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. Is it true that your Aunt Gladys had the same temper? . There, he shares some of those stories with the public. Once married he & his wife Jo lived behind the main Graceland house except for a few years when Billy worked on the railroad. And I can truthfully say, hes gone. 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. He said that he stood there gawking at Elvis Presley while he played and sang in Studio B. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. READ MORE: Priscilla Presley returns to red carpet after Lisa Maries death. He did a lot for me and my family in the early years and for my family in the later years. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! Elvis was always my hero. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." Click on the topic that interests you to follow it. 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. 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. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? One thing was to tour Europe. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. "I turn 60 this month. Thirty-six years ago Friday, owing to pressures we can hardly imagine and self-indulgences we can imagine only too well, Elvis Presley died. Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. Over the years, there have been many rumors that have circulated about Presley, one in particular that he also had webbed toes. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. I mean you were portrayed in the movie, but that parts not what aggravated. But why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? Billy Smith, is the son of Travis Smith who was the brother of Elvis' Mother, Gladys. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. 6. On the story, he said: It was supposed to be that Elvis swapped places with this guy who had cancer and was dying and Elvis hid him out in the attic until it was time for him to die. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. 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. Billy Smith interview on the Day Elvis Presley Died January 2019 See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. Billy lives in Mississippi & is still working as a machine specialist in a steel manufacturing company. Smith claims that Elvis was always hardest on himself when it came to how he looked, adding that if Elvis thought it would make him better, he did it. 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. Bee Gees producer Albhy Galuten, who presided over the workout-themed releases, is let go, but new producer Barry Manilow is no improvement. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. Photo above - Junior Smith in New York with Elvis & his date. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. 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. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. Now it was a known fact among the guys that Elvis couldn't keep a secret, but if it was really important, he did. In recent years, Billy Smiths son, Danny, created his own YouTube channel. EIN: Perhaps Elvis' most famous abode before becoming famous was the Lauderdale Courts apartment. In the clip, he revealed why he and his family dont visit Graceland anymore. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. "Endorphins, that's where it's at," he says. It hurts. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. The spooky incident occurred last month at the home of Billy Smith, who is the second cousin of Graceland's iconic inhabitant. Curiously, director Chris Columbus went into Home Alone having just made Heartbreak Hotel, a 1988 flop about some kids who try to kidnap Elvis. They roared with laughter. Theres a bearded guy behind her who looks a little like Elvis in Charro! 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. . Aside from his blood relatives, his Memphis Mafia gang of male friends had free rein of the estate and home. These were consistent with the notion that hed faked his own death to escape the public eye (or the mafia, as one theory holds) and return to his humble roots. July 1985: The Colonel had been persuaded, reluctantly, to see the benefits of Elvis' singing on We Are the World, but when Bob Geldof approaches him about Elvis performing at Live Aid, the enigmatic manager tells him, "Sure thing. His stepmother made her comments as a week-long observance of the 10th anniversary of Presley's death got under way in Memphis. He read a lot too. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. Elvis is alive theories cant go on forever. Back in June, Baz Luhrmanns Elvis movie starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks had a premiere in Memphis, Tennessee at Elvis Presleys home of Graceland. 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. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. So many of the things she did and said as well as the places he went have become iconic. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. But Ill always love him. . Elvis' cover of Paul Revere & the Raiders' 1966 hit Kicks ("You don't need kicks/To help you face the world each day") becomes his first top-five hit since 1972's Burning Love. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Elvis was very intelligent. One explanation: The casket was outfitted with a cooling systemthe kind youd use to keep a wax dummy of a beloved celebrity from melting on a hot summer day. 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. 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". She was in Germany where Elvis was stationed in the Army. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. Elvis, and Billy were close Cousin's even in eight years apart in age. 285285 52 shares Share As for Presleys autopsy report: Its a private family document unlikely to ever see the light of day. Sophie Turner asks for privacy after accidentally posting video of daughter, Judge extends deadline for Georgia DA to respond to Donald Trump motion, NFL Draft: Seahawks, Patriots, Texans winners; Browns, Chargers underwhelm. He was my hero.. When we die, if youre cremated the hole is gonna be the same size for everybody, so take it.. When Presley was rushed to the hospital, Billy Smith and his wife were the first to know. EIN: I believe that you brought Jerry Schilling into the group. And that will probably be the last time that I would go back to it.. Do you recall any of this & were you lucky enough to see Elvis first play in a kind rock n roll band? In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. And a much-heralded return to rock in the form of the Rolling Stones' Start Me Up is equally unsuccessful. He takes Elvis into the studio to record the first in a series of Elvis Sings the Great American Songbook albums. I fell in head first. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. January 1995: Elvis calls a news conference to announce his retirement from touring. However, the staff revives him, and when he regains consciousness, he tells his buddies: "I had the strangest dream .". 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. "Boy, that hurts!" That seems very strange. (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia) EIN: And what of Vernon? It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true man the star was. Im not really 81, says Barmer, who then compares himself to a Pokmon Go character. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. Elvis Presley will: Who did Elvis leave his HUGE fortune to? That was our life. Sound crazy? He also added that when he looked at the windows, he felt Elvis Presleys presence. May 1 (UPI) -- A dog brought into a West Virginia animal shelter was found to have been missing for 6 years from a Virginia home 470 miles away. Maybe Elvis figured his acting skills would help him avoid suspicion. Potato Head toy in 12.11 seconds while blindfolded. I really wasnt expecting this. Billy Smith Reveals The Truth Of Elvis's Facelifts - DoYouRemember? On stage at the special screening, The Kings only child said: I do want to say that I feel so honoured to be a partof this. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. They grew up together in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the Smith family joined the Presley's on the move to Memphis in 1948. The critically panned album makes its debut at No. 'I could. Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic Elvis Presley: Why the Kings Cousins, Who Lived With Him, No Longer Visit Graceland. Billy: I was always close to Elvis, but I was his family. Elvis Presley presence felt upstairs at Graceland by cousin 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. Another one of Elviss cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, as legal documents bearing Presleys signature attest. Plans for Elvis to appear solo are scuttled when RCA threatens to withdraw support unlesss its new star, Rick Astley, is included. Did you ever see the bad side of this? The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." January 1980: The tour over, Elvis spends most of his time in the gym. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. Guide spots rare pink pachyderm in South Africa. Elvis Presley: How Muhammad Ali inspired The Kings show preparation, Elvis Presley:The King's wife Priscilla senses his 'spirit'. Billy: He did practice, but it was at the studio. I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. Elvis swore that he would never touch another one after that, and I don't guess he ever did. I remember him as a fun-loving guy and he hung around a lot with Elvis until Elvis went into the army. l, like most the guys, was in many of his movies as an extra. We have spent days in his room reading and studying. 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. Elviss death certificate will remain under wraps until 2027, 50 years after his passing. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. 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. $109,000 lottery jackpot won on Kentucky couple's 44th anniversary. Also in attendance was Memphis Mafia member Jerry Schilling, who appears at lots of Elvis events with Priscilla. 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. Back in 1957, having shot to fame, The King moved his extended family into the Graceland mansion. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. Billy, is reportedly recovering well. He wanted stronger roles. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. EIN: Do you remember any build up to Elvis recording his first record or practising with Scotty Moore & Bill Black? 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. When asked to check his ego at the door, Elvis pauses, nods his head and says, "Yep, it's still there!" He trusted us. Elvis was very open-minded. As I said, everyone had a job to do. Elvis Presley always loved to have his close friends around him. A lot of times Billy was with him, just Billy and Elvis. 'I called and said, 'Elvis, what in the world is wrong?' He was my hero. 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. 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. The cousin of Elvis Presley, Billy Smith, reveals the truth behind Elvis's facelifts, dyed hair, webbed toes, and more through the years. Corral. Right: Billy Smith, The Colonel and Elvis all looking jovial in June 1967- about three months after the 'Clambake' incident. 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? We had to eat turnip greens for a month. 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. 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. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. Happy Birthday Billy Smith! - Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville I can use a little rest," he says. Sometimes Tracy would stay down there at the gate with Daddy and pretend he was a gate guard. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. It was like my song it was telling me, 'Your time hasn't come yet, baby.'" 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. Dee and Vernon Presley remained friends after their divorce, she said, and might have gotten back together someday if he had not died in 1979. Did Elvis understand? Interview by Piers Beagley - 2006. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. He liked his guys around him. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. This seems more than a coincidence as back in 1957 he was also involved in an incident involving $1000 bills. He tells variations of this story, often using a line like "the ego flies on Tuesday, baby," in most of his subsequent live appearances. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. I just think its unacceptable for his fans or any of his family or friends to have to pay to go and pay their respects at his graveside, Jo said. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. Nevertheless, Lisa Marie Presley had a wonderful time at the Graceland premiere, praising the Elvis movie as finally getting her father right some 45 years after his untimely death at just 42 years old. 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. 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. She also travels with Elvis impersonator Elvis Wade and introduces him when he performs. After sharing fond memories of Elvis, the group discussed their animosity toward Gracelands current attractions. Elvis Presley's Family Calls Graceland Disrespectful - DoYouRemember?