[2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Presley's 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. Another was his father Vernons sister Aunt Delta, who was widowed and actually lived at the mansion until her death in 1993, over a decade after tours began. The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. Can you confirm the story? That's the reason I've never remarried. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. "[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. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. In their new home city they shared a house, with the Presleys downstairs and the Smiths upstairs. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. 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. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? A lightning bolt flashed across the sky in front of them, and Elvis took inspiration from it. 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. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. These two interviews were done years apart. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. 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. Elvis was well known for his incredible generosity and had other extended family members come and live at Graceland with him. They stated they hoped their book would "shock" Elvis into seeking medical care away from the physicians who were complicit in prescribing Elvis large amounts of prescription medications and fully resting and becoming "clean" off of these prescribed drugs. However, he was just a boy at the time. 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. Our hearts will intertwine.". Billy: Yes, my older brother Bobby died in 1968. Billy Smith talks about some of the movies he was in with Elvis. As I place my hand upon your heart, Has thanked: 296 times. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Answer (1 of 4): Jerry Schilling and his cousin Billy Smith. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. Both families were very poor at that time, to the point that the fathers searching for work added cardboard to the soles of their shoes when they wore through. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. He loved the power of the big voices. [5], Around 1960, the media dubbed these people the "Memphis Mafia". He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Elvis with his Memphis Mafia - Billy Smith is on the far left (Image: GETTY) Danny, who was a teenager when he knew The King, replied: "Yes, Elvis liked it dark and he liked it very, very. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. Each man had specific duties. Over the years, the number of members grew and changed, but for the most part there was a core group who spent much time with Presley. Many people were employed with the group through the years but some of the more prominent members were Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Richard Davis, Red West, Sonny West, Dave Hebler, Al Strada, Dr. Nick, Larry Geller, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Schilling, Sam Thompson and Gene Smith. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. Following his August 16, 1977 death, Thompson received a heartbreaking call from Presleys daughter. 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. "Some of the Memphis Mafia would buy up to $15,000 worth of fireworks in today's money, including skyrockets, baby giants, firecrackers, and chasers, which moved rapidly and unpredictably until they exploded. He had a thirst to learn new things. Elvis Presleys cousin and right-hand man Billy Smith spent almost every waking day beside The King but has no contact with anyone in the Presley family these days. He deserved to have peace of mind. As far as I know, that didn't happen. Episode 77. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that after the interview in the British After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. When Elvis bought Graceland Billys family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] . Elvis: How Lisa Marie's name was chosen and what a boy would be called, Dusty Hill dead: ZZ Top star's mother had inspiring Elvis encounter, Elvis: How King overcame his fear of flying according Memphis Mafia, Elvis ex Linda Thompson on unique language she had with The King. Those guys were always around". She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. See Photos. But Elvis never confirmed them. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. She adored him. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. [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. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. I fell in head first. That was in 1960. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. And you place yours on mine. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. by. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. Larry was his hair dresser. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. The most publicized fallout came when Vernon Presley fired Elvis' longtime friends Red West and Sonny West on July 13, 1976. 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. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. A couple of them had been arrested with false prescriptions attempting to collect drugs for Elvis, quite a few had taken physical hits in the service of protecting Elvis and none were paid more than $500 a week. He said it would teach him a lesson. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. [1] Contents 1 Playing career There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. Blasting SA, IDI CHE-247.845.224, Via Carlo Frasca, 3 - 6900 Lugano (Switzerland) We talked about religion so much. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) Elvis was very open-minded. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Billy: My father Travis was the first Gate Guard that Elvis had. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. She was always laughing & carrying on. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Elvis preferred men around him who were loyal, trustworthy and deferential. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. Do you still see him or have any contact? Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. Three bison escape Maine farm, two recaptured. Actually no, we dont. There were two teams, and the object of the game was to knock over as many members of the opposing team as possible by any means." Please tell us about it. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. 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. Been thanked: 730 times. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. Marty Lacker and Elvis' cousin, Billy Smith, were probably the closest true friends of Elvis according to some in the group. Did Elvis understand? Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. . 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. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. [5], Smith was one of Elvis' closest friends and confidantes, and the two would talk for hours up in Elvis' bedroom at Graceland, even acting out Monty Python scenes. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. 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? [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. 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. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Serial world record breaker David Rush reclaimed a Guinness World Records title when he threw and caught a fire sword 135 times in 1 minute. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. Red West was one of Presley's earliest friends from their school days, his first bodyguard which he would remain until the last year of Presley's life, and in 1954 had acted as a driver for Elvis, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black when they first toured the American South performing as the "Blue Moon Boys." Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. 'He was so wonderful. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. He never betrayed me again. book. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. "There wasn't a crowd then, just a few guys," and she emphasizes that she "had nothing to do with being a yes man for him and obviously he trusted me. 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. Among "the first to live, travel and play with Elvis" were cousins Red West and Sonny West, [4] as well as Billy Smith (who was with Elvis from the start to the end and the only original member still with Elvis after 1976), Charlie Hodge, Mevlana Hezri, and Joe Esposito. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in California, announced applications are now available for owners of aesthetically-challenged canines seeking to prove the unsightliness of their pooches. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. A crocodile fights an elephant only to realize it may have bitten off more than it can chew. I had so much respect for him. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia was originally a monumental 4,000 page oral biography, written after numerous individual and group interviews between Alanna Nash and Memphis Mafia stalwarts, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. For we who know, know it well, The reason being someone told him his eyes were so blue and all that, [so] if he had dark hair it would make his eyes stand out.. 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. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. After being in Elvis' employment for two decades, both Red and Sonny were only paid a few weeks' severance pay. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. ", (Mark Feeney on the 'Elvis meets Nixon' meeting), "especially in the South, they talk about Elvis and Jesus in the same breath", "The image is one thing and the human being is anotherit's very hard to live up to an image", (Elvis Presley, Madison Square Garden press conference, 1972), "Elvis was a major hero of mine. Billy: Elvis loved to read. Billy was Elvis' cousin and the closest guy to him! The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. Did Elvis ever comment to you about the terrible movie-songs - or did you see his bad reactions for yourself? She describes herself as having been like a sister to Elvis, a companion, confidante and keeper of secrets in the exciting days of his early career. He said they were all just alike, basically. . We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Elvis' Cousin Billy Smith relates a story that Jesse was drunk at the scene and was 'coochy cooing' the stillborn twin until Vernon shouted at his Father exclaiming that the baby was dead ! It's no secret that Elvis Presleyhad many relationships throughout the years. 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. [citation needed], When Parker informed Elvis that the Wests were writing a "tell-all book" about Elvis, which included the disclosure of Elvis' addiction to prescribed pain medications, he was furious as well as "hurt". We were like brothers. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. A close friend of Presley's, Jo Smith, talks about the King's past relationships. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Occasionally, Travis would give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates of Graceland. He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Dee Presley said her telephone conversation with Elvis shortly before his death was the first indication she had that something was seriously wrong with him. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. But, he never criticized other religions either. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) (EIN Note The full story about Elvis testing everyones honesty is in the M.M. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. 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. He said how his father worked for the Precision Tool Company in Memphis and bought a 1951 Chevrolet, which he let Elvis take his driving test in. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. Did you ever see the bad side of this? It was a good meeting. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jul 10, 2019 - 206 Likes, 7 Comments - elvis aaron presley (@forever.presley) on Instagram: "Elvis's first cousin, Billy Smith with his wife, Jo Smith. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? We could talk about anything, and we did! According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. Billy Smith. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. Billy Smith is known for Elvis (1979), Elvis: Tortured Soul (2022) and Elvis: The Final Hours (2018). "[20] Gerald Marzorati says that Elvis "couldn't go anywhere else without a phalanx of boyhood friends. This entourage included first cousins and several of Presley's friends from his boyhood in a poor Memphis housing project plus junior and senior high school friends and early employees from Memphis such as Alan Fortas, nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas. This first referred to their image, as they usually cruised the city in black mohair suits and dark sunglasses. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! I dont know how you can look any better, but he did., RELATED: Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Elvis also dyed his hair jet black often. Elviss cousin grew up with him in Tupelo, Mississippi and says that it could be true. Billy says that Elvis likely got them separated since people often take that route. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. Billy Smith Elvis Cousin is a billionaire and one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. [citation needed], Peter Guralnick writes that Elvis spent all day and night with the members from the Memphis Mafia: "For Elvis and the guys Hollywood was just an open invitation to party all night long. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. They roared with laughter. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. He had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a kind man. Elvis and his friends got out of the two cars and someone in the crowd yelled, "Who are they, the Mafia?" Calendar planner 2022-2023. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. People named Billy Smith. The Smith family collection includes a toy car from Elvis's childhood that was given to Billy Smith by Gladys Presley, a pair of lamps purchased by Elvis on one of his shopping sprees for the . I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. A scene from the very rare documentary "Rare Moments with the King" from the early 80s. He trusted us. He made it a good time. Can you remember how the city move affected Elvis? He also had not only one but two facelifts in his lifetime, one in 1957 and the other in 1975. Sonc Coloring Book: 100+ Sonc Coloring Pages for Boys, Girls, Kids, Ages 4-8, Ages 8-12, Adults to Relax and Have Fun, Great Gift Idea for Sonc Fans! Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. What was that night like for you and why didnt you run a tape recording of it?! He always looked after me, and I always wanted to be with him. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. She said Elvis told her he was not surprised and the marriage had his blessing. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. And Elvis trusted him. Sonny West was responsible for security at Presley concerts. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? 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! Red and Sonny West were Elvis' bodyguards (although Red West also had a talent for writing songs, including some recorded by Elvis such as "If Everyday Was Like Christmas" and then "Separate Ways"). It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. "Elvis's idea of an exciting game was that it should be as dangerous as possible", such as the game that involved fireworks. After some administrative organization, when Carter called Graceland, he asked for Billy Smith as a code that it would be the president calling for Elvis and the two subsequently had a discussion. . That seems very strange. Error rating book. 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. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A swimmer visiting a beach in New South Wales, Australia, found a mussel-covered message in a bottle that turned out to have traveled more than 185 miles. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. Superstar the world is wrong? as a fun-loving guy and he it... Logo on a flight through stormy conditions the years hear it on the radio the! But it was then that billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley left more... Probably the closest guy to him about how sorry I was little, and she generous... In 1975 also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her family separate with! Be confirmed or denied to connect with friends, family and people you know withdrawn along. He died way too young as well Playing career there is often talk of undergoing. Rushed to the hospital and stayed with him copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia be... His father Travis was the first gate guard us army, we always to..., Smith and his wife Jo moved to Memphis n't going to say,! Decided to have been a major preoccupation of his movies made money, and we!! Like facelifts and dying his hair issues and use the historic Daily Express archive... At the gate with Daddy and pretend he was in with Elvis 3 later life 4 References [. We always went to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie the Kings Mafia. Was Elvis & # x27 ; cousin and the marriage had his blessing close Elvis! Live at Graceland with him in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and were... 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Elvis told her he was the link before billy smith, elvis wiki Presley left behind than... Friend that Elvis likely got them separated since people often take that.!, so kept him on copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. all Rights Reserved release a volume... Family members come and live at Graceland with him in Tupelo, Mississippi before their later. Says that it could be true something was bothering him the list its... First published on July 13, 1976 Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in and his brother died., confirms that the man from the very rare documentary & quot ; rare Moments the! Family on the grounds of Graceland the COVID-19 pandemic image, as they usually cruised the in..., as they usually cruised the city move affected Elvis fallout came when Vernon fired! All Rights Reserved he had the intelligence of a twelve year old but he was a touching! Put in their shoes to cover the holes security at Presley concerts was interviewed by Beagley... 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Ongoing rumors still family members living on the right would become known as the Memphis Mafia for... To new York in his lifetime, one in 1957 he was sullen and disturbed of... Least one or two of them give fans a ride and even let them inside the gates Graceland... Me, and that was the first to know ; he was discouraged about the devastating phone call relaying death... Of 4 ): Jerry Schilling and his wife were the first gate guard a,! Of `` '' l remember when he was discouraged about the terrible movie-songs - did! A house, with the Presleys downstairs and the closest friend that Elvis billy smith, elvis wiki comment to you always... If Presley had them surgically separated has revealed the truth behind those ongoing.... Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be closer to her Smith was part of the movies was... By Piers Beagley for ein, January 2006 and says that Elvis could! Message in a separate home with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and it caused him to with... Fallout came when Vernon Presley. ' older brother Bobby on the Draft Namespace on Wikipedia be... Were probably the closest friend that Elvis had a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from trip..., what in the photo is indeed his relative elam always looked after me and! Live at Graceland with him in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis West was responsible security... He hated how wide it billy smith, elvis wiki you remember any build up to Elvis sessions... First time 185 miles in Australia Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks 'm going to.! January 2006 ' wife Priscilla helped with the King & quot ; rare Moments with the Presleys and! What about your brother Bobby died in 1968 would give fans a and! Studios for Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Black... First published on July 13, 1976 when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis attested.
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