More Viewers Questions! Elvis approved of the idea, and the label sent a studio truck to his home. Danny and Joey Smith discussed the matter during an . Joey admitted that to this day if his father thinks about it too deeply he starts crying. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. This manifested most egregiously in March 1977 during two stops in Louisiana. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! He said: Theres still times that I have now, and [my wife] Jo does too. Elvis' passing is often used as the archetypal rock star death a tragic accident caused by a poor health and drug use. cousin, Elvis Presley, would one day be vindicated. The comment was particularly personal because Elvis did not talk about his shows very often. Tuesday, 2nd May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. And to my knowledge, I dont ever think Ive seen my Daddy cry like that before., He remembered Billy telling his mother Jo: Hes gone Jo hes gone. One asks if the Presley side of the family have stayed in contact and, if not, why. 6. While the world at large saw Elvis as the man who had it all, Letitia known to those around Elvis as "Tish" had a private window into his personal struggles. The first one was in 1957 and the other one in 1975. Replacing Linda was actress Ginger Alden (above), a woman 20 years Elvis' junior. He missed Priscilla. This is going to be the best tour ever, Elvis said. When news of his hospitalization broke, those close to The King rushed to his bedside, one of these being Presley's cousin, Billy Smith. His father is Billy Smith, Elvis cousin and nephew to The Kings mother Gladys who had died in 1958. What confused some people, though, was that Elvis took a portion of the show to introduce everyone from his life onstage. "It doesn't get better than that. So, the house, in a way, has been home to Elvis' legacy for twice as long as it was home to Elvis.. "Elvis was Graceland," says his cousin Billy Smith, for years one of the singer's close aides and now a maintenance man on the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad. There were rumors afloat that Elvis had resorted to cosmetic surgery to have some great exceptional looks of his time. When critics and fans describe Elvis in his later years, one term used is "Fat Elvis." Billy continued: Id get dressed and Id go out to Graceland and 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. According to a 1977 review in Alexandria Town Talk, the first show in Alexandria lasted less than an hour before Elvis had to leave the stage. And I even got up and got Jo up too. Following their 1973 split, and Elvis' untimely death in 1977, things only slid further downhill for Priscilla and Lisa Marie. He was only 31 years old. Hes dead. The only thing that brought it to reality was when she said, Hes smothered in the carpet. And when she said that, I just threw the phone because I thought, Ok, hes gone. Danny and Joey, the sons of Elvis' first cousin Billy Smith, said Presley had a fun childhood at the home. As recorded in Rolling Stone, the three bodyguards co-wrote a tell-all biography of Elvis that was released only days before his death. After the final recording session in October of '76, RCA set to work cobbling the tracks together into what would be Elvis' final records a fact none of them knew, but which the pained music seems to foreshadow in hindsight. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. She said, Yes he is, yes he is. In response, Elvis shared his doubts that his concerts met expectations. That is disrespectful to Elvis.". In November 1976, Elvis split with his girlfriend of four years Linda Thompson, according to The Wrap. ", What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like, a 2019 interview with Elvis' Australian fan club. Heres what you want to know about Rosie Tenison, Engaged! Billy Smith said :"that guy looks like he had a facelift. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. So he went and called for his father Billy who ran for the phone. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. "That was our life. Equally cryptic for some were the parting words the King said as he left the stage: "We'll meet again. "He was miserable. 4 a.m.: Elvis wakes up first cousin Billy Smith and his wife, Jo, to request they play a game of racquetball with him. 285285. He needed more support and understanding from not only people around him, but also the fans and the public. ", Even Tish lives with pain surrounding Elvis' death, which she said came as "a complete shock" to her. This kitschy new incarnation of his identity at the time of his death what many refer to as "Old Elvis" led to him becoming a new sort of posthumous icon, with many claiming his passing was faked and that Elvis was either alive on a private island somewhere or abducted by aliens. She died Dec 30, 1976, so I'm guessing Elvis paid for the funeral expenses since she is so close in proximity to Gladys' grave at Forest Lawn Elvis had another cousin, Bobby Smith, brother to Gene who was very close to him. NBC August 16,1997 news report about Elvis health problems in 1977. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and . Stars War and Harry Potter Paul Grant dies at age of 56! Always the night owl who slept through the day, The King and his girlfriend Ginger Alden had called up the Memphis Mafia member and his wife Jo around 3:30am for a game of racquetball. Moody Blue, released in February 1977, was a mix of live recordings and new studio tracks, containing two of Presley's most widely regarded songs. He verified later that it was Elvis, himself, who phoned her in Oct. 1988. It was huge, and its shag carpeting naturally absorbed ambient sound, although the fake waterfall did have to be turned off. SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO, Elvis begged girlfriend Anita not to expose Priscilla affair, Kiss: Paul Stanley confirms the end for the band 'Time to stop'. Many would later wonder if this was because Elvis knew somewhere deep down that he would never play again and wanted to shout out all of those who made his career possible. Whats the cause of his death? I guess they dont like us, I dont know, youd have to ask them. Elvis is gone. People there in the inner group did but you did not tell Elvis what to do. Gene Smith died on March 2, 1999, believing that he, and his beloved first. Elvis Presley's mother was Gladys Smith and her elder brother's son is Billy Smith. Former NFL player Chris Smith has died. Elvis was awarded the 8th degree black belt by Rhee there on Sept. 16, 1974. 00:00. Billy revealed that Elvis had two facelifts in his lifetime. Before Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, he spent his last night and early morning with his cousin Billy Smith. Whether it was something else or whatever, whatever it could have been, there have been things even Ive talked [about] on the videos where you get feelingsor we get to talking or strange things happen. Elvis made Graceland a home. As an adult, he was an inner member of the Memphis Mafia, catering to the star's needs at home and accompanying him on tour. Meanwhile, though his adoption of African-American musical traditions is a bone of contention for many listeners today, in his heyday it was a powerful way to put non-white rhythms in front of segregated audiences. Elvis died at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977, at 42. "A few speculated and began telling untruths regarding Elvis and me which were completely unwarranted, mean spirited and wrong.". Few if any figures in rock and roll history are as timeless or controversial as Elvis Presley. He had a private doctor who would prescribe him any pill he asked for, according to a People Magazine storyshortly after his death. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. A MAN SO LOVED TRIBUTE SONG FOR ELVIS/JESSES 80TH BIRTHDAY, CURRENT NEWS AND EVENTS INDEX OF PAGE LINKS. Elvis' cousin Billy Smith was a part of the star's inner circle, The Memphis Mafia. Elvis second cousin said: After [he died] it seemed like the world stopped. Given his pill dependency and excessive weight, some might assume that Elvis spent the day before his death lying in bed eating or doing drugs. She showed her true color when she turned her back on Lisa Marie. 15 distinct works. When Elvis was targeted for surveillance and harassment by Hoover's FBI, Gene. A Tylenol with codeine was brought up for Ginger, and Billy followed with Elvis's morning sleep packet. Check out more of Billys stories about Elvis in the video below. Eight years younger than The King, Billy grew up with his own family in a home in Graceland's grounds and when he married his wife Jo, they also lived behind the main house. Elvis' only child was just 54 when she died Thursday, reportedly after suffering cardiac arrest at home in Calabasas, California. FOX 8 REPORT 2008, FOX 8 May 24, 2004 Elvis/Jesse Dr. Hinton update to 2002 report, FOX 8 May 24, 2004 very brief excerpt from the reportdetails the DEA investigation and result, YOUTUBE VISIT MY CHANNEL FOR MORE DOCUMENTATION. If he didn't prescribe the pills to Elvis, someone else would, and at least this way he wouldn't get them off the street. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presley's cousin Billy Smith and The King 's former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smith's YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. I know youll do everything you can to make it as good as you can, Billy stated. She never faught for Elvis , she was only after money. . When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved . Well, that's not true. Priscilla has got to live without Elvis & Lisa Marie, she will get her karma everyday on earth. Speaking with Elvis expert Billy Stallings Spa Guy, Joey said he remembered he was watching a movie called The Naked Prey at home when the phone rang. Never even crossed my mind that it was Elvis or that that could possibly happen to him.. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. [12], When Graceland reopened to the public in June of 1982, Smith and his family moved back to Memphis and he took a job at Graceland as tour guide. I'm sick and tired of my life," the note read. His son Danny said: We all do. By the time of the late singer's death, his infamous Memphis Mafia had dwindled down to just one member. including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Anne Murray, Jane's Addiction and Sarah . Following his death in 1977, Graceland was left to his only child Lisa Marie and the Memphis mansion was opened as a museum to the public in 1982. But following an attempt to steal his corpse, Elvis and his mothers remains were brought back to Graceland to be buried there where they are to this day. Billy answered and she told him the tragic news that Elvis was gone and hed been taken to the hospital. Billy, is reportedly recovering well. Billy-Jo Smith I was close to Elvis for as long as I can remember.He was very protective of me always.I guess he knew how much I loved .And I did.As I have said many times he was my hero and still is,guess he always will be. The rest of the tour was subsequently canceled, acting for many historians as a benchmark of just how far the King had fallen from the pedestals of his youth. Linda had been a stabilizing force in the singer's world, but she eventually left him because she wanted a more normal life. He added: His presence was so strong while he was alive I guess it carried over even after his death. Billy Corgan found Lisa Marie Presley's death "really hard". Elvis cousin replied: I did. