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There is often talk of Elvis practising with Johnny Burnette and his brother around this time. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. His cousin Billy Smith and his wife Jo have shared some memories. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. The last surviving original Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith, Elvis cousin, had some of the closest access to The King. Moreover, the quartet stated that there are two main reasons why they may never return to their home. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. Its almost like, youre not good enough, youre not sophisticated enough, youre not their Hollywood type, you dont need to be there. Well, all those people had as much right as any of the rest of the family to be there. Afterwards we both cried like crazy and I'll remember it as long as I live. And hed had a face lift to look like Elvis. I mean you were portrayed in the movie, but that parts not what aggravated. And, of course, Ive heard this over the years now and I decided this is time to get this all cleared up because this is just not right. blue eyes and lighter skin. 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. Without him, its a home but its not the same. Its Graceland. I remember once Elvis took us shopping and brought us a complete wardrobe shortly after we moved to Graceland. 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. Attentive fans were further spooked when they saw the Kings headstone. A cover of Air Supply's All Out of Love breaks into the top 30, but his take on Sheena Easton's Morning Train is a flop. He felt comfortable with me and trusted me. Billy: Yes, I was with him on many of the recording sessions. That explanation was good enough for Joseph, but not everyone is satisfied. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. Our lives are like night and day. He announces that the tour has been rescheduled for next March and adds that he's starting an intensive program to "get myself together physically, mentally and spiritually." Billy: Being married was not easy at times. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. But, we couldn't make a big deal about it in front of Elvis. What did you see of his personal quest at the time and his visits to the Self Realization Park? And I would hear him calling me.. Today, Smith and his family remain haunted by the day of Elvis death. To date, numerous reports say fans believe that Elvis Presley did not die in 1977, but was placed in witness protection. But weeks after the Colonel's death, he announces a one-off concert in London as a gesture to all the foreign fans who had never seen him because Parker was afraid that if he went out of the USA, he'd never get back in. After a while, Smith decided to give the superstar some space. The concert, at Wembley Stadium in May, is a triumph, though marred by hundreds of emergency medical calls to treat elderly fans who had fainted from sheer disbelief that their dream had come true. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? Billy: Gene was Elvis' first cousin. 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. I wont ever do it because wed have to, too. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. On the afternoon of August 16, 1977, a man bearing a striking resemblance to Elvis is said to have purchased a one-way ticket from Memphis International Airport to Buenos Aires. Can you clarify once & for all whether you saw Elvis being obviously racist in anyway? Billy and Elvis' other associates are alarmed and decide, despite Elvis' protests, that with a tour days away, a trip to the hospital would be prudent. A few years later, while studying them with a magnifying glass, Joseph spotted a shadowy Elvis-like figure sitting in the doorway. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! 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. He never betrayed me again. Smith, eight years younger than Elvis, grew up alongside the star in Graceland. Presley said another telephone call years earlier, in 1958, led to her becoming part of the Presley family. We heard stories about Morning Dove, but not that much talk about her. We took our kids with us so it made it a lot better. Bobby and l were always within a mile or two of Elvis. Billy: Junior Smith was Gene's older brother and his real name was Carroll. And you who don't can never tell. Additionally, some of Elvis family and friends would live on the property, including his cousin Billy Smith and his family. With that, what critics like to call the "Fit Elvis era" is over. As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true . Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. 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. Can you imagine how we felt living in a place like that? And he loved big orchestras. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." The spooky incident occurred last month at the home of Billy Smith, who is the second cousin of Graceland's iconic inhabitant. He deserved to have peace of mind. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. Episode 11. That was in 1960. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. We have decided that I want to go back through Graceland one more time with Teresa. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. Billy with Elvis before leaving for Germany & the army in 1958. His former wife weeps when she talks about the deaths of her stepson and his father. . After sharing fond memories of Elvis, the group discussed their animosity toward Gracelands current attractions. 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! 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.. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. I always loved Elvis very much and would do just about anything to please him and be with him. He was there with the rest of the Memphis Mafia when Presley was at his peak. And that will probably be the last time that I would go back to it.. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. But network execs foolishly state that Elvis was "outside the demographic of our target viewers and irrelevant to the rock audience we super-serve." 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. This guys had a facelift to look like me., READ MORE:Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland', Billy continued: I said Elvis, Now you can fool a lot of peoplebut no. