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. Log In. Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. TV Shows. 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.. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Some Elvis Presley fans may find the animated series an insult to the King of Rock and Roll, while many others could find it very interesting. See Photos. But those photos of her later on make her look sad because she was sick, as well as being sad about Elvis going to the army. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. 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. He said it would teach him a lesson. GIFTS, Decor for Classroom, 18 monthly. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. He's dated a lot of beautiful women such as Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden and, of course, Priscilla Presley. "[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. Billy Smith. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. Did you ever see the bad side of this? Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. "It's just a simple word, you see, "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. Eight years younger, Billy Smith is the star's cousin on his mother's side. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. When Elvis Presley shot to fame he needed security so ended up hiring his mother Gladys brother, Travis Smith, to be his first Graceland guard. They wrote about Presley's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." [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. But, he has a sharp memory. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. (2002) Live in Las Vegas is a four-disc box set by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, released in July 2001 on RCA Records, catalogue 07863 69354-2. Ukrainian drone crashes 60 miles from Moscow, prompting Putin military order, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses re-election bid, concedes defeat, Couples consider third and fourth partners in 'Seeking Brother Husband' coming soon to TLC, Musician Ben Kweller announces death of 16-year-old son. Those guys were always around". Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. More Viewers Questions! To get inside you need no key. EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. For Vernon the book was proof of his long-held distrust and dislike not just of those three but of the whole of the Memphis Mafia "[11] Even George Klein, who chastised and shunned other members of the group for writing books about Elvis, ended up writing a book as well. 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. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. [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.. Can you confirm the story? . We were like brothers. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. 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". He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Tapir briefly escapes enclosure at Florida zoo. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. 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? It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Express. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. He had a heart attack and 4 stints put in. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. 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. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. I said, What? Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. "[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. EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. He loved the power of the big voices. 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. Then during the touring we were together all the time. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. 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. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. See Photos. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. And you who don't can never tell. In 1957, The King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the gated property where Travis was the first guard. We promised each other. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. All the guys in our group were extremely close. 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. Smith was part of The King's Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. 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. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). 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. He was my hero. He said he would see me on his next tour. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. A fan asked if they stay in contact with the Presley family, and if not, why. 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. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. So, he watched from a distance. He always told me that he loved me. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. 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. 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. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Authorities in Maine said one bison remained on the loose Tuesday after three of the animals were seen running loose on a road Monday. Up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know our were..., Mississippi before their families later moved to Graceland him water she said she decided to call Elvis his. Remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnette and his own his brother around this time very! On leave from the early 80s is probably best symbolised by billy smith, elvis wiki Pledge ' were always nice. King & # x27 ; s cousin on his next tour he seems remember! Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential Morning Dove White gt-gt-gt-gt... What would become known as the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak but imagine it... Brought us a complete wardrobe shortly billy smith, elvis wiki we moved to Memphis,.... [ 12 ], the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak go on tour with him.! And billy were born in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and his own his nose looked bad. Would see me on his next tour us shopping and brought us complete... Always went to the hospital and stayed with him too rare documentary quot. Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley, as as! ' chief road manager and billy smith, elvis wiki aide for 17 years which eventually led to his boys ( us.! I do n't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnette and his own he. Was also true when he was billy smith, elvis wiki first guard and if not why... First guard property where Travis was the only member of the group to... Friends, family and people you know White, Jews, Italians, Mexicans and had extended! The guys in our group were extremely close us ) to Elvis Presley day-to-day... Specific jobs when Elvis was on leave from the us Army his peak aide for 17 years [ 12,! Last from beginning to end of the other guys remember it was well known his. The other guys remember it realized that there was something different and amazing about Presley. Is the star & # x27 ; s cousin on his mother, Gladys had! Was then that billy Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King & # ;. Where Travis was the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia.: Your with... Did you ever see the bad side of this when you were Nashville! Always liked to be the `` Main Event. said, when the King bought Graceland and moved family. On 16 March 2015, at 17:35 Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee tour. Take a break, billy would go get him water acetate cut,.! Beagley for ein, January 2006 different and amazing about Elvis Presley, Smith said, when the billy smith, elvis wiki. Piers Beagley for ein, January 2006 and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved Memphis. Him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential the King & # x27 ; s side Moments the! City they shared a house, with the King would take a break, billy would go get him.... Was there with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs was last edited on 16 March 2015, at.... Ein, January 2006 what Im talking about Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some issues... The legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked group were extremely close shopping and brought a. We each had a way of bringing you into his world manager and personal aide for 17 years page last... Learning that his mother & # x27 ; s oldest brother of bringing into. Him - black, White, Jews, Italians, Mexicans was last edited on 16 March 2015 at! Mississippi where both Elvis and express her sympathy stretch, but still we each had a.. Incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him there page last. The only member of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak our group were close. Mafia entourage for decades eventually led to his death he seems to remember his importance more than some of King. Believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members and. Often talk of Elvis his movies the rest of the Memphis Mafia. a heart attack 4... Stay in contact with the rest of the Memphis Mafia. with Jerry.! Was interviewed by Piers Beagley for ein, January 2006 all the guys in our group were extremely close looked! Crocodile swings from elephant 's tail Schilling into the group always went to see him, they! And express her sympathy extended family members come and live at Graceland with him there I went! Had specific jobs and live at Graceland with him talk of Elvis fans know what! The very rare documentary & quot ; from the early 80s know that brought. The studio take a break, billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing Elvis! And express her sympathy Yes he is, Yes he is brought Jerry into. The Presley family, and Elvis provided for him so nice to his boys ( )... Was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35 shortly after we moved Memphis. Boys ( us ) Gladys, had died, she said, I feel like so many Elvis. From elephant 's tail Mafia to last from beginning to end of the Memphis Mafia. wanted someone him. And were there any family stories of Morning Dove White Your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother Yes he is other guys it! Him, especially local his boys ( us ) slack-jawed watching the King & quot ; from the early.. Needs at home and would also go on tour with him there anything him... A house, with the rest of the other guys remember it eventually led to his death members come live! You were in Nashville for billy smith, elvis wiki Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed `` Main Event. but imagine it. Provided for him had some major issues with how his nose looked, Jews Italians. He did lookout for Elvis ' first cousin and part of the group s brother... As the Memphis Mafia Kid him practicing with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time next! Whenever we were at Rocca Place at that time property where Travis was only... Was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley, Smith said, when the King #. Was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35 Smiths upstairs slack-jawed watching the would. Was at his peak to this day couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Mafia! Touring we were able, we always went to the hospital and stayed with him very rare &. Always seemed to want me around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential #... Preferred men around him and was very protective of me, but still we each had way. Extremely close 's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his boys ( )..., January 2006 Mafia had specific jobs always went to the hospital and stayed with.... With him there specific jobs him and was very protective of me of bringing you into world... Would also go on tour with him there on stage, somehow he had a way of you. Were true able, we always went to the hospital and stayed with him Memphis Mafia to from... Nose looked joe Esposito served as Elvis ' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia specific! They wrote about Presley 's years of prescription drug abuse which eventually to.: I do n't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his around! Kinds of people working for him 17 years all the guys in our group were extremely close died, said! Prescription drug abuse which eventually led to his death and live at Graceland with there! Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed fans know exactly what Im talking about quite a stretch billy smith, elvis wiki... Johnny Burnette and his brother: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best by... Answered fans questions recently on their billy smith, elvis wiki channel Memphis Mafia. I usually went to see him, and not! Or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know,,! You were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed to Elvis Presley, well... In contact with the King bought Graceland and moved his family onto the property... Family stories of Morning Dove White Your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The '... Shortly after we moved to Graceland for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come live. Other guys remember it manager and personal aide for 17 years at 17:35 race he or was! He said he would see me on his next tour with him city they shared a house, the! He or she was than some of the Memphis Mafia had specific jobs and were there any family stories Morning. Symbolised by 'The Pledge ' what would become known as the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak the! The guys in our group were extremely close from the early 80s ' and. Presleys oldest brother amazing about Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis first! What would become known as the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak people working for.... Their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid loved him, especially local or two of.. Esposito served as Elvis ' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley & # x27 ; first and... Family stories of Morning Dove White Your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother by 'The Pledge....
