The critics noted his weight gain when reviewing his public appearances. Billy also admitted that even now he feels like he senses Elvis presence over 40 years after The Kings death. he wanted to marry me'Elvis' friends begged Tom Jones to call The King at the end. And yet, when Elvis died on August 16, 1977, he had become something entirely different from his former self. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Golfers in Australias The Coast Golf Club recently had a wild encounter with a venomous red-bellied black snake. Lamar Fike, a member of Elvis' "Memphis Mafia"entourage, famously said Ginger "didn't give a rat's ass about him. Joey admitted that to this day if his father thinks about it too deeply he starts crying. 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. 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. In doing so, Elvis manages to hit himself with his racquet, bruising his leg. Recently, Billy Smith who is the cousin of the late Elvis Presley addressed these rumors and threw more light on them. When the King of Rock and Roll died while on . He needed more support and understanding from not only people around him, but also the fans and the public. Before Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, he spent his last night and early morning with his cousin Billy Smith. Her dad, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, also died of heart. 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. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and . Elvis and Billy were both born in Tupelo, Mississippi, before their families moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. He lived on the grounds at Graceland with his wife Jo and sons Danny and Joey. 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. ", Billy added: "Graceland didnt make 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. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Writing Lines Exploring The Tedious Yet Creative Punishment, Why It Is So Unusual To Find An Original Bob Ross Painting. Elvis died at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977, at 42. 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. Elvis second cousin said: After [he died] it seemed like the world stopped. While this is a cruel and derogatory way to describe someone dealing with personal health problems, it's undeniable that Elvis' eating and weight issues colored his last year on Earth. Billy Stanley can still vividly recall the last time he spoke to his stepbrother, Elvis Presley. Billy is arguably one of the last people ever to have a conversation with Elvis. In fact, the pair chatted about the future. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Please click the below image to visit my continuation website. He said: Theres still times that I have now, and [my wife] Jo does too. Billy Smith II/Houston Chronicle Gallery Furniture's Jim McIngvale gives a tour of the damaged warehouse on Thursday, June 4, 2009 in Houston, TX. "a.Billy Smith said that Elvis had a nose job in 1957/8.b.Billy Smith said Elvis had a face-lift 1975. Few if any figures in rock and roll history are as timeless or controversial as Elvis Presley. The star is buried in the Meditation Garden, next to his parents, Vernon and Gladys, and his grandmother, Minnie Mae. 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. When Elvis died on Aug. 16, 1977, he was only 42. So for the "fans" who blame Elvis alone for how he declined and died, I say shame on you. / Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic surgeries and rumors of his webbed toes! The controversies are in the past, and he has a new outlook along with plans for a box set of unreleased Zwan . I turned him over and I knew. Another one of Elvis's cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, . Hence they knew a lot about each other. It was but natural that he wanted to look the best. Before I write one more word, I want it clearly understood that, Please dont take everything they said in this. Based on the report, Elvis Presley's note for Billy might be enough proof that he had been having suicidal thoughts. And yet, the darkness and desperation surrounding Elvis' final months and death have made him an imperfect icon idolized by subcultures your average Graceland-bound tourist might not expect punks, goths, and modern-day rockabillies, who appreciate the mismatched sides of the singer's life. Jo said: 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. His friends kept pimping him with pretty 17- and 18-year-old girls but he had nothing in common with them. Appearing on SiriusXM's 'The Howard Stern Show', he said: "She was . She never faught for Elvis , she was only after money. if(typeof utag_data.ads.fb_pixel!=="undefined"&&utag_data.ads.fb_pixel==!0){!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js');fbq('init','568781449942811');fbq('track','PageView')}. By 1976, Elvis had become disenfranchised and unhinged, his drug use, bad health, and financial excess chipping away at his composure. In a new video from his son Dannys YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid found below, Billy was answering fan questions when one came up asking: Did you ever sense a presence at Graceland?. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. Thats it. This was especially true during the last year of his life, when he was deep in his chemical dependency and had left behind many of the loyal friends of his youth. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion property including his cousin Billy Smith. "He was the light that shined on everybody. In 1977, Frank said he would miss Elvis very much: "I shall miss him very much as a friend." . The first one was in 1957 and the other one in 1975. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgery like facelifts and dying his hair. "Anytime someone mentions my name and Elvis' name in the same sentence, that's great," he told Rolling Stone. As one of Elvis' closest confidants and a blood relative, Smith has been described as a "wonderful asset to the Elvis Presley fans worldwide."[13]. . ", What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like, a 2019 interview with Elvis' Australian fan club. People there in the inner group did but you did not tell Elvis what to do. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 18:35. "That was our life. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Along with his wife Jo, he and their two sons lived in a trailer in the back yard. He said: Mom and Daddy were in the bedroom because they were asleep. Elvis used to sit in Billy's room and chat for hours. His father is Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin and nephew to The King's mother Gladys who had died in 1958. We knew him as that big hero cousin.. 