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. Even towards the end of his short 42 years when he became increasingly isolated, Billy would be spending hours upstairs with the singer in his bedroom, listening to him as he opened up on his more vulnerable side. EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? "Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. Potato Head toy in 12.11 seconds while blindfolded. November 1980: Plagued by cost overruns and whispers of illegal kickbacks, the Elvis Workout project is shut down before any of the centers actually open. He always told me that he loved me. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. (1969) and cocks his head in a manner that conspiracy theorists swear is identical to Presleys onstage mannerisms. She adored him. This story came out, like I said it was supposed to be kind of a joke, but the English paper picked it up and they wrote it as a factual story. There were a lot of lonely days and nights until Jo started to travel with us. Billy: Elvis did ask me to become foreman, and he talked about getting rid of several people. We could talk about anything, and we did! That means we've got maybe another 40 years of stories about the King chilling in Argentina or sipping coffee at Tim Hortons or doing whatever you do as an elderly man whos been in hiding since the Carter Administration. But Elvis loved movieshe starred in 31and Christmas, so it almost makes sense that he would risk blowing his cover by appearing in the 1990 holiday comedy Home Alone. I dont care if I never go to Graceland again, Jo said. But why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? I had so much respect for him. Elvis and Gene even worked together at Precision Tool. I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. Elvis was very intelligent. I fell in head first. Elvis Presley faked his own death after paying a terminally ill lookalike to be buried in his place, The People can sensationally reveal. 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. Billy: Yes. Its been almost 43 years since Elvis Presley died. Its not Elvis. Adding to his wifes statement, Billy Smith said, Graceland didnt make Elvis. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. For we who know, know it well, May 1 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Pennsylvania came to the rescue of a deer spotted stranded in a Montgomery County canal. Aug. 16, 2012: Elvis dies in his sleep at Graceland on the 25th anniversary of the first Harmonic Convergence and 35 years to the day after his near-death in Memphis. 'He was so wonderful. 'I could. Smith realized this as he stood slack-jawed watching the King lay down vocals. EIN: What can you tell us of your Aunt Gladys? She also mentioned names of others who weren't in attendance like major girlfriends of Elvis' after he divorced Priscilla Presley. Corral. Billy: Aunt Gladys was a good person. Billys family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . During the racquetball game, he accidentally smacks himself on the shin with his racquet. By accepting "all cookies", including profiling cookies, in addition to supporting our free offer, you will receive advertisements in line with your interests. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. It hurts. He is surrounded by his . Elvis was more understanding, and he wanted someone with him too. It is quite a stretch, but imagine if it were true. Aside from his blood relatives, his Memphis Mafia gang of male friends had free rein of the estate and home. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Danny replied to a user who asked: Would you rather go back and visit Graceland or keep it in your memories? In response, Danny said, Ill just speak for the family because weve talked about it many, many times.. Jo added: The thing they dont know is Elvis was not asleep for days and I know that for a fact because a lot of times we were up there with him. I saw it twice. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? He did lookout for Elvis' interest and his own. He was sullen and disturbed because of what had happened to him when he was in the army in Korea. Do you still see him or have any contact? As I said, everyone had a job to do. Elvis releases a disco-style cover of Jackie Wilson's Baby, Workout, which rises to No. Copyright Elvis Information Network 2006. That's the same white house that Elvis and I tore down with the bulldozer to make more room to ride the horses. Elvis Presley's mother was Gladys Smith and her elder brother's son is Billy Smith. Skip to primary navigation; . 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. He said in the clip that he felt him when he stayed upstairs in the house. EIN: And what of Vernon? The critically panned album makes its debut at No. 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". "My trainer told me about them it's like getting high from working out.". I lived on Circle G ranch at that time, when we were not in Los Angeles. Without Elvis, its not home. So I think he had someone with him as much as he could., The Kings mother Gladys Presley died just a couple of years into his fame in 1958, leaving him devastated. The Kalamazoo hullabaloo spawned a rash of late-80s Elvis sightings, many of which involved the King doing un-regal things, like pumping gas or buying junk food. we were family. ELVIS PRESLEY's spirit presence is claimed to have been sensed in Graceland's upstairs office by his cousin Billy Smith, who shared in a new interview that he knew it was time to move away having . One thing was to tour Europe. Aug. 16, 2012: Elvis dies in his sleep at Graceland on the 25th anniversary of the first Harmonic Convergence and 35 years to the day after his near-death in Memphis. EIN: What are your chief memories of the times working on the movies? Billy: I don't remember anything about him practicing with Johnny Burnett or his brother. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, says, "We're happy to have the boy back with us," but seasoned Colonel-watchers detect a touch of regret at missed opportunities. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Additionally, some of Elvis' family and friends would live on the property, including his cousin Billy Smith and his family. And yet conspiracy theories have been rife over the years that hes still alive and well at 85-years-old. