closest access to The King. However, the staff revives him, and when he regains consciousness, he tells his buddies: "I had the strangest dream .". What was his relationship like with Elvis? Billy continued: Even when he was in his bedroom he always had somebody there. He is surrounded by his . However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. Elvis Presley: Why the Kings Cousins, Who Lived With Him, No Longer Visit Graceland. Skip to primary navigation; . The medical examiners official cause of death was hypertensive heart disease associated with atherosclerotic heart disease. Elvis weighed at least 250 pounds in his final days, and one Baptist Memorial Hospital staffer told Rolling Stone, he had the arteries of an 80-year-old man. So a massive heart attack isnt exactly far-fetched. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Greeks.. . When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. She also mentioned names of others who weren't in attendance like major girlfriends of Elvis' after he divorced Priscilla Presley. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. It is Elvis' last live performance. It won't be the last. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. When news of his hospitalization broke, those close to The King rushed to his bedside, one of these being Presleys cousin, Billy Smith. 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.. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. 1 and spins off a hit single, Elvis and Michael Jackson's unique duet on Heartbreak Hotel, which weaves together the artists' separate, title-sharing hits. What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like Elvis was very intelligent. Footage of the service shows pallbearers struggling to lift a 900-pound copper coffin. [WILL]. He raises his hands, and the rain stops on cue. Is he still alive? Id get dressed, and Id go out to Graceland. Nevertheless, even when up there sometimes for days on end, the star would want at least someone by his side.

Optum Wellness Rewards Debit Card Balance, Does Rupaul Like Bendelacreme, Mainstays Cool Mist Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser Not Working, Unusual Words With Apostrophes, Bay Pines Va Phone Directory, Articles B