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. 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. 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. 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? These include Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden the latter found his body who have shared their annoyance on social media at being erased from the biopic. 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. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. Corral. On the afternoon of August 16, 1977, a man bearing a striking resemblance to Elvis is said to have purchased a one-way ticket from Memphis International Airport to Buenos Aires. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presley's cousin Billy Smith and The King's former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. 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. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. 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. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. He talked about the record to his mother and daddy, and we knew he was going to make one, but when it came out it thrilled all of us. To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. But weeks after the Colonel's death, he announces a one-off concert in London as a gesture to all the foreign fans who had never seen him because Parker was afraid that if he went out of the USA, he'd never get back in. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. May 1 (UPI) -- A Kentucky couple had more than 109,000 extra reasons to celebrate on their 44th wedding anniversary when they won a jackpot from an Instant Play lottery game. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Jerry was always nice to me and my family and to my Mother and Daddy, and I will always remember him for that. Plans for Elvis to appear solo are scuttled when RCA threatens to withdraw support unlesss its new star, Rick Astley, is included. When he was sick, I usually stayed with him. 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. 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. Setting the record straight, Billy added: So, heres the truth: Elvis died, August 16, 1977 one of the hardest days of my life. In recent years, Billy Smiths son, Danny, created his own YouTube channel. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. All our wives were there. Its been almost 43 years since Elvis Presley died. 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. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. And the people that they asked that were not close to him, they took up family and friends slots. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. It hurts. Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley ALIVE? 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. Billy: Elvis enjoyed the Nashville "Guitar Man" sessions with Jerry Reed. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. At least, he always told me did. Billy Smith with his parents Travis & Lorraine Smith, and his brother Bobby on the right. RCA suggests working with Jim Steinman of Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler fame. It was a very strong bond, and Elvis was the center of it all. It won't be the last. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. The less he had to think about that better he felt. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Small alligator found at Pennsylvania wastewater treatment plant. He had a thirst to learn new things. Elvis Presley: How Muhammad Ali inspired The Kings show preparation, Elvis Presley:The King's wife Priscilla senses his 'spirit'. Suspicious Minds: The Bizarre, 40-Year History of Elvis Presley EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? When he lived at Graceland from 1957 until his death, Presley had an open-door policy with his Memphis Mafia. But, why bust his bubble. I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger The King's cousin speaksG, Elvis ALIVE? He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. We all loved him and had a job to do. Billy Smith Interview at MarlowesCheck out the full playlist please LIKE "THUMBS UP" and COMMENT on this video.Check us out on facebook at https://www.facebo. As for Presleys autopsy report: Its a private family document unlikely to ever see the light of day. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. That's the reason I've never remarried. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. 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? She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. He was rocking a white jumpsuit, naturally, and purchasing an electrical fuse. Skip to primary navigation; . Elvis releases a disco-style cover of Jackie Wilson's Baby, Workout, which rises to No. 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. 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]. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. That was our life. German man breaks record for assembling Mr. Believers of this bizarre theory contend that a 55-year-old Presley turned up in the background of the scene where Catherine OHaras character is stuck at the Scranton airport while trying to get home to her son. The cousin of Elvis Presley, Billy Smith, reveals the truth behind Elvis's facelifts, dyed hair, webbed toes, and more through the years. Billy Smith is the one person who knows Elvis Presley better than He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. . As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true . 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. EIN: Can you tell us a little about Junior Smith your other cousin? 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. For reference, the family refers to the fact that fans must pay in order to visit the singers grave. For we who know, know it well, Attentive fans were further spooked when they saw the Kings headstone. I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Can you tell us if this is true? A ferocious cape cobra is seen eating and swallowing another snake whole in a matter of only a few minutes. EIN: And what of Vernon? There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." Guide spots rare pink pachyderm in South Africa. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. From the time they were kids till the end. 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. Is he still alive? Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. 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. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. The last surviving original Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin, had some of the closest access to The King. 285285 52 shares Share And he loved big orchestras. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? (1969) and cocks his head in a manner that conspiracy theorists swear is identical to Presleys onstage mannerisms. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. 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. 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. Experts at Kodak verified that nothing had been doctored, so it seems someone was peering out the window. Uncle Vernon and Daddy looked for jobs and they even wore out the soles of their shoes. We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. Elvis Presley's Cousin Says He Has 'No Contact' With - Outsider September 1982: The commercial instincts of the Elvis camp seem increasingly erratic. Hows the actor going to be? Maybe Elvis figured his acting skills would help him avoid suspicion. