Its Graceland. He liked his guys around him. "My trainer told me about them it's like getting high from working out.". Elvis was always my hero. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. The video has been viewed more than 2 million times on YouTubefar more than the one where a clever Elvis fan debunks the whole thing by chatting with the actual Graceland employee, an affable gentleman named Bill Barmer. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. May 1 (UPI) -- Michigan State Police troopers doing a clean-up at the side of a highway said what initially appeared to be a gruesome discovery turned out to be a realistic-looking severed hand made of rubber. Theres also the question of why the most famous man on the planet would risk going into a public place in his hometown in order to book airfare for the purpose of faking his own death. Nevertheless, even when up there sometimes for days on end, the star would want at least someone by his side. 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. 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. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. I never meant for this story to mislead anybody or hurt anybody in any kind of way.. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? So did Junior! EIN: Is it true that in 1977 Elvis asked you to become Chief foreman and that he considered getting rid of The Colonel once again and even Joe Esposito? A few years later, while studying them with a magnifying glass, Joseph spotted a shadowy Elvis-like figure sitting in the doorway. These were consistent with the notion that hed faked his own death to escape the public eye (or the mafia, as one theory holds) and return to his humble roots. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? March 1978: Elvis sets out on his longest tour ever, dazzling critics and fans with his newly toned physique and renewed energy. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? 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. That was our life. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. . Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. He deserved to have peace of mind. In an interview with Larry King, Elviss good buddy Joe Esposito suggested it was another Presley associate, Al Strada, in the photo. Steinman's original song for Elvis, Total Eclipse of the Dashboard Light, fails to hit the top 100. 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. While visiting Graceland with his family, a man named Mike Joseph took some random pictures of Presleys pool house. Setting the record straight, Billy added: So, heres the truth: Elvis died, August 16, 1977 one of the hardest days of my life. He always told me that he loved me. Billy Smith is not only Elvis first cousin but a former member of the singers inner Mafia circle. He visits President Bush at the White House, presenting Bush with a set of Elvis-logo dumbbells and offering his help in stamping out the nation's crack problem. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? 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. He said in the clip that he felt him when he stayed upstairs in the house. As far as I know, that didn't happen. 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. School principal unlocks dumpster, finds bear inside. "Ain't no problem," Elvis says, "I'll take care of it." Id get dressed, and Id go out to Graceland. And you who don't can never tell. I missed a few due to sickness in my family. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis. And he loved big orchestras. The last surviving original Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith, Elvis cousin, had some of the closest access to The King. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. And you place yours on mine. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. Billy: Yes, Elvis was a handsome man. Unless it turns out Elvis is immortal. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. October 1991: Although Elvis is back on top, his eccentricities are increasing. It hurts. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. Then during the touring we were together all the time. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. 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. The cousin of Elvis Presley, Billy Smith, reveals the truth behind Elvis's facelifts, dyed hair, webbed toes, and more through the years. He tells variations of this story, often using a line like "the ego flies on Tuesday, baby," in most of his subsequent live appearances. Elvis'S Former Employees Tell of The "Retirement" of Elvis in 1977 Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. A similar case of mistaken identity led to some excitement a few years later, when sports agent Larry Kolb was captured looking uncannily Elvis-like alongside his client (and Elviss pal) Muhammad Ali and Jesse Jackson in a 1984 newspaper photo. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Elvis was very intelligent. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. In the clip, he revealed why he and his family dont visit Graceland anymore. Our hearts will intertwine.". 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 said it would teach him a lesson. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. Now there were times that Elvis was alone for several days. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. As I place my hand upon your heart, He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. He also added that when he looked at the windows, he felt Elvis Presleys presence. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. When he lived at Graceland from 1957 until his death, Presley had an open-door policy with his Memphis Mafia. "It's just a simple word, you see, 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. 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 lived with us in that house behind Graceland. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. 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 family sits and discusses Elvis last night, Graceland, and why theyre not satisfied with how some things are currently run. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. Memphis Mafia Kid has over 19,000 subscribers and racks up thousands of views with each clip. However, he added that it was time for me to get out of there.. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. A ferocious cape cobra is seen eating and swallowing another snake whole in a matter of only a few minutes. Its not Elvis. Adding to his wifes statement, Billy Smith said, Graceland didnt make Elvis. Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley The Colonel, inspired, announces plans for a nationwide chain of Elvis Workout Centers. The first time that I saw it I was nervous, I was gripping the chair going like, Oh God, whats going to happen? The King died in 1977. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. At this point, I tell you this with all my heart and its the only reason that Im here: Its been done right.. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Billy and his wife Jo are still alive and have a YouTube channel called "Elvis Fans Matter" where they talk about Elvis and give some pretty interesting insight into the life of The King. Elvis Presley's Cousins Recall Spending The Holidays With Him RCA suggests working with Jim Steinman of Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler fame. . He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. Larry was his hair dresser. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true man the star was. We had so many memorable times on the set!! Elvis releases a disco-style cover of Jackie Wilson's Baby, Workout, which rises to No. He supposedly gave the name Jon Burrows, a pseudonym Elvis used when checking into hotels. 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 - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 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. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Billy Smith; Part 2 - Interview - Elvis Information Network Im not really 81, says Barmer, who then compares himself to a Pokmon Go character. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. What follows is a brief history of why some people refuse to let this American icon rest in peace. (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. And a much-heralded return to rock in the form of the Rolling Stones' Start Me Up is equally unsuccessful. 