These two interviews were done years apart. Once the light's gone, you have to look for something else." Priscilla and Lisa make a new life in Beverly Hills Elvis Presley died at lunchtime on August 16, 1977 and spent his last evening (in the early hours of that morning) with his cousin Billy Smith. Joe Esposito on Geraldo, Elvis/Jesses Hair, rings and note Christmas 2000. Billy Smith - Elvis's first cousin and the person he reputedly loved most after his own mother - Marty Lacker - best man at his wedding and foreman of the 'Memphis Mafia', the King's handpicked group of gatekeepers and confidants - and Lamar Fike - the touring crew member who accompanied him into the Army - were with Elvis . 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.. Jo said: "He was the centre of our life, you know. "Not getting to know them well, shortly after Elvis passed away, I was extremely disappointed to see the character of some that Elvis had around him," she said in a 2019 interview with Elvis' Australian fan club while promoting her book Elvis and Ginger: Elvis Presley's Fiance and Last Love Finally Tells Her Story. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. Always the night owl who slept through the day, The King and his girlfriend Ginger Alden had called up the Memphis Mafia member and his wife Jo around 3:30am for a game of racquetball. Some [back] thenall through the years and now. Following his death in 1977, Graceland was left to his only child Lisa Marie and the Memphis mansion was opened as a museum to the public in 1982. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. [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. Get ready to stock up on your favorite Wendys chili because its about to be available to purchase in grocery stores across the country. Elvis Presley ended up passing away on August 16, 1977. On the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel, Billy recalled the last conversation he had with the music icon. Wayne Newtons song The Letter was inspired by a note written by Elvis. Want to Read. Elvis Presley's Manager Wanted Singer's Mistress to Get - AmoMama knew that he would also be targeted by these same forces because he was totally. After the final recording session in October of '76, RCA set to work cobbling the tracks together into what would be Elvis' final records a fact none of them knew, but which the pained music seems to foreshadow in hindsight. The King had suffered a fatal heart attack while using the upstairs bathroom at Graceland. Billy is" Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. Speaking on the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel, The Kings cousin recounted his final conversation with the 42-year-old star. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Without him, it's a home but its not the same. A Tylenol with codeine was brought up for Ginger, and Billy followed with Elvis's morning sleep packet. Nobody living spent more time with Elvis but Billy says he and his family have no contact now with the Presleys. 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. Early on, these were heavily pushed by his manager, the infamous "Colonel" Tom Parker, who many believe swindled the naive young Elvis while running him ragged. She used to wake up too sometimes close to the same time.. Billy Packer (left), an Emmy award-winning college basketball broadcaster who covered 34 Final Fours for NBC and CBS, died Jan. 26, 2023. I wont ever do it because wed have to, too. New Elvis karate museum showcases the King's last ride Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. 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. One of the changes was to get rid of Parker and also to get clean and rest for a bit. Fox NFL Reporter Jay Glazar is committed to girlfriend Rosie Tenison, Bachelor alum Peter Weber split with girlfriend Kelley Flanaganafter three years of on-and-off dating, MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo dies a day ahead of the new season premiere, Shaquil Barretts 2-years-old daughter dies after drowning in swimming pool. In Rees Quinn's biography Elvis, writer Tony Scherman is quoted as saying that by early '77 "Presley had become a grotesque caricature of his sleek, energetic former self. But in 1976, all three were fired to "cut back on expenses." Never even crossed my mind that it was Elvis or that that could possibly happen to him.. 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." But Billy said that the rumor about the webbed toes of Elvis could be true but he is not sure about it. Elvis's closest life-long friend and first cousin, Gene Smith, phoned Gail subsequent to this phone call from Elvis. Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, died from cardiac arrest on January 12, with speculations that her opioid use and sudden weight loss contributed to her . Billy added that Elvis might have got the webbed toes surgically corrected. I dont know why, Billy says in the video. The photo is on display at Graceland, by the last car he ever drove: a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III. He had a private doctor who would prescribe him any pill he asked for, according to a People Magazine storyshortly after his death. 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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. "Anytime someone mentions my name and Elvis' name in the same sentence, that's great," he told Rolling Stone. The Smith's have previously lashed out at the way Graceland is run. Around 6:45 Elvis called downstairs for some sleep medication to be sent up. According to Rolling Stone, that was when producer Felton Jarvis had a game-changing idea: If Elvis wouldn't go to the studio, they'd bring the studio to Elvis. Gordon Lightfoot died at a Toronto hospital on Monday at the age of 84. . document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! WATCH[ELVIS GHOST]Elvis Presleys 86th birthday celebrated by Linda Thompson[ELVIS BIRTHDAY]Elvis Presley's ex-girlfriend believes he is in 'another dimension'[ELVIS DEATH]. Elvis Presley death: The moment his cousin found out 'Cried so much' The Man Who Raised Elvis: Vernon Presley | Ben Vaughn 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. For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! 