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. The first time that I saw it I was nervous, I was gripping the chair going like, Oh God, whats going to happen? Billy Smith, is the son of Travis Smith who was the brother of Elvis' Mother, Gladys. Billy: Elvis was southern, and so he joked sometimes. 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. 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. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. 'I could. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. When he lived at Graceland from 1957 until his death, Presley had an open-door policy with his Memphis Mafia. I didnt know what to expect. And hed had a face lift to look like Elvis. 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. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Gene died a few years ago. He liked his guys around him. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis . January 1978: To underscore Elvis' new, clean image, the Colonel decides an anti-drug single would be a shrewd move. He left behind an undying legacy. 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. 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. But network execs foolishly state that Elvis was "outside the demographic of our target viewers and irrelevant to the rock audience we super-serve." 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." Without Elvis, its not home. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like 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. Today, Smith and his family remain haunted by the day of Elvis death. It wasnt like he constantly had to have somebody, but he preferred it.. I fell in head first. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. And you who don't can never tell. 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. Gene worked for Elvis for a number of years and was one of the original Memphis Mafia members, along with Red West & Junior. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. RELATED: Lisa Marie Presleys Late Son Benjamin Keough Officially Laid To Rest At Graceland With Elvis. He made it a good time. He always had a love for music even at very young age. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. 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. Im not really 81, says Barmer, who then compares himself to a Pokmon Go character. The critically panned album makes its debut at No. January-May 1997: Colonel Parker dies of a stroke. When we die, if youre cremated the hole is gonna be the same size for everybody, so take it.. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. His performance with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Keith Richards and Paul Shaffer's band on Berry's Promised Land is a highlight, though Little Richard hogs the microphone and Berry tries to upstage Elvis with a prolonged duckwalk. EIN: Elvis was a gorgeous looking man. But what if, by some amazing stroke of fortune, he had lived? The Kalamazoo hullabaloo spawned a rash of late-80s Elvis sightings, many of which involved the King doing un-regal things, like pumping gas or buying junk food. Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio. 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. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. Billy Smith - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki She also mentioned names of others who weren't in attendance like major girlfriends of Elvis' after he divorced Priscilla Presley. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. When he would get in one of those moods that he wasmelancholy and he would talk to Billy. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. Elvis: Cousin Billy Smith says Priscilla and family 'have no contact' Why Elvis Presley's Cousins Say He Would've Ditched the Jumpsuits Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. He deserved to have peace of mind. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. We talked about religion so much. He also added that when he looked at the windows, he felt Elvis Presleys presence. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. MTV could have dodged the controversy by explaining that the spectacle of a bare-chested Elvis in a series of multihued headbands and sweatpants was faintly ludicrous, or even that Physical was a lousy record. "Elvis always . 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. November 2002: Clive Davis becomes president of RCA and hits on a plan to revive Elvis' sluggish recording career. Dad (Billy Smith) addresses the rumors about Elvis being alive. Not that we arent happy with our family, we are, Jo said. 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. October 1991: Although Elvis is back on top, his eccentricities are increasing. The man would now be in his 80s, and the oldest person on record only lived to 122. READ MORE:Lisa Marie's lifetime of 'disappointment' cured at Elvis premiere, Jo continued: Whats an invitation? On the other hand, by clicking only on accept strictly necessary cookies, you will receive non-targeted advertising whose number and repetition will not be limited. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. And I would hear him calling me.. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. He is surrounded by his inner circle, one of whom anonymously reports Elvis' last words. Now naturally Elvis wasnt going to change his looks, so the guy had to look like him. USA TODAY contributor Ken Barnes imagines how his career might have continued. Billy Smith Reveals The Truth Of Elvis's Facelifts - DoYouRemember? During the racquetball game, he accidentally smacks himself on the shin with his racquet. Elvis Presley always loved to have his close friends around him. Elvis Presley talking with newmen in Memphis, Tennessee after his discharge from the Army, 1960 / Everett Collection. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. Interview by Piers Beagley - 2006. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. Some closer than others, but still we stood up for each other no matter what. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! Did Elvis understand? Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. Billy was also one of the few who actually spent a lot of time with Elvis near the end of his life. Elviss death certificate will remain under wraps until 2027, 50 years after his passing. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. So down to earth. 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. The King died in 1977. 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. Elvis'S Former Employees Tell of The "Retirement" of Elvis in 1977 Did you know of this when you were young and were there any family stories of Morning Dove White your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother? Billy Smith interview on the Day Elvis Presley Died January 2019 It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. 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. The last surviving original Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith, Elvis cousin, had some of the closest access to The King. And you place yours on mine. Billy Smith: I do remember him singing a lot for the family and different ones. And I can truthfully say, hes gone. May 1 (UPI) -- Crews at a Pennsylvania wastewater plant received a surprise when they discovered a small alligator at the facility. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. I can use a little rest," he says. But why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge?
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