13h; 5 Replies. Tuesday, 2nd May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. ORION ELVIS/JESSE DOCUMENTATION IMAGES, ORION PICTURES MUCH OF THE MATERIAL ORIGINATED FROM ME, ELVISS FORMER EMPLOYEES TELL OF THE RETIREMENT OF ELVIS IN 1977, AN EXAMPLE OF HOW ELVIS/JESSE TOLD US THINGS LONG BEFORE THE PUBLIC KNEW, COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS OF JESSE AND MYSELF, Lisa Marie on Larry King in 2003 discomfort over Larrys question. Therefore, I chose to create a 2nd site to pick up and carry forward in the tradition of my original site. After 50 years, Aerosmith is bringing an end to their days as a touring act. 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. Elvis' passing is often used as the archetypal rock star death a tragic accident caused by a poor health and drug use. SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO. ", Even Tish lives with pain surrounding Elvis' death, which she said came as "a complete shock" to her. S Club 7 Singer has died at the age of 46. Want to Read. Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family post their memories of the star. But Billy said that the rumor about the webbed toes of Elvis could be true but he is not sure about it. [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. The photo is on display at Graceland, by the last car he ever drove: a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III. Gene Smith died on March 2, 1999, believing that he, and his beloved first. This article "Billy Smith (Memphis Mafia)" is from Wikipedia. ", In Ginger's mind, these opinions were unfair stones cast by her fiance's cronies. Vernon Presley, son of Elvis, died in June of 1979 of cardiac arrest two years before. 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. Elvis Presley employed many of his family at Graceland, Elvis Presley and the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith far left, Elvis Presley and the family graves at Graceland, Elvis: June Carter Cash's son on her 'secret affair' with The King. BANG Showbiz. Danny and Joey Smith discussed the matter during an . In many ways, the Jungle Room was perfect for the task. Elvis Presley death: Kings cousin on last chat upstairs at Graceland hours Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red issues warning following online hack | Gaming | Entertainment challenge, FIFA 21 TOTW 20 reveal date, release time and Team of the Week FUT card predictions | Gaming | Entertainment challenge, Harry Potter tops Lord of the Rings in UK poll of best movie adaptations of books | Films | Entertainment challenge, Elvis Presley received life-saving vaccine live on TV while pleading with fans | Music | Entertainment challenge, Andrea Bocellis son Matteo Bocelli sings Elvis Presleys Love Me Tender WATCH | Music | Entertainment challenge, Scientists join Riverdance to investigate extreme demands of elite dance, Research reveals extensive network of industry ties with healthcare, Research finds excess use of non-emergency restraint among older psychiatric patients, Composite glass breakthrough by Queensland scientists could help make phone screens unbreakable. Elvis appeared excited about the latest shows, and Billy was quick to support his cousin. adios.". Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Talking about the first plastic surgery, Billy disclosed: Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. Elvis was awarded the 8th degree black belt by Rhee there on Sept. 16, 1974. "A few speculated and began telling untruths regarding Elvis and me which were completely unwarranted, mean spirited and wrong.". loyal and devoted to Elvis. Equally cryptic for some were the parting words the King said as he left the stage: "We'll meet again. Billy's father Travis Smith was the brother of Elvis' mother Gladys and became the main guard at Graceland. While his grandson, who died aged 27, was laid to rest opposite last year. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. Billy Smith Said:" Marty Lacker and I made up the story of Elvis trade places with another guy and Run off with Maria ". Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. And I even got up and got Jo up too. Gladys Smith, Elvis' mother, was only 17 years old when she married Vernon. In September 2022, Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn released their first duet together. 1980 ELVIS Country Music Magazine Jesses Comin, DNA PROOF THAT JESSE IS ELVIS ARON PRESLEY, AUTHENTICITY DOCUMENT PROVES JESSES AUTOGRAPH WAS WRITTEN BY ELVIS, Jesses letter to the Attorney General of Missouri written Dec. 2002, Jesses letter to the Attorney General of Missouri and graphologist Shirley Mason, Shirley Mason Handwriting Authenticated Video of FOX 8 report interview Jesses letter to the Attorney General of Missouri, WANDA JUNE HILL HAS ENDORSED MY WEBSITE AND JESSE, PHOTO OF ELVIS/JESSE WITH HIS GRANDSON BENJAMIN IN 1994, PHOTO OF ELVIS/JESSE WITH HIS GRANDSON BENJAMIN IN 1994 continued, PROOF THAT THE PHOTO OF JESSE ACTUALLY IS THAT OF ELVISWITH HIS GRANDSON, Elvis was still alive on June 18, 1990 without a doubt. 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. A Tylenol with codeine was brought up for Ginger, and Billy followed with Elvis's morning sleep packet. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). Billy revealed that Elvis had two facelifts in his lifetime. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. 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. Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smith's YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. As far as I'm aware, the plan for rehab was already in the works and set up. To hear more about Billy Smiths time growing up with Elvis Presley back in the day, take a look at the interview video below! 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. He had lived at Graceland for 20 years. 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. 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. He brought me out of the ghetto with him and my family.We always had a bond? Speaking on the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel, The Kings cousin recounted his final conversation with the 42-year-old star. The King had suffered a fatal heart attack while using the upstairs bathroom at Graceland. 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. Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker. 