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. EIN: There are tales of Joe Esposito being paid by both Elvis and Colonel Parker and that The Col used him to spy on Elvis. They roared with laughter. He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. ", (Mark Feeney on the 'Elvis meets Nixon' meeting), "especially in the South, they talk about Elvis and Jesus in the same breath", "The image is one thing and the human being is anotherit's very hard to live up to an image", (Elvis Presley, Madison Square Garden press conference, 1972), "Elvis was a major hero of mine. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. 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. Elvis Presley gave a lot of thought and time into obtaining what he considered his perfect look throughout his short-lived life. Billy: With Elvis, all the movies were fun. Not that we arent happy with our family, we are, Jo said. He said he would see me on his next tour. We promised each other. As the years went on, Smith then lived with his wife, Jo, on the same grounds. That is disrespectful to Elvis., Lisa Marie Presleys Late Son Benjamin Keough Officially Laid To Rest At Graceland With Elvis, 75-Year-Old Don McLean Opens Up About Dating A 27-Year-Old. About Elvis Presley, Smith said, When Elvis was on stage, somehow he had a way of bringing you into his world. That was also true when he performed in the studio. Elvis enjoyed the Self Realization Park. So, he watched from a distance. Smith went on to recall how Presley decided to have his nose trimmed down. Bee Gees producer Albhy Galuten, who presided over the workout-themed releases, is let go, but new producer Barry Manilow is no improvement. Theres a bearded guy behind her who looks a little like Elvis in Charro! I know now he was trying to tell me something -- it was a most touching goodbye.'. I was always close to Elvis even as a young child. Blasting News is working with the European Union in the fight against fake news. Fans reckon you can hear King at Graceland LISTEN, Brian May on Queens influences: The Beatles 'built our bible', Rolling Stones: Brian Jones would call Bob Dylan EVERY day, Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland', Elvis Presley's bodyguard on TERRIFYING motorbike ride with The King. Nor I him. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. May 29, 2020 A relative of Elvis Presley claims to have had an eerie experience that he suspects may have been a visit from the ghost of the legendary musician. But, why bust his bubble. I think I need to see a Doctor." I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. Steinman's original song for Elvis, Total Eclipse of the Dashboard Light, fails to hit the top 100. EIN: Few fans know the story of your uncle, Tracy Smith. 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. Billy: One thing Uncle Vernon was good at was numbers, especially if dollar signs were in front of them! Elvis was still alive on June 18, 1990 without a doubt. We had so many memorable times on the set!! In the end, a leather-clad Elvis, looking impressively buff at 53, revisits his classic hits of the late '60s and '70s, including In the Ghetto, Burning Love and Suspicious Minds. Elvis always took great pride in his hair. October 2007: The Songbook series having run its course, Davis taps another of his favorite gimmicks: the duets album. Can you confirm the story? Billy and his wife Jo are still alive and have a YouTube channel called "Elvis Fans Matter" where they talk about Elvis and give some pretty interesting insight into the life of The King. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. 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. An ill-advised follow-up single, a disco-style cover of an old Stevie Wonder song with the title changed to Work Out, Elvis, Work Out, fails to reach the top 100. So I thought, Well yknow people are holding on to that., So I made this story up, me and Marty Lacker [another Memphis Mafia member]., DON'T MISSElvis Presley's bodyguard on TERRIFYING motorbike ride with The King[INTERVIEW]Elvis Presley pilot CAUGHT sleeping in his bed: Guess King's reaction[INTERVIEW]Elvis Presley will: Who did Elvis leave his HUGE fortune to? Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smiths YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. January 1978: To underscore Elvis' new, clean image, the Colonel decides an anti-drug single would be a shrewd move. Plans for Elvis to appear solo are scuttled when RCA threatens to withdraw support unlesss its new star, Rick Astley, is included. But, he never criticized other religions either. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. 'We're getting ready to do another show,' she said. As for Presleys autopsy report: Its a private family document unlikely to ever see the light of day. Today the stars close relative has a YouTube channel with his wife Jo and the couple answers fans questions about their private times with him. Then, when the King would take a break, Billy would go get him water. Being both family, and also a member of the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith was probably the closest friend that Elvis ever had. 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. We talked about religion so much. Junior was at my house in my bed when he died. Traditionally, you cant have a funeral without a death, and what killed the King is another major source of controversy. 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. I don't agree with some of the tales he tells, but Larry was there for a while. The second major Elvis sighting came in the form of a photo snapped on December 31, 1977. 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. But stranger things have happened. Jo said, "Inside Graceland was like a wonderland, but it . "I kind of think he would probably still be dyeing his hair but you know he might have left a little grey in it," the King's cousin noted. As detailed in the documentary Elvis Presley: The Last 24 Hours, Elvis' final day on earth included a nighttime trip to the dentist in search of prescription drugs, a 4 a.m. game of racquetball with his cousin Billy Smith, and an impromptu piano performance of classics including "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." He was last seen alive going into . Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format.