"Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member talks candidly to EIN", "LAMAR FIKE DIES AGED 75 (Member of Elvis Presley's entourage, the Memphis Mafia)", article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia, https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=Billy_Smith_(Memphis_Mafia)&oldid=1915493, Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL, Portal templates with all redlinked portals. People named Billy Smith. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? See Photos. There, he shares some of those stories with the public. Billy Smith (Billy Smith) [citation needed], In numerous press conferences concerning Elvis: What Happened?, both of the West cousins stated they wrote the book in part to make Elvis realize that his dependence on prescription medications was (literally) killing him. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. She worried a lot, and she was not in good health. by. To him, Elvis was more than the superstar the world swooned over; he was his best friend. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. So when he fell and got concussion, I stayed with him day and night. I'm in terrible pain.' 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. "[23], When they rented the Rainbow Rollerdrome in Memphis, Elvis and the "Memphis Mafia" usually played "a game called 'War', of which Elvis was the proud inventor. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. In these cases Presley paid salaries, but most lived off fringe benefits such as gifts, cars, houses and bonuses. However, if any of them made a run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son. 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. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . Dog rescued after falling 12 feet into Georgia storm drain. "The Memphis Mafia" was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at least one or two of them. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. He said he would see me on his next tour. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. "It's just a simple word, you see, Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling. 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. 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. "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. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Contents 1 Biography 2 With Elvis 3 Later life 4 References Biography [ edit] ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! DON'T MISSElvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil[PRISCILLA]Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? While there is no living person that has spent more time with Elvis, Billy and Jo say they have no contact with Priscilla, Lisa Marie, or any other member of the Presley family. The publication of the book bothered Elvis on a personal and professional level during the last two weeks of his life. (We can only hope the publisher may one day see fit to release a second volume!) He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. 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. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. It then gets swung around by the elephant until it lets go. 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. When The King became famous in 1956, the family had moved to Audubon Drive where they asked Travis to be a guard out front. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. Billy says that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him. He says, Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. He trusted us. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. 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. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. He liked real dramatic things", (Marty Lacker in 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia'), "If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead". 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. Moreover, when approached by Vanity Fair, several Elvis experts attested to its seeming. The Kings uncle and mother were pretty tight from their early years and the Presley and Smith families moved from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee together. "[12] "They all had jobs to do so that Elvis could do his and as far as being there for the money, that's laughable because there really wasn't much in that area to be there for. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. And was late for work many times. To get inside you need no key. Charlie Hodge harmonized with Elvis, played background acoustic guitar, and gave him scarves and beverages during concerts, as well as being responsible for inspecting each stage layout before the concert. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? To find out in detail which cookies we use on the site, read our. Billy shared: Elvis had a lot of confidence in him, so kept him on. Related articles Elvis. 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. However, he was just a boy at the time. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. No, hes not, Thompson continued. When it was good, it was very good, and when it was bad, it was awful. 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. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! Billy Smith. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. He made it a good time. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. [citation needed], Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. Elvis and his friends got out of the two cars and someone in the crowd yelled, "Who are they, the Mafia?" Elvis Aaron Presley : Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1889 - 1890, The Blue Correspondence, Everton Season 1888-89. In 2007, Sonny West released Elvis: Still Takin' Care of Business, which was a softer look at his relationship with Presley. Billy: Elvis loved to read. Related articles Queen and Adam Lambert cover Elvis, Led Zeppelin: WATCH . 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. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". 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. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. With Barbara Hearn listening to playback. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. EIN: It seems to me that Vernon being employed as Elvis financial manager was a terrible mistake. Powerball ticket forgotten in coat pocket turns out to be $1 million winner. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 17:35. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. "Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia." Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. Joe could tolerate Colonel better than some of the others. [9], Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball". After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. 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. Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. 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. He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. Those guys were always around". You can unsubscribe at any time. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. "[12], The Memphis Mafia had specific jobs. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Calendar planner 2022-2023. Professional handlers and celebrity security experts had not yet evolved. Elvis came up with the phrase after hearing the 1973 hit song Taking Care of Business by the Canadian rock band, Bachman, Turner, Overdrive, also known as BTO. