billy smith, elvis alive

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. Express. 1 and spins off a hit single, Elvis and Michael Jackson's unique duet on Heartbreak Hotel, which weaves together the artists' separate, title-sharing hits. For reference, the family refers to the fact that fans must pay in order to visit the singers grave. Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley ALIVE? We were all handpicked by Elvis, and he was very protective of us. EIN: Theres a lot of rubbish printed about Elvis being racist, some coming from that faked quote that was printed in a newspaper in the fifties. He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. READ MORE: Priscilla Presley returns to red carpet after Lisa Maries death. German man breaks record for assembling Mr. The video has been viewed more than 2 million times on YouTubefar more than the one where a clever Elvis fan debunks the whole thing by chatting with the actual Graceland employee, an affable gentleman named Bill Barmer. We could talk about anything, and we did! We were like brothers. The last surviving original Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin, had some of the closest access to The King. A lot of Elvis family was not invited to the premiere and I dont knowwho did the invitations Ive got a pretty good idea but I just thought that was really tacky. Asked in an interview to identify the man in the background, Ali reportedly said, Thats my friend Elvis., In the late 80s, the epicenter of the Elvis lives universe shifted to Kalamazoo, Michigan, a city Elvis played four months before his death. Severed hand at side of Michigan highway was a rubber fake. Memphis Mafia Kid has over 19,000 subscribers and racks up thousands of views with each clip. Steinman's original song for Elvis, Total Eclipse of the Dashboard Light, fails to hit the top 100. 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." New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. Round-the-clock demonstrations outside MTV's New York headquarters by Elvis fans, some attired only in multihued headbands and sweatpants, cause MTV to reconsider, and Physical leaps into the top 10. Do you still see him or have any contact? And the people that they asked that were not close to him, they took up family and friends slots. He was my hero. Danny later admitted that for his wife Teresa, he would return to Graceland one final time. But Ill always love him. Back in 1957, having shot to fame, The King moved his extended family into the Graceland mansion. In the clip, a gray-haired dude in a baseball cap and Elvis Week T-shirt fusses with some wire and holds up two fingersapparently some type of numerological clueas he walks past the camera. 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 . I mean you were portrayed in the movie, but that parts not what aggravated. Thirty-six years ago Friday, owing to pressures we can hardly imagine and self-indulgences we can imagine only too well, Elvis Presley died. 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. May 1 (UPI) -- A Kentucky couple had more than 109,000 extra reasons to celebrate on their 44th wedding anniversary when they won a jackpot from an Instant Play lottery game. Very early on I remember once when Elvis pulled me out of a garbage can! 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. It won't be the last. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. Billy Smith, Elvis' first cousin is recovering from a heart attack. Elvis' grandfather got my father out of jail and left Vernon there when it first happened. 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. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. EIN: Did you always travel with Elvis to film the movies? His cousin Billy Smith and his wife Jo have shared some memories. January 1980: The tour over, Elvis spends most of his time in the gym. Billy admitted: And [for] many years Id always heard these fans saying, Is Elvis still alive?, So many sightings and all this. He was Junior's brother. While this may seem like further proof of a cover-up, its actually a matter of Tennessee law. She was generous like Elvis, but she also had a quick temper. Aunt Gladys looked after him as long as she lived, and after her death, he lived with us, and then with some of his sisters. Its not his home. In addition to Elvis absence, the family suggested their disdain for the way Graceland controls access to Elvis grave. A new adaptation of an old Creedence Clearwater Revival hit, retitled Who'll Stop the Rain (I Will), is his first record to miss the charts in three years. I remember them cutting pasteboard to put in their shoes to cover the holes. Billy Smith was just a kid but he knew that he was witnessing greatness. We have decided that I want to go back through Graceland one more time with Teresa. 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. I spoke to him about how sorry I was and he invited me to coffee.'. Elvis was very open-minded. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. How this got started was we actually talked one night of Elvis changing places. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? Elvis Presley's Cousin Remembers Shocking Sight From - Outsider Billy Smith was Elvis first cousin, the son of Gladys Presleys oldest brother. And a much-heralded return to rock in the form of the Rolling Stones' Start Me Up is equally unsuccessful. However, the distance didnt change what he was seeing. He lived in a separate home with his family on the grounds of Graceland. Please tell us about it. MTV could have dodged the controversy by explaining that the spectacle of a bare-chested Elvis in a series of multihued headbands and sweatpants was faintly ludicrous, or even that Physical was a lousy record. But he knew it from memory, and we went over it several times so I could memorize it. Additionally, many of them are more than willing to share a little Elvis knowledge with the public. Reading seemed to have been a major preoccupation of his. What follows is a brief history of why some people refuse to let this American icon rest in peace. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. At the same time, much of the lore of Presleys life has become family history. And, the singer bought 'truckloads' of toys for her sons. Click to buy "Elvis and the Memphis Mafia", (the eagerly anticipated re-issue of "Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations of the Memphis Mafia", Click to view the "Memphis Mafia" website, Click to read Marty Lacker's interview with EIN, Click to read Lamar Fike's interview with EIN, Click to read EIN's article 'Elvis was Not a Racist', "Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture", " Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together.which subconciously gives our world meaning", "Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis", "He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying", "I think Elvis Presley will never be solved", "He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here", "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybodyhearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail", "When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley", Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead", (EIN Note Billys full story about The Pledge is also featured in the book Elvis & the Memphis Mafia), Subscribe to EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, Selected back issues of EIN's FREE weekly newsletter, DVD: A Tribute To The King (Scotty Moore), Book: Elvis Aaron Presley: A Candle In The Wind, Elvis That's The Way It Is: 1970 vs. 2001, The man who bought Elvis (Robert Sillerman), Elvis on The Creative Edge - Part 2 - The CD, 'Elvis Seriously'- Why is Elvis' voice too often ignored, How & where to sell your Elvis collection, Elvis & other major artists miss out on Grammy Awards, Listen to the Elvis "strung out" in Vegas audio, View video of "All Shook Up" opening night on Broadway, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker & Lamar Fike have all recently been involved in the re-issue of the excellent book Elvis & The Memphis Mafia. Elvis' version of Jennifer Holliday's And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going becomes an adult-contemporary chart-topper. The interesting part will not be the cartoon itself, but the fact that the Elvis character is working undercover as a government spy. Billy: Larry Geller was okay. He never betrayed me again. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. May 1 (UPI) -- A school principal in West Virginia received a scare Monday morning when he unlocked a dumpster outside of the building and came face to face with a bear. Elvis' private late night chat about Lisa Marie with his cousin, Oscars 2023 odds Elvis star Austin Butler gaining on Brendan Fraser, Real reason Elvis found it so hard being alone unveiled by close relative and confidant, Elvis with his Memphis Mafia Billy Smith is on the far left, Elvis death: Last person to see Kings body before casket was closed, Priscilla Presley returns to red carpet after Lisa Maries death, Elvis movie deleted scene from 4 hour version released by Baz Luhrmann, Elvis sang hit song to Priscilla as they left divorce court together, Elvis Presley tops Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra in epic record, Elvis' granddaughter shares how King influenced her as 70s rock star, Elvis 'was never the same' after big change claimed The Beatles. I know this picture is of you and not of somebody else., I never thought about [that conversation] again until after Elvis was dead.. When Billy was old enough he started working with the Memphis Mafia team. Can you clarify what happened and how did you feel about this happening being real family? The Colonel, inspired, announces plans for a nationwide chain of Elvis Workout Centers. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. EIN: Did you ever visit the studios for Elvis recording sessions? In an interview with Larry King, Elviss good buddy Joe Esposito suggested it was another Presley associate, Al Strada, in the photo. I can use a little rest," he says. we were family. Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. Why Elvis Presley's Cousins Say He Would've Ditched the Jumpsuits And I can truthfully say, hes gone. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. Whatever Happened To Marla Gibbs, Florence Johnston From The Jeffersons. And, he had unbelievable strength. And we were always close, even with the eight year age difference. He said it gave him a peace within, and, if it did, well, that was good. It was like my song it was telling me, 'Your time hasn't come yet, baby.'" Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley Without him, its a home but its not the same. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. Ghost of Elvis Visits His Cousin? | iHeartRadio | Coast to Coast AM Elvis Presley: Why the Kings Cousins, Who Lived With Him, No Longer Visit Graceland. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like Elvis purchased Graceland in March 1957, and he of course did not . 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 with members of the Memphis Mafia in the 1990s (Image: GETTY) Elvis Presley 'is still alive' says Mayor at Graceland event Danny added: "I wanted to be one of the guys." (by Alfred Wertheimer). Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his . Also in attendance was Memphis Mafia member Jerry Schilling, who appears at lots of Elvis events with Priscilla. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. At this point, I tell you this with all my heart and its the only reason that Im here: Its been done right.. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. He was rocking a white jumpsuit, naturally, and purchasing an electrical fuse. He wanted to know why I didn't come to Graceland (Elvis's Memphis home) anymore. Billy Smith - Interview - Elvis Information Network Did you ever see the bad side of this? . It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. Attentive fans were further spooked when they saw the Kings headstone. He decided to prove to me that it would never happen again, and that's how the pledge came about. He deserved to have peace of mind. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. It is Elvis' last live performance. 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. Elvis spoke up and said, "If you guys aren't going to say anything, I'm going to bed." He had to get in the studio and cut a few singles while he was home. 