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. For some reason, I always looked up at his office window because I felt like he was calling me and he was looking out the window. However, he felt more at ease once Elvis was buried. Elvis Presley presence felt upstairs at Graceland by cousin His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Guide spots rare pink pachyderm in South Africa. 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. READ MORE:Lisa Marie's lifetime of 'disappointment' cured at Elvis premiere, Jo continued: Whats an invitation? Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. I didnt know what to expect. "Elvis is alive theories are as varied as they are plentiful, and theyve been circulating since just after his death. Elvis' Cousin Shares Last Conversation With King Hours Before His Death 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. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. 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: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. As for Presleys autopsy report: Its a private family document unlikely to ever see the light of day. 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. He raises his hands, and the rain stops on cue. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. Billy continued: Even when he was in his bedroom he always had somebody there. Our grandfather was a handsome man. They engage in minor conversation before getting into sharing their memories of Elvis. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 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"! 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. Severed hand at side of Michigan highway was a rubber fake. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. 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. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? I fell in head first. "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.. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. I think I need to see a Doctor." Billy: Well it's true that my father, Travis, went to the penitentiary with Vernon, but Vernon got out of prison a few months before my father because of good behavior. Elvis Presley's Family Calls Graceland Disrespectful - DoYouRemember? Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. And I would hear him calling me.. 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. As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true . 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. "Elvis always . 'He was so wonderful. The insider swears that Elvis murmurs, "Return to sender. As always lately, Elvis can't get to sleep, so the doctor prescribes sleep medication. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Footage of the service shows pallbearers struggling to lift a 900-pound copper coffin. 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. Geldof moves on to the next star on his list. Columbus and Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin laugh about the theory in the DVD commentary, but the identity of the extra remains unknown. A group of ostriches are caught in the act as they dance around in circles, competing amongst themselves. 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. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. However, some close friends and family of The Kings were nowhere to be seen. He left behind an undying legacy. 'I could. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Elvis girlfriend Linda hits back at Baz Luhrmann biopic 'I know the I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger The King's cousin speaksG, Elvis ALIVE? Plans for Elvis to appear solo are scuttled when RCA threatens to withdraw support unlesss its new star, Rick Astley, is included. January 1978: To underscore Elvis' new, clean image, the Colonel decides an anti-drug single would be a shrewd move. He had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a kind man. What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? 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. But toxicologists found more than 10 drugs in Presleys system, fueling speculation that polypharmacy played a role in his death. A great deal of Elvis is alive intrigue centers on August 18, 1977, the day of Presley's funeral. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. 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. During the racquetball game, he accidentally smacks himself on the shin with his racquet. September 1982: The commercial instincts of the Elvis camp seem increasingly erratic. Billy and Jo Smith Talking about Elvis early 80s - YouTube Do you still see him or have any contact? But why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. 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. With that, what critics like to call the "Fit Elvis era" is over. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. A lot of times Billy was with him, just Billy and Elvis. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. On a final note, Jo added that the family will always cherish their memories with the beloved singer. In the end, a leather-clad Elvis, looking impressively buff at 53, revisits his classic hits of the late '60s and '70s, including In the Ghetto, Burning Love and Suspicious Minds. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? Not that we arent happy with our family, we are, Jo said. The last surviving original Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin, had some of the closest access to The King. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presley's cousin Billy Smith and The King's former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. June 1988: NBC and Elvis Enterprises announce a TV special for late November, 20 years after Elvis' '68 Comeback Special. 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. Why Elvis Presley's Cousins Say He Would've Ditched the Jumpsuits USA TODAY contributor Ken Barnes imagines how his career might have continued. 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. And Elvis trusted him. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. Whatever Happened To Marla Gibbs, Florence Johnston From The Jeffersons. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) And he cant bring him back.. Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. Its like a light switch turned off. Moreover, the quartet stated that there are two main reasons why they may never return to their home. Elvis Presley's Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From - Outsider He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. Elvis' version of Jennifer Holliday's And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going becomes an adult-contemporary chart-topper. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. "I kind of think he would probably still be dyeing his hair but you know he might have left a little grey in it," the King's cousin noted. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. 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. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. He wanted stronger roles. And was late for work many times. Did Elvis understand? Through all the dubious decisions, the excessive percentage skimmed from Elvis' earnings even the revelations of the Colonel's identity as an undocumented immigrant Elvis had stayed loyal to his business partner. May 1 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Pennsylvania came to the rescue of a deer spotted stranded in a Montgomery County canal. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. January 1986: Elvis is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's initial class with nine other seminal artists. Jo said how people often point out the star spending days in his bedroom, but she dispelled one rumour surrounding this. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. It was a good meeting. They roared with laughter. Some, however, feel he slightly undermines the message of Kicks with a vigorous midsong demonstration of karate moves. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. Its almost like, youre not good enough, youre not sophisticated enough, youre not their Hollywood type, you dont need to be there. Well, all those people had as much right as any of the rest of the family to be there. He trusted us. January-May 1997: Colonel Parker dies of a stroke. But, he never criticized other religions either. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. We traveled with him, lived with him.. 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 .