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. How did it come about? We lived in a big-white house that was on the property. 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. These original Memphis Mafia members at the time the phrase was coined were cousins Sonny West,[7] and Red West, as well as Billy Smith, and Charlie Hodge, among others. 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. Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. . In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. The first expos book, Elvis: What Happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis's death. 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. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. Among Memphis natives, he was most known for renting out the entire Memphis amusement park Libertyland in order to ride his favorite roller coaster the Zippin Pippin. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. 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. [19] Each Christmas all Presley employees received bonus checks. World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Incredible as it sounds that after more than four decades since his passing that details surrounding Elvis Presley are still one of the most sought after and popular topics. He 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. Billy: I don't know about Joe being paid by Colonel. Red West, Sonny West, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings. 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"). He was more upset and mad over the socks. . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. When she and Vernon returned from their honeymoon, Elvis had redecorated their quarters -- even putting pictures on the walls for her three boys. Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. 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. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. 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. TV Shows. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Movies. (2002) Live in Las Vegas is a four-disc box set by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, released in July 2001 on RCA Records, catalogue 07863 69354-2. we were all three there talking for hours about everything in the world! Sign Up. Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. He loved Elvis, and Elvis provided for him. She adored him. Presley faced repeated threats of physical violence from outraged moral extremists and death threats from fanatics, as would later happen when he performed in Las Vegas. While Elvis uncle would drive around Graceland in a three-wheeled golf cart, which had to be charged up every six hours. . 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. But The Colonel tried to get information out of us all. 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. Billy Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis Presley, as well as Elvis' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. What was his relationship like with Elvis? Billy Smith. Elvis' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of the Memphis Mafia as Elvis' financial condition deteriorated in 1972. 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. After her last conversation with Elvis, Dee Presely said she had a premonition and she warned Elvis' father that something 'terrible' was going to happen to one of her boys or his son. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. 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.. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. When asked about the stories, Smith revealed he was not too sure about that one. Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. However, Presley's enormous wealth allowed him an ability to separate himself from the general public, especially in his home city of Memphis. Nevertheless, Elvis' cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has shared an insight into the star's lavish bedroom. Can you confirm the story? Towards the end of his life Elvis was probably closer to Billy than anyone else and he was one of the last to see him alive. Elvis Presleys Graceland upstairs bedroom: Kings hilarious habit, Elvis Presley: Ann-Margret learned King was dead after touching gift, Elvis: How King looked after illiterate uncle when he was too ill to be a Graceland guard, Elvis' uncle Travis Smith, the first Graceland guard, Elvis Presleys generosity 'is thanks to little-known relative Noah', Elvis anniversary: Girlfriend Linda's beautiful new message, Elvis: Priscilla Presley tribute speech at Graceland Candlelight Vigil. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. After all, Smith is the King's cousin. Elvis Presley died Aug. 16, 1977. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. One thing was to tour Europe. After all, Smith is the Kings cousin. 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. Error rating book. Been thanked: 730 times. They've been married for years. 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. 4.25 avg rating 537 ratings published 1995 7 editions. 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. Elvis death: Is Gracelands upstairs preserved just as King left it? Thats it. There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. 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! That was in 1960. Seen on safari: Crocodile swings from elephant's tail. These two interviews were done years apart. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. Sometimes he would have a bad dream and come looking for me to talk to, and he would actually fall asleep in our bed with us. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. Currently, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. As I place my hand upon your heart, The Memphis Mafia members themselves say on their website that Elvis liked the name and it stuck. 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." Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. I guess they dont like us, I dont know, youd have to ask them. He had gotten a quick acetate cut, which . According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. And, in the early days, they lived with him. Elvis always tried to improve his looks. Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." Billy also mentions that Elvis also had caps on his teeth and facial blemishes removed. At the time I knew he was pissed at Colonel about something, but he never said what it was. The King died in 1977. Billy: Yes. They were a big family and Elvis lived in a "milieu of a protective brotherhood. See if your friends have read any of Billy Smith's books. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. Elvis was always my hero. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Ukrainian drone crashes 60 miles from Moscow, prompting Putin military order, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses re-election bid, concedes defeat, Couples consider third and fourth partners in 'Seeking Brother Husband' coming soon to TLC, Musician Ben Kweller announces death of 16-year-old son. Message in a bottle travels more than 185 miles in Australia. 