'It was love at first sight,' she said in an interview. EIN: When you first arrived in Memphis you lived in the same house as The Presleys in Washington Street. During the racquetball game, he accidentally smacks himself on the shin with his racquet. Surprisingly, it works as effectively as the star's usual three nightly packets of Seconal, Placidyl, Demerol and several other medications, and he falls into a deep sleep, but he is unresponsive when a nurse tries to awaken him late in the day. I remember my family went to his house to hear it on the radio for the first time. I really wasnt expecting this. Elvis saw me as he passed and pulled me out! March 1988: Concert attendance slips as audiences tire of Elvis' lengthy monologues about the benefits of healthy eating, mysticism and frequent gym workouts. I actually remember her as an outgoing and fun loving person. EIN: Is it true that in 1977 Elvis asked you to become Chief foreman and that he considered getting rid of The Colonel once again and even Joe Esposito? I'm in terrible pain.' He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis . EIN: Your relationship with Elvis is probably best symbolised by 'The Pledge'. 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. He supposedly gave the name Jon Burrows, a pseudonym Elvis used when checking into hotels. We were told that she was a beautiful woman. "He thought it made him look better and that he needed it," Billy reveals. Billy Smith was interviewed by Piers Beagley for EIN, January 2006. So, he watched from a distance. Elvis Presley ALIVE? 'I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger' I don't know where it came from or if Elvis just made it up. Another one of Elvis's cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, as legal documents bearing Presley's signature attest. Traditionally, you cant have a funeral without a death, and what killed the King is another major source of controversy. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . Geldof moves on to the next star on his list. Each video honors The Kings legacy, discussing fond memories and a conspiracy or two. 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. She said that before Elvis's death, she had a strong feeling a tragedy was looming. While visiting Graceland with his family, a man named Mike Joseph took some random pictures of Presleys pool house. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. During his lifetime, Elvis underwent several procedures having moles removed, and his teeth capped. When asked to check his ego at the door, Elvis pauses, nods his head and says, "Yep, it's still there!" 6. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). As I place my hand upon your heart, We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. Billy Smith interview on the Day Elvis Presley Died January 2019 EIN: I know that you were in Nashville for the Guitar Man sessions with Jerry Reed. I realized I had done the impossible -- called up Elvis. One thing was to tour Europe. Can you tell us if this is true? I mean, Im just sounding off, but it just irritates me because nobodys better than anybody else. During the video, Elviss cousin also claimed he would sense the presence of Elvis spirit. Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic Elvis was still alive on June 18, 1990 without a doubt. And was late for work many times. Elvis, and Billy were close Cousin's even in eight years apart in age. 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. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. EIN: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. 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. Greeks.. . January 1995: Elvis calls a news conference to announce his retirement from touring. Now there were times that Elvis was alone for several days. Id get dressed, and Id go out to Graceland. Commenting on Billy being portrayed in the biopic, Jo said: It didnt upset you. But, why bust his bubble. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. 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. A lot of times Billy was with him, just Billy and Elvis. Our hearts will intertwine.". Elvis made the rules and decisions when it came to me, and most of the other guys. I dont care if I never go to Graceland again, Jo said. She also mentioned names of others who weren't in attendance like major girlfriends of Elvis' after he divorced Priscilla Presley. All the guys in our group were extremely close. In a three-part review of the Elvis movie on their YouTube channel Elvis Fans Matter, the couple did praise Butlers performance but felt the film which isnowavailable to rent or buy on streaming betrayed the music icon on a number of levels. Our grandfather was a handsome man. 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. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? Its like a light switch turned off. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. 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 cousin Billy Smith, the last surviving original Memphis Mafia member, knew The King before he was famous and was with him in the Graceland upstairs bathroom just hours before the star died there of a heart attack on August 16, 1977. Its Graceland. His account, Memphis Mafia Kid contains a multitude of videos posted by the family of Elvis Presley. But Elvis had all kinds of people working for him - black, white, Jews, Italians, Mexicans. Columbus and Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin laugh about the theory in the DVD commentary, but the identity of the extra remains unknown. As far as I know, that didn't happen. Small alligator found at Pennsylvania wastewater treatment plant. Bee Gees producer Albhy Galuten, who presided over the workout-themed releases, is let go, but new producer Barry Manilow is no improvement. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. It was that the premiere was in Memphis and we were not invited to the premiere when other people that were not close to Elvis [were]. EIN: As most people know, Elvis father Vernon went to jail for forging a cheque. And yet conspiracy theories have been rife over the years that hes still alive and well at 85-years-old. EIN: And what of Vernon? Billy Smith said that he knew there was something special about Elvis Presley the first time he watched the King work in the studio.

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