Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. 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. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Gene died a few years ago. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. I'm in terrible pain.' Hows the actor going to be? Each video honors The Kings legacy, discussing fond memories and a conspiracy or two. Speaking on his son Danny Smiths YouTube channel, Memphis Mafia Kid, Billy said: This question, Is Elvis still alive? Well, let me say this. The first time that I saw it I was nervous, I was gripping the chair going like, Oh God, whats going to happen? He never betrayed me again. Sophie Turner asks for privacy after accidentally posting video of daughter, Judge extends deadline for Georgia DA to respond to Donald Trump motion, NFL Draft: Seahawks, Patriots, Texans winners; Browns, Chargers underwhelm. The concert, at Wembley Stadium in May, is a triumph, though marred by hundreds of emergency medical calls to treat elderly fans who had fainted from sheer disbelief that their dream had come true. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. While this may seem like further proof of a cover-up, its actually a matter of Tennessee law. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis. What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like So when we moved into Graceland Vernon asked my daddy to be the head gate guard, just as hed been at Elvis house on Audubon Drive. Back in 1957, having shot to fame, The King moved his extended family into the Graceland mansion. May 1 (UPI) -- A dog brought into a West Virginia animal shelter was found to have been missing for 6 years from a Virginia home 470 miles away. I didnt know what to expect. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. $109,000 lottery jackpot won on Kentucky couple's 44th anniversary. Elvis Presley private life: Cousin says Graceland was like living at I really wasnt expecting this. He was my hero. 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. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. Presleys cousin Gene Smith thought the body looked a little strange. 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. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. They roared with laughter. . Billy Smith is the one person who knows Elvis Presley better than He'll do it for a million dollars in cash." 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. When he lived at Graceland from 1957 until his death, Presley had an open-door policy with his Memphis Mafia. As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true . Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. 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. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. A group of ostriches are caught in the act as they dance around in circles, competing amongst themselves. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. And, in the early days, they lived with him. 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.. 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. Since his wife had never been, he admitted that he would return one final time with her and their grandchildren. The King had packed on a few pounds in his later years, but theres no way he was pushing a half-ton. Elvis' version of Jennifer Holliday's And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going becomes an adult-contemporary chart-topper. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Smith claims that Elvis was always hardest on himself when it came to how he looked, adding that if Elvis thought it would make him better, he did it. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. Billy Smith - Interview - Elvis Information Network 285285 52 shares Share Small alligator found at Pennsylvania wastewater treatment plant. Moreover, the quartet stated that there are two main reasons why they may never return to their home. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. In a new video, one asked: Why do you think it was so hard for Elvis to be alone?, Initially, Jo said: I dont know. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. It was like my song it was telling me, 'Your time hasn't come yet, baby.'" Curiously, director Chris Columbus went into Home Alone having just made Heartbreak Hotel, a 1988 flop about some kids who try to kidnap Elvis. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Billy: I was travelling with Elvis for almost every one of the movies. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. 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. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) Its not his home. In addition to Elvis absence, the family suggested their disdain for the way Graceland controls access to Elvis grave. We all loved him and had a job to do. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? "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.. January 1986: Elvis is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's initial class with nine other seminal artists. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. I mean you were portrayed in the movie, but that parts not what aggravated. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. 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. 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. Wellings daughter later spied him scarfing Whoppers at Burger King. 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. When we die, if youre cremated the hole is gonna be the same size for everybody, so take it.. One thing was to tour Europe. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! So, he watched from a distance. March 1988: Concert attendance slips as audiences tire of Elvis' lengthy monologues about the benefits of healthy eating, mysticism and frequent gym workouts. 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. Columbus and Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin laugh about the theory in the DVD commentary, but the identity of the extra remains unknown. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. He takes Elvis into the studio to record the first in a series of Elvis Sings the Great American Songbook albums. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Commenting on Billy being portrayed in the biopic, Jo said: It didnt upset you. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. 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A pink elephant goes for an afternoon swim with its mother and herd, and despite its unique color, the herd passionately cares for it. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. EIN: And what of Vernon? Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? It has been speculated that Elvis Presley was forced to fake his death in order to protect himself and his family after allegedly outing some pretty powerful mafia members. Express. And he cant bring him back.. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. Guide spots rare pink pachyderm in South Africa. Additionally, some of Elvis family and friends would live on the property, including his cousin Billy Smith and his family. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. And a much-heralded return to rock in the form of the Rolling Stones' Start Me Up is equally unsuccessful. We have decided that I want to go back through Graceland one more time with Teresa. At this point, I tell you this with all my heart and its the only reason that Im here: Its been done right.. It was either the death of Elvis Presley at the age of 42, as more than 80 percent of Americans believe, or the start of the most spectacular disappearing act in the history of mankind. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Can you tell us if this is true? Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. Is Elvis Alive? - YouTube When Elvis Presley passed away in August of 77, he was surrounded by family and members of the Memphis Mafia. Do you remember Elvis singing to you or the family before he became famous? So have issues concerning official paperwork. 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Additionally, some of Elvis' family and friends would live on the property, including his cousin Billy Smith and his family. And that will probably be the last time that I would go back to it.. I dont care if I never go to Graceland again, Jo said. 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]. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. He had a thirst to learn new things. 'I could. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Elvis made Graceland a home. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. With that, what critics like to call the "Fit Elvis era" is over. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. In the clip, a gray-haired dude in a baseball cap and Elvis Week T-shirt fusses with some wire and holds up two fingersapparently some type of numerological clueas he walks past the camera. For reference, the family refers to the fact that fans must pay in order to visit the singers grave. And maybe some of my grandchildren. January-May 1997: Colonel Parker dies of a stroke. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. 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. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Episode 11. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. 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. They grew up together in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the Smith family joined the Presley's on the move to Memphis in 1948. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. 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. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. May 1 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Pennsylvania came to the rescue of a deer spotted stranded in a Montgomery County canal. EIN regularly gets asked questions relating to Billy Smith & his life with Elvis, so we sincerely thank him for taking time out of his busy life for this long interview. Elvis Presley: How Muhammad Ali inspired The Kings show preparation, Elvis Presley:The King's wife Priscilla senses his 'spirit'. 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Billy admitted: And [for] many years Id always heard these fans saying, Is Elvis still alive?, So many sightings and all this. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. He deserved to have peace of mind. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. 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. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. However, he was just a boy at the time. I think I need to see a Doctor." He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Elvis and Gene were close to the same age and were close, especially in the early years. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. Thirty-six years ago Friday, owing to pressures we can hardly imagine and self-indulgences we can imagine only too well, Elvis Presley died. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. And, he had unbelievable strength. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. 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. Billy Smith, Elvis' - Elvis Presley fans of Nashville | Facebook Missing dog found 6 years later, 470 miles from home. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. To get inside you need no key. He wanted stronger roles. School principal unlocks dumpster, finds bear inside. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. Corral. Please keep Billy Smith in your thoughts and prayers. For we who know, know it well, And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? Geldof moves on to the next star on his list. He had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a kind man. Billy: Yes. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. 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. Before Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, he spent his last night and early morning with his cousin Billy Smith.. Billy is arguably one of the last people ever to have a conversation with Elvis. When asked to check his ego at the door, Elvis pauses, nods his head and says, "Yep, it's still there!" And yet conspiracy theories have been rife over the years that hes still alive and well at 85-years-old. Without him, its a home but its not the same. Elvis' Cousin Shares Last Conversation With King Hours Before His Death He was showing me a picture of himself and he said, Does this look like me?, And I said, Yeah, and he said, Well its not. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. Please share his story with us. He went to great lengths to make sure that it was kept a jet black color at all times, making his blue eyes stand out. That was in 1960. The insider swears that Elvis murmurs, "Return to sender. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. Elvis Presley: Why the Kings Cousins, Who Lived With Him, No Longer Visit Graceland. And hed had a face lift to look like Elvis. Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic 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. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. book. He said in the clip that he felt him when he stayed upstairs in the house. 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. He read a lot too. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. March 1978: Elvis sets out on his longest tour ever, dazzling critics and fans with his newly toned physique and renewed energy. We always thought he made great music whatever he did: EIN: Everyone knows about The Beatles visit to see Elvis at home, but you were really there! Elvis Presley presence felt upstairs at Graceland by cousin The general confusion surrounding these and other jargony cause-of-death explanations has undoubtedly helped to foster conspiracy theories. Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smiths YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. . Id get dressed, and Id go out to Graceland. But why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? During the video, Elviss cousin also claimed he would sense the presence of Elvis spirit. It is Elvis' last live performance. In 1988, a woman named Louise Welling from nearby Vicksburg claimed she had seen Presley standing in line at the local Felpauschsupermarket. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger The King's cousin speaksG, Elvis ALIVE? When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. 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. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. Theres a bearded guy behind her who looks a little like Elvis in Charro! Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. While visiting Graceland with his family, a man named Mike Joseph took some random pictures of Presleys pool house. She was always laughing & carrying on. January 1995: Elvis calls a news conference to announce his retirement from touring. Im not really 81, says Barmer, who then compares himself to a Pokmon Go character. Billy Smith, is the son of Travis Smith who was the brother of Elvis' Mother, Gladys. Elvis was still alive on June 18, 1990 without a doubt. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. Surprisingly, it works as effectively as the star's usual three nightly packets of Seconal, Placidyl, Demerol and several other medications, and he falls into a deep sleep, but he is unresponsive when a nurse tries to awaken him late in the day. . . I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. The quartet kicks off the video with a plethora of jokes and laughter. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Steinman's original song for Elvis, Total Eclipse of the Dashboard Light, fails to hit the top 100. He left behind an undying legacy. EIN: Cousin Billy Mann. That is disrespectful to Elvis., Lisa Marie Presleys Late Son Benjamin Keough Officially Laid To Rest At Graceland With Elvis, 75-Year-Old Don McLean Opens Up About Dating A 27-Year-Old. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father . Our hearts will intertwine.". The less he had to think about that better he felt. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. 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. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. That seems very strange. RELATED: Lisa Marie Presleys Late Son Benjamin Keough Officially Laid To Rest At Graceland With Elvis. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. He raises his hands, and the rain stops on cue. THE DEATH ITSELF. Late August 1977: "I dreamed I died," Elvis will tell reporters later, "and I was headed toward a pure white light, but something sent me back. Did Elvis understand? I will never forget that night and I know Elvis really liked them. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. On stage at the special screening, The Kings only child said: I do want to say that I feel so honoured to be a partof this. . "Endorphins, that's where it's at," he says. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. It hurts. 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. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! 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.
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