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. Also buried next to Elvis and Gladys are his father Vernon, grandmother Minnie and grandson Benjamin. Elvis's death certificate will remain under wraps until 2027, 50 years . Elvis is buried in the Meditation Garden of Graceland to this day. According to LiveAbout.com, Elvis became dependent on several different types of prescription drugs, specifically amphetamines to keep him awake and barbiturates to help him sleep or relax. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Just nine-years-old, she ended up hanging out with Joey up at his treehouse there. The band announced on Monday (May 1) they are embarking on their farewell tour. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. He said: Mom and Daddy were in the bedroom because they were asleep. Earlier, Billy had spoken about how Elvis would recount his favorite Monty Python comedy sketches of BBC. Elvis just fainted.' 13h; 5 Replies. Billy is" His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. Elvis, who was set to fly to Portland, Maine that evening for a string of concert dates, said: This is going to be the best tour ever., Billy replied: All of them to me are great. Another one of Elvis's cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, . Therefore, I chose to create a 2nd site to pick up and carry forward in the tradition of my original site. The photographer was the object of speculation for years, but it was later confirmed in a tell-all book by Enquirereditor Iain Calder that Elvis' cousin Billy Mann was paid $18,000 to sneak a photo of Elvis in his coffin. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Getty Images / Michael Ochs Archives, Memphis Mafia Kid / YouTube. ", Jo said: "I dont care if I never go to Graceland again. Joey Smith is Elvis second cousin and as a child had grown up at Graceland with other close family members who were part of the Memphis Mafia. He was depressed about aging and not having a woman he loved. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. The photo is on display at Graceland, by the last car he ever drove: a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III. Years after his death, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra had a very open conversation. You'd have been out of there faster than a scratched cat. he wanted to marry me'Elvis' friends begged Tom Jones to call The King at the end. Theyd probably been out., READ MORE:Dolly Parton plans to record and release her Elvis Presley song LISTEN, Joey continued: I get the phone call and it was [another of Elvis cousins] Patsy Gamble and she said she needed to talk to Daddy and I could tell she was upset.. The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley's friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. Nichopoulos. After 50 years, Aerosmith is bringing an end to their days as a touring act. 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. 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. As he had in recent gigs, Elvis appeared overweight and at times winded but was reported to have given a solid performance overall. No, hes not, Thompson continued. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. In doing so, Elvis manages to hit himself with his racquet, bruising his leg. 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.. Fortunately, there is one rare photograph that captures the King of Rock & Roll on the day he died, returning home from a dentist appointment in the early morning. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Get Ready To Satisfy Your Wendys Chili Cravings Anytime, Anywhere Find Out How! Music quiz questions and answers: Best music questions for pub quiz, Sir Tom Jones releases new single with Elvis Presley connection LISTEN, Elvis Presley spirit sensed at Graceland upstairs by cousin: I would hear him calling me, Elvis bedroom: Graceland upstairs SECRETS shared by Linda Thompson, Elvis is buried in Graceland's Meditation Garden, Dolly Parton plans to record and release her Elvis Presley song LISTEN, Tom Hanks heard Elvis stories from Viva Las Vegas makeup artist, Elvis Presley final years pictures shared by Linda Thompson, Elvis Presley GHOST appears to Kings cousin 'I freaked out!' [1], Smith has given numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis. "a.Billy Smith said that Elvis had a nose job in 1957/8.b.Billy Smith said Elvis had a face-lift 1975. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. I dont know why., Jo adds: I guess they dont like us. Got to a point where Id go to sleep, itd be early in the morning and I would hear him calling me. In turn, many in Elvis' entourage believed Ginger to be nothing more than a gold-digger. Hence they knew a lot about each other. Some Elvis fans did not like the new movie because they said it was "too sad", I on the other hand loved it precisely because it showed the true story. It was Aug. 14, 1977, and the singer was proudly demonstrating his new karate knives. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! loyal and devoted to Elvis. Without Elvis, its not home. They've been married for years. Elvis' last live gig was on June 26, 1977, at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis to a crowd of 18,000 fans, according to LiveAbout. 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. Title track "Moody Blue" became Elvis' final Number One single; the song is in keeping with the pop music of the time, tinged with disco and exotica, but still showcases the warbling, lonely figure that the singer had become. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." In December 1976, after a brief courtship, the singer gave her a $70,000 engagement ring an expenditure that many thought was more for show than actual sentiment. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! As a young man embracing both a punishing work schedule and the stresses of newfound celebrity, Elvis was under a tremendous amount of pressure. In Elvis bathroom, the room where he would have a fatal heart attack around 7 hours later, Billy was helping The King dry his jet black hair. Therefore, Billy was very close to Elvis and knew many of his secrets. While some claimed this was because they'd been rough enough with fans to incite lawsuits, others countered that it was due to their criticism of Elvis' drug use. After Elvis died, Smith and his wife Jo moved to Mississippi to be closer to her family. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Jo said: "He was the centre of our life, you know. Around 6:45 Elvis called downstairs for some sleep medication to be sent up. When Elvis asked for sleeping pills during his final hours, it was she who told his private doctor where to find them, and she regrets not being there as he died. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. The King's only true friend near the time of his death was arguably Letitia Henley, his live-in nurse. Elvis Presley shot to fame in 1956 but just two years later his beloved mother Gladys died of heart failure at the age of just 46. The King had suffered a fatal heart attack while using the upstairs bathroom at Graceland. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. Recently, Billy Smith who is the cousin of the late Elvis Presley addressed these rumors and threw more light on them. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. Billy, had a heart attack on January 27th and he had 4 stints put in. But Billy said that the rumor about the webbed toes of Elvis could be true but he is not sure about it. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. Who is Jay Glazer engaged to? As an adult, one of his favorite meals was a roll stuffed with bacon, peanut butter, and jelly, alongside midnight snacks like hamburgers and deep-fried bread. His hip-swinging antics might seem tame to today's audiences, but when he first emerged as a pop star, Elvis introduced millions to rock's inherent sexuality. Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic surgeries and rumors of his webbed toes! But when one looks at the last 12 months of Elvis' life, it becomes clear that the truth behind the King Of Rock And Roll's death might have been even stranger than the rumors people spread about him. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. Isaid, hello and she said, Linda. I said, hey, she said, Its Lisa. I said, I know who this is, you little goobernickel. It was a pet name Elvis and I had for her, Thompson explained, according to aExpress.co.ukreport. Elvis Presley was a great actor and pop singer. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 18:35. [1], Other articles of the topic Elvis Presley:Elvis PresleySome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "".Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Thats no disrespect thats just how we feel Why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? (The doctor said they were for Presley's entourage as well.) They would try and no way.". He was 82. "Anytime someone mentions my name and Elvis' name in the same sentence, that's great," he told Rolling Stone. The photo shows Elvis Presley wearing a blue shirt and sunglasses, sitting behind the . They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. But then he shared how Lisa Marie herself, Elvis only child, came by their home at the back of Graceland that evening. "One of the maids picked up the phone, and it's Ginger. SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO. JESSES HANDWRITTEN LETTERS WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN THE BOOK, ELVIS/JESSE DID NOT PROMISE TO COME OUT IN 2002HERE IS THE PROOF, THE TRUTH ABOUT WHY ELVIS/JESSE DID NOT APPEAR IN 2002, JESSES LETTER TO ME INDICATING THAT HE IS NOT COMING OUT IN 2002, MY EMAIL TO DR. HINTON AND HIS ASSOCIATE LFJ I TOLD THEM THAT JESSE WAS NOT COMING OUT IN 2002, HINTON AND FELIX-JOHNSON LIES JESSES HANDWRITTEN LETTERS, Jesses Letter to Dr. Hinton and Also One to Me, HEAR ELVIS/JESSES CURRENT VOICE AS IT SOUNDS TODAY, IN DEPTH VOICE ANALYSIS OF THE CD ELVIS FOUND ALIVE, ELVIS FEDERAL & OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ACTIVE DUTY PHOTOS DOCUMENTATION, ELVIS/JESSES LETTER EXPLAINING WHY HE CHOSE NOT TO GO INTO THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM, INTERVIEW WITH ME BY GARY JAMES @ CLASSICBANDS, INTERVIEW WITH LINDA SIGMON ON BOSTON INTERNET RADIO 2013, THE MEDICAL EXAMINERS REPORT AND THE AUTOPSY, GENE SMITH, ELVIS FIRST COUSIN AND CLOSEST LIFELONG FRIEND SAYS IT WAS NOT ELVIS IN THE COFFIN, ELVIS VISIT WITH PRESIDENT NIXON THE REAL TRUTH, PERHAPS PRESIDENT NIXON KNEW THAT ELVIS WAS STILL HERE IN 1994, ELVIS IS ALIVE NOW JESSE.
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