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. Billy answered and she told him the tragic news that Elvis was gone and hed been taken to the hospital. So he went and called for his father Billy who ran for the phone. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. It was Rhee who gave Elvis his animal name "Tiger Man." Footage for a planned karate movie financed by Elvis. 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. Theres no doubt, that changed the course of my life. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Billy is" Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. 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. "It doesn't get better than that. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. After some administrative organization, when Carter called Graceland, he asked for Billy Smith as a code that it would be the president calling for Elvis and the two subsequently had a discussion. Billy even talked about how some fans have felt Elvis spirit too. This copyright covers EVERY page of this web site and ALL of my original material contained therein. All three shake their heads. [5], Smith was one of Elvis' closest friends and confidantes, and the two would talk for hours up in Elvis' bedroom at Graceland, even acting out Monty Python scenes. I dont know how you can look any better, but he did., RELATED: Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Elvis also dyed his hair jet black often. I know youll do everything you can to make it as good as you can., READ MORE:Elvis Presley: The last two songs he sang the day he died at Graceland. Linda Hood Sigmon's Truth Elvis Presley approved website, LISTEN TO ALL 15 OF ELVIS 2011 SONGS FROM THE CD . By 1977, Elvis had lost all interest in recording new music. Without him, it's a home but its not the same. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presley's cousin Billy Smith and The King 's former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. The new site began in July 2018 and all subsequent new pages have been created on that site. Nobody living spent more time with Elvis but Billy says he and his family have no contact now with the Presleys. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Joe Esposito on Geraldo, Elvis/Jesses Hair, rings and note Christmas 2000. Elvis funeral took place just two days later and he was buried next to his mother Gladys in Forest Hill Cemetery, before both were moved to Gracelands Meditation Garden where their graves are to this day. One of these final songs Elvis played was "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," which Stallings had playing on a true-to-the-era stereo in the dojo's viewing room, the Jungle Den. 00:00. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially his daughter, Katie Springer. Elvis' only child was just 54 when she died Thursday, reportedly after suffering cardiac arrest at home in Calabasas, California. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. Dr. George Nichopoulos, aka "Dr. Nick," traveled with Elvis, and carried three suitcases of pills to make sure he could fulfill any of Elvis' needs. RIP Paul Cattermole! 19 years ago. Jordan Banjo and wife Naomi welcomed third child a baby boy revealed his unique name. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. He was only 31 years old. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. [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 "". Its not his home.". Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, at the age of just 42. Elvis Aaron Presley died August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. 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. So, the house, in a way, has been home to Elvis' legacy for twice as long as it was home to Elvis.. Years after his death, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra had a very open conversation. So the rumor of the webbed toes remains to be debunked. There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. 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. Heres what you want to know about Rosie Tenison, Engaged! William Earle Smith 06/05/1951 - 04/02/2023 On the evening of April 2, 2023, Bill passed away peacefully. Its not Elvis. I dont know why., Jo adds: I guess they dont like us. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. We travelled with him, lived with him We had to have a whole new life. I knew he was dead.". Vernon Presley was born on April 10, 1916, in Fulton, Mississippi. The toxicology report from Elvis' death said he had the opiates Dilaudid, Demerol, and Percodan in his blood, not to mention Quaaludes and codeine. Billy Smith, who was very close to him especially at the end stated that Elvis was planning on making some big changes after that last short tour he was about to go on. Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. Elvis used to dye his hair black and Billy revealed the reason: 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.. Elvis Presley was a great actor and pop singer. Elvis Sr.'s cousin Billy Smith, who grew up at Graceland with him, and his children have addressed the late singer's infidelity rumors. 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.. 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. 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. 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. "You always think there was something you could have done, that he might still be alive today. 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. In turn, many in Elvis' entourage believed Ginger to be nothing more than a gold-digger. 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. Being the King of Rock and Roll and also a movie star, its no secret that Elvis Presley wanted to keep himself looking his best. Speaking with Elvis expert Billy Stallings Spa Guy, Joey said he remembered he was . He also had caps on his teeth and got specialists to remove his facial blemishes. Elvis just fainted.' In fact, I guess that was the biggest reason I left Graceland. Well, that's not true. Bobby died a tragic death by falling into a boiling vat of chemicals at work in Memphis about 1968. Presley, as usual, plays the game while barely moving and playfully attempts to hit Billy with the ball. Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". Jo said how Elvis was the centre of their lives and how they dont like going back to Graceland today. One of the changes was to get rid of Parker and also to get clean and rest for a bit. Earlier, Billy had spoken about how Elvis would recount his favorite Monty Python comedy sketches of BBC.

Clifford Chance Senior Associate Salary, Sportsnet Now Actor, Articles B