We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. Additionally, some of Elvis family and friends would live on the property, including his cousin Billy Smith and his family. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. 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. One family member of Elvis Presley has revealed just how much work and how far the King of Rock and Roll went to make sure he looked his best. But Ill always love him. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. Even if the real bearded man were to come forward, it probably wouldnt kill the story. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. And I would hear him calling me.. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. They said Graceland was always decorated for Christmas and food was everywhere during festivities. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. Elviss death certificate will remain under wraps until 2027, 50 years after his passing. We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said. He wanted stronger roles. . Since his wife had never been, he admitted that he would return one final time with her and their grandchildren. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. It would be the most historic and brilliant well-kept secrets any celebrity has ever pulled. Elvis Presley's Cousin Says He Has 'No Contact' With - Outsider Fans reckon you can hear King at Graceland LISTEN, Brian May on Queens influences: The Beatles 'built our bible', Rolling Stones: Brian Jones would call Bob Dylan EVERY day, Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland', Elvis Presley's bodyguard on TERRIFYING motorbike ride with The King. November 1977: In an exclusive interview with People, Elvis confesses that he became a little too dependent on "the pills" but says he's now drug-free and feeling better than ever. "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. The critically panned album makes its debut at No. Fans continue to praise her dignity and discretion, while Elvis' cousin Billy Smith has paid tribute to their devoted relationship and how Linda "kept Elvis alive." So her latest post is. THE DEATH ITSELF. However, some close friends and family of The Kings were nowhere to be seen. Skip to primary navigation; . January-May 1997: Colonel Parker dies of a stroke. In recent years, Billy Smiths son, Danny, created his own YouTube channel. The second major Elvis sighting came in the form of a photo snapped on December 31, 1977. Elvis is treated for deep bruising, and a doctor decrees that he stay overnight for observation. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Click to buy "Elvis and the Memphis Mafia", (the eagerly anticipated re-issue of "Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations of the Memphis Mafia", Click to view the "Memphis Mafia" website, Click to read Marty Lacker's interview with EIN, Click to read Lamar Fike's interview with EIN, Click to read EIN's article 'Elvis was Not a Racist', "Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture", " Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together.which subconciously gives our world meaning", "Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis", "He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying", "I think Elvis Presley will never be solved", "He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here", "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybodyhearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail", "When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley", Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead", (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia), Subscribe to EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, Selected back issues of EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, DVD: A Tribute To The King (Scotty Moore), Book: Elvis Aaron Presley: A Candle In The Wind, Elvis That's The Way It Is: 1970 vs. 2001, The man who bought Elvis (Robert Sillerman), Elvis on The Creative Edge - Part 2 - The CD, 'Elvis Seriously'- Why is Elvis' voice too often ignored, How & where to sell your Elvis collection, Elvis & other major artists miss out on Grammy Awards, Listen to the Elvis "strung out" in Vegas audio, View video of "All Shook Up" opening night on Broadway, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker & Lamar Fike have all recently been involved in the re-issue of the excellent book Elvis & The Memphis Mafia. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. He is surrounded by his . Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . Ill remember him and cherish him and love him and all the memories and things of his we have, but I will never ever pay. Elvis Presley's cousin Billy Smith reveals singer's most intimate secrets on his cosmetic surgeries, Elvis Presley's cousin reveals singer's most intimate secrets on the singer's surgeries, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck enjoy during family dinner in Malibu, 'Shameless' season 11 spoilers: countdown to saying goodbye to the Gallaghers has begun, Elvis Presley affection once turned down by Mary Tyler Moore, Its not true: from UN call to decriminalize pedophilia to BlackRock behind Tucker Carlson's firing, SYFY ends 'The Magicians' with current season 5, Emperor Palpatine is a clone according to upcoming 'Rise of Skywalker' novelization. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. Then during the touring we were together all the time. "My trainer told me about them it's like getting high from working out.". Elvis says, "If you've got a little faith, you can stop the rain.". Elvis releases a disco-style cover of Jackie Wilson's Baby, Workout, which rises to No. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presley's cousin Billy Smith and The King's former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Ghost of Elvis Visits His Cousin? | iHeartRadio | Coast to Coast AM Attentive fans were further spooked when they saw the Kings headstone. However, in reality, even if Elvis Presley did allegedly fake his own death in 1977, today, he would be a very old man, so the odds are that even so, he most likely would not be alive today. It's raining, and Billy remarks that he's sick of it. 'I could. It hurts. Memphis Mafia Kid has over 19,000 subscribers and racks up thousands of views with each clip. 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. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? The first time that I saw it I was nervous, I was gripping the chair going like, Oh God, whats going to happen? Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smiths YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." 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. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. Today the stars close relative has a YouTube channel with his wife Jo and the couple answers fans questions about their private times with him. Elvis' private late night chat about Lisa Marie with his cousin, Oscars 2023 odds Elvis star Austin Butler gaining on Brendan Fraser, Real reason Elvis found it so hard being alone unveiled by close relative and confidant, Elvis with his Memphis Mafia Billy Smith is on the far left, Elvis death: Last person to see Kings body before casket was closed, Priscilla Presley returns to red carpet after Lisa Maries death, Elvis movie deleted scene from 4 hour version released by Baz Luhrmann, Elvis sang hit song to Priscilla as they left divorce court together, Elvis Presley tops Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra in epic record, Elvis' granddaughter shares how King influenced her as 70s rock star, Elvis 'was never the same' after big change claimed The Beatles. Elvis is paired with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello, Kelly Clarkson, daughter Lisa Marie Presley, Whitney Houston, Astley and Mariah Carey. "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. 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. 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. Today, Smith and his family remain haunted by the day of Elvis death. In the summer of 2016, video of a Graceland groundskeeper purported to be Elvis got the internet all shook up. I really wasnt expecting this. Hes portrayed in a couple of scenes of the biopic, but he and his wife Jo, who lived at the Memphis mansion with the singer, claimed they werent invited to the premiere, nor consulted on the movie. She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. That seems very strange. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Elvis Presley faked his own death after paying a terminally ill lookalike to be buried in his place, The People can sensationally reveal. 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. The spooky incident occurred last month at the home of Billy Smith, who is the second cousin of Graceland's iconic inhabitant. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family post . 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. Is it going to be crazy? In my life, its been one disappointment after the other in terms of people portraying my father in various films or attempts tobless their heartsbut let me just tell you something. Got to a point where Id go to sleep, itd be early in the morning. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. ", "If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible. Certainly, he'd require a young beautiful woman to share his bed and tend to his needs even if nothing sexual occurred. But, he never criticized other religions either. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Real reason Elvis found it so hard to be alone unveiled by close They engage in minor conversation before getting into sharing their memories of Elvis. A pink elephant goes for an afternoon swim with its mother and herd, and despite its unique color, the herd passionately cares for it. Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smith's YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. 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. However, he was just a boy at the time. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. He announces that the tour has been rescheduled for next March and adds that he's starting an intensive program to "get myself together physically, mentally and spiritually." I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. 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. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. Elvis Presleys second cousin replied by saying that he and his family want to keep Graceland in our memories as we lived it and knew it.He added, Its great, dont get me wrong, to go see Graceland if youve never seen it or [to] see it again. Yet, he went on to add that his family had not returned to their former home, calling it not the same anymore. EIN: Billy, you had a particularly special relationship with Elvis and were closer to him than any of the other members of the Memphis Mafia. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. The King died in 1977. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. And I can truthfully say, hes gone. Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis. And yet conspiracy theories have been rife over the years that hes still alive and well at 85-years-old. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. Elvis had a hard time hiding it if something was bothering him. Please share his story with us. Elvis Double Lay Dead at Graceland As We Saw the King Drive Off With We were like brothers. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. Was it talked about within the family or was it a surprise for you when your cousin was suddenly on the radio? And you place yours on mine. Billy Smith; Part 2 - Interview - Elvis Information Network Setting the record straight, Billy added: So, heres the truth: Elvis died, August 16, 1977 one of the hardest days of my life. Billy Smith, Elvis' - Elvis Presley fans of Nashville | Facebook What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' Potato Head toy in 12.11 seconds while blindfolded. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. 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. An ill-advised follow-up single, a disco-style cover of an old Stevie Wonder song with the title changed to Work Out, Elvis, Work Out, fails to reach the top 100. And his hairline looked like a hairpiece or something was glued on. Smith was also troubled by the smoothness of Presleys typically calloused hands and the sweat on his brow. From the time they were kids till the end. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. While this may seem like further proof of a cover-up, its actually a matter of Tennessee law. He was my hero.. Here, in Part One, Billy talks about his family, the Memphis Mafia, the Movie Years, meeting The Beatles and much much more. 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. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. November 1980: Plagued by cost overruns and whispers of illegal kickbacks, the Elvis Workout project is shut down before any of the centers actually open. . And hed had a face lift to look like Elvis. Elvis' version of Jennifer Holliday's And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going becomes an adult-contemporary chart-topper. Elvis Presley left behind more than a massive collection of hits. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. That was our life. May 1 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Pennsylvania came to the rescue of a deer spotted stranded in a Montgomery County canal. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. It was a good meeting. The Beatles were excited about meeting him, but when they first got there they were a little quiet and were just kind of feeling him out. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Suspicious Minds: The Bizarre, 40-Year History of Elvis Presley 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. Dad (Billy Smith) addresses the rumors about Elvis being alive. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. Aunt Gladys looked after him as long as she lived, and after her death, he lived with us, and then with some of his sisters. That was a lot different and I remember that it took a while for everyone to get jobs, and one of my daddy's cousins stole all the money we had, and my daddy's new socks. 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. Im not really 81, says Barmer, who then compares himself to a Pokmon Go character. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Elvis Presley's Family Calls Graceland Disrespectful - DoYouRemember? Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. A lot of times Billy was with him, just Billy and Elvis. I never meant for this story to mislead anybody or hurt anybody in any kind of way.. I dont care if I never go to Graceland again, Jo said. And while critics are divided as to the merits of his duet with Astley on Steamroller Blues and Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up the global ratings are astronomical. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? When he would get in one of those moods that he wasmelancholy and he would talk to Billy. When we die, if youre cremated the hole is gonna be the same size for everybody, so take it.. Elvis Presley talking with newmen in Memphis, Tennessee after his discharge from the Army, 1960 / Everett Collection. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. 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. "It's just a simple word, you see, All the guys in our group were extremely close. Jo added: The thing they dont know is Elvis was not asleep for days and I know that for a fact because a lot of times we were up there with him. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. At least, he always told me did. I mean you were portrayed in the movie, but that parts not what aggravated. October 2007: The Songbook series having run its course, Davis taps another of his favorite gimmicks: the duets album. Guide spots rare pink pachyderm in South Africa. She was always close to her family, but Elvis was her heart. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. . Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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.. A lot of Elvis family was not invited to the premiere and I dont knowwho did the invitations Ive got a pretty good idea but I just thought that was really tacky. A few years later, while studying them with a magnifying glass, Joseph spotted a shadowy Elvis-like figure sitting in the doorway. He had a pretty good bump on the back of his head. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. 285285 52 shares Share Two respected Elvis aides, Marty Lacker and Elvis's cousin Billy Smith, say that although the body found slumped in the bathroom of Elvis's Graceland mansion on August 16, 1977 was certified dead, the real Elvis was hundreds of miles away. "Elvis is alive theories are as varied as they are plentiful, and theyve been circulating since just after his death. 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. He trusted us. 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 . we were family. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. 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 remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. 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.

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