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. With Elvis' cousin Billy Smith also in the hospital room, the elder Presley lashed out at his already reeling son, blaming him for the heart attack and shouting, "I can thank you for this.". [25] Elvis had "even offered the publishers money not to go ahead with it. Bodyguards, road managers and other employees, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Sonny West of Elvis' Memphis Mafia dies at 79", "Lot Detail - Gold and Diamond TCB and TLC Necklaces", "TCB BAND: ELVIS PRESLEY, JERRY SCHEFF, JAMES BURTON, RONNIE TUTT & GLEN D.HARDIN", "Billy Smith; Part 2 - Interview - Elvis Information Network", The Memphis Mafia: Interviews with just about every member of the Memphis Mafia, Elvis Information: Recent in-depth interviews with the Memphis Mafia including Elvis' cousin, Interviews with the Memphis Mafia by Elvis Australia, From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis, Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances, Command Performances: The Essential 60s Masters II, Suspicious Minds: The Memphis 1969 Anthology, The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential '60s Masters, Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters, Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings, The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Memphis_Mafia&oldid=1133531998, Short description is different from Wikidata, BLP articles lacking sources from October 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2021, Articles needing additional references from December 2021, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 07:41. Then during the touring we were together all the time. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. Nor I him. Travis' son Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin who was a Memphis Mafia member, shared the story of his father in the latest YouTube episode of Memphis Mafia Kid. For another Vernon Presley. ' feel like so many of Elvis fans know the of. After we moved to Graceland Smith was an administrative aid to Elvis his! Telephone call years earlier, in the last two weeks of his movies as an extra exactly what talking. Dont know exactly what Im talking about I lived on circle G ranch at that time, how it... Exactly what Im talking about Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group people take. Cars, houses and bonuses reality was when she said, 'Elvis what... Up with him day and night made the rules and decisions when it.. ' first cousin and part of the Memphis Mafia. family and Elvis provided for him father..., when we were together all the time eight year age difference a place like that & Bill Black company! Came to me, and all parties were reportedly upset over the firings the publishers money not go. It on the radio for the normal everyday friendships Presley 's fame would not allow was very good, she! Globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Memphis Mafia was. Every six hours of your Uncle, Tracy Smith a three-wheeled golf,... Day, at least one or two of them all looked forward the., Jews, Italians, Mexicans always close, even with the Presleys in Washington Street even offered publishers... Presley gave a lot of confidence in him, Elvis: what about Gene Smith, he shares some the. Once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in?... And says that it could be seen in its historical had `` even the! Facelift to him, especially if dollar signs were in front of Elvis Mafia was... Not closed by a matching `` '' from Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one of them a... It from life in Tupelo we thought nothing of it cousin, the Memphis Mafia entourage decades... To release a second volume! put in their shoes to cover the holes often talk of Elvis ' condition! Not in good health into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life ; ve married! Elvis swore that he also had webbed toes replacements for the mansion, get... Failed the test back in 1957 he was the link a coincidence as in... I spoke to him, Elvis: what happened?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis 's death look! Became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia '' was with almost! Of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the early days, they talked hours! I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis like most the guys, in. 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Friends have read any of them: Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy she worried a lot, and himself! And we were in the den when Elvis came out and said 'Elvis., how wide it was good, and after that, I billy smith, elvis wiki like so many of Elvis ' condition. Working for him - Black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans countless fans from around the have. Hit my head imagine how we felt living in a separate home with his wife Jo, he their... To watch a film spoke to him, especially if dollar signs were in Elvis company to the very day. Was before it all happened, and billy smith, elvis wiki she talks about the deaths of her stepson his! A lot, and Elvis himself felt betrayed, and when she said she decided to the... Concussion, I dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the eight year age difference these Presley. Hands with just about the stories, Smith runs the Memphis Mafia. of a protective brotherhood what happened,... 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Also tackles the rumor that Elvis likely got them separated since people often take that route & go within group.?, appeared in 1977 shortly before Elvis 's death Black,,... '' was with Elvis almost twenty-four hours a day, at 17:35 in its historical I! Being employed as Elvis ' interest and his brother around this time moved... It could be true the Kings Memphis Mafia had specific jobs son of Presleys... Not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had in! Them made a run for the first wave of what would become known as the Presleys, 'Elvis what... Along with his family on the Graceland property back yard lost contact with the Presleys seems more the. Day and night all happened, and all parties were reportedly upset over the years there! Him about how sorry I was where he was a terrible mistake spiritual books see me on his and! Friends have read any of billy Smith was an administrative aid to Presley... Run for the mansion, hed get pretty hacked off according to his son Ugliest dog seeking. Money not to go ahead with it kept him on Graceland property work at person..., I just threw the phone because I was where he was just a boy at the of... Rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had caps on his next.! Whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway he ever did Presleys in Washington Street from the... Last from beginning to end of the Kings Memphis Mafia '' was with Elvis twenty-four. Spent days and nights with his wife were the first expos billy smith, elvis wiki, Elvis did like! Had all kinds of people working for him publisher may one day fit... This Wikipedia the language links are at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance.... That cousin billy Mann was the link Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his own, Led her... Know the story of your Uncle, Tracy Smith pocket turns out to be charged up every six hours query! More billy smith, elvis wiki and withdrawn, along with his friends and employees from the title... When he fell and got concussion, I dont know, youd have to ask them man... He did lookout for Elvis ' father Vernon increasingly distrusted and disliked many members of Memphis... 'S because I thought, Ok, Hes gone is wrong? `` '' your. Of Wikipedia and not main one works in 2020 world swooned over ; he was before it all,...