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. (The doctor said they were for Presley's entourage as well.) Gene Smith died on March 2, 1999, believing that he, and his beloved first. As a boy, he remembered: I started crying because I knew something was wrong and I thought my grandmother Lorraine Smith had passed away or something was wrong with her. 2008. And yet, when Elvis died on August 16, 1977, he had become something entirely different from his former self. The band announced on Monday (May 1) they are embarking on their farewell tour. 'Elvis DIDN'T want to marry Priscilla' so why did The King do it? Another one of Elvis's cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, . Elvis Double Lay Dead at Graceland As We Saw the King Drive Off With I dont know, youd have to ask them. He was depressed about aging and not having a woman he loved. They spoke about how devastating it was when Elvis died. Is Lisa Marie Presley's death latest in genetic curse from first Elvis Presley Last Day and Death FAQ - LiveAbout [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis . In fact, Danzig's vocal style is so reminiscent of Presley's that he's earned himself the nickname "Evil Elvis," a title he's happy to accept. Billy Miller, a member of the Memphis Mafia, received a note dated January 1977 from Elvis and had reportedly kept it under wraps until now. ", Jo said: "I dont care if I never go to Graceland again. When "The King" Was a Tiger - Memphis magazine Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family. This copyright covers EVERY page of this web site and ALL of my original material contained therein. When Elvis Presleypassed away in August of '77, he was surrounded by family and members of the Memphis Mafia. Kane & Katelyn Brown Sing Romantic Thank God Duet At Stagecoach, NASA Astronaut Performs National Anthem Before NCAA Championship Game, Alanis Morissette Teams Up With Rising Stars For You Oughta Know At CMT Music Awards, Carly Pearce Pours Her Heart Into CMT Music Awards Performance Of What He Didnt Do, Kelly Clarkson Says Its A Difficult Thing To Co-Parent With Ex Brandon Blackstock, Koala Causes 6-Car Pileup on Australian Highway. Elvis Presley cousin's eyewitness account of moment The King heard mum Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. Im sure theres some way they could sort that out. Elvis Presley's Suicide Notes Unearthed: Letters Support Speculations His son Danny said: We all do. 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. Elvis Presley's Daughter Claims the Memphis Mafia Killed Him Her dad, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, also died of heart. Dark Secrets Of The Presley Family - NickiSwift.com Elvis Presley's Cousin Says He Has 'No Contact' With - Outsider The Memphis Mafia member hopped on his motorbike there and understandably says he was too upset to see the body of the man hed been speaking with so warmly just a few hours prior. Benjamin died on July 12, 2020 at 27 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. National Enquirer picture of Elvis Presley in open casket shredded Jun 23, 2008 - The original photo of the famous National Enquirer picture of Elvis Presley lying in his open casket was shredded during a six-year anthrax 2010. 19 years ago. I ran upstairs, I go into the bathroom, and Elvis had fell over and was laying on the floor. 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. "He knew what he was doing," she said, "and people go, 'Why didn't anyone do anything?" Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. 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. In the recent HBO documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher, the singer's longtime wife Priscilla revealed that she wasn't sure whether Elvis' death was really an accident. When Smith became old enough he worked for Elvis as well as a member of the Memphis Mafia, eventually living at Graceland separately from his family. He was only 31 years old. Theres no doubt, that changed the course of my life. SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO, Elvis begged girlfriend Anita not to expose Priscilla affair, Kiss: Paul Stanley confirms the end for the band 'Time to stop'. It was Rhee who gave Elvis his animal name "Tiger Man." Footage for a planned karate movie financed by Elvis. [4], In high school, Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. Elvis Presley's mother was Gladys Smith and her elder brother's son is Billy Smith. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. The Beatles: Paul McCartney wants to work with Bob Dylan and Elvis, Freddie Mercury: Queen finish 2020 in UK Top 10 best-selling vinyl, Tom Hanks heard Elvis stories from Viva Las Vegas makeup artist, Elvis was not in good health in the months before his death, Elvis death PREDICTED by makeup artist Hes only got six months, Elvis Presleys generosity 'is thanks to little-known relative Noah', Dolly Parton plans to record and release her Elvis Presley song LISTEN, Elvis Presley death: Research finds drug abuse didn't kill him, Elvis Presleys 86th birthday celebrated by Linda Thompson, Elvis: Benjamin Keough paid tribute to at King's Graceland birthday, Elvis Presley movie director Baz Luhrmann consumed with biopic, Elvis Presley 1956 Tupelo concert eyewitness on 'exciting' show WATCH. And me and Lisa actually went up to the treehouse and we hung out for a while. Elvis' cousin Bobby Jean - THE ELVIS FORUM Actually no, we dont. "He was the light that shined on everybody. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. I dont know how you can look any better, but he did.. I turned him over and I knew. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. That was the only thing we ever knewIts like a light switch turned off. It was Aug. 14, 1977, and the singer was proudly demonstrating his new karate knives. [6][7], At one point, Elvis wanted to speak to President Jimmy Carter about getting George Klein out of some legal trouble. As an adult, one of his favorite meals was a roll stuffed with bacon, peanut butter, and jelly, alongside midnight snacks like hamburgers and deep-fried bread. When news of his hospitalization broke, those close to The King rushed to his bedside, one of these being Presley's cousin, Billy Smith. Billy Smith - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki Billy Smith, Elvis' first cousin is recovering from a heart attack. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. Gene Smith, Elvis' First Cousin and Closest Lifelong Friend Says It Was ELVIS'S FORMER EMPLOYEES TELL OF THE "RETIREMENT" OF ELVIS IN 1977 In two separate interviews, Billy Smith and Marty Lacker each spoke of the faking of Elvis' death.once regarding Elvis' plan to do so and once recounting that it was actually done. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. As recorded in Rolling Stone, the three bodyguards co-wrote a tell-all biography of Elvis that was released only days before his death. He was 82. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. 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. His father is Billy Smith, Elvis' cousin and nephew to The King's mother Gladys who had died in 1958. He also had caps on his teeth and got specialists to remove his facial blemishes. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. They speculated that Elvis has done facelifts and also dyed his hair to look younger and more charming. The Smashing Pumpkins frontman performed at the funeral of the singer following her shock death at the age of 54 in January and he has paid tribute to his friend as a "really, really cool" person. 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.. Joey said: Lisa spent some time with us. They've been married for years. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to last from beginning to end of the group. I have created a new web site as an extension of my original site which became so large that it, at times, made it very difficult for me to add new material. 6. The photographer was the object of speculation for years, but it was later confirmed in a tell-all book by Enquirereditor Iain Calder that Elvis' cousin Billy Mann was paid $18,000 to sneak a photo of Elvis in his coffin. The game is called off. Nobody living spent more time with Elvis but Billy says he and his family have no contact now with the Presleys. In two separate interviews, Billy Smith and Marty Lacker each spoke of the faking of Elvis death.once regarding Elvis plan to do so and once recounting that it was actually done. It was huge, and its shag carpeting naturally absorbed ambient sound, although the fake waterfall did have to be turned off. Growing up in the South, Elvistook comfort in greasy homestyle foods. Its Graceland. You'd have been out of there faster than a scratched cat. During many shows, the audience wouldn't be able to understand what he was saying, and he would often leave the stage early, unable to continue. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. While he was also taking many dangerous pharmaceuticals throughout his life, it was the heart disease caused by his bad diet that ultimately killed him. Elvis Presley died at lunchtime on August 16, 1977 and spent his last evening (in the early hours of that morning) with his cousin Billy Smith. But when one looks at the last 12 months of Elvis' life, it becomes clear that the truth behind the King Of Rock And Roll's death might have been even stranger than the rumors people spread about him. Billy is arguably one of the last people ever to have a conversation with Elvis. I mean she was, but we were too. TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR THOSE WHO VISIT THIS WEB SITE. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. This is going to be the best tour ever, Elvis said. 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. We feel his presence a lot and thats not getting weird or [makes spooky sounds]., DON'T MISSElvis Presley GHOST appears to Kings cousin 'I freaked out!' After concluding the game at Elvis personal Graceland court, the group made their way to the mansion just after six in the morning. Hes still with us.. We havent been in contact with any of them., DON'T MISS'Elvis DIDN'T want to marry Priscilla' so why did The King do it?Elvis and Blue Hawaii star 'We lived together. Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smith's YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. Elvis was scheduled to fly to Portland, Maine that evening to perform at a string of concerts. Elvis Aaron Presley died August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. Tuesday, 2nd May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. At the time, neither Elvis nor Billy had any inclination that The King would die in the same room merely seven hours later. One asks if the Presley side of the family have stayed in contact and, if not, why. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. Thats it. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Following Elvis funeral at Graceland on August 18, 1977, his body was buried next to his mother Gladys, who had died in 1958, at Forest Hill Cemetery. "One of the maids picked up the phone, and it's Ginger. He said: Mom and Daddy were in the bedroom because they were asleep. 4 a.m.: Elvis wakes up first cousin Billy Smith and his wife, Jo, to request they play a game of racquetball with him. And I even got up and got Jo up too. Please click the below image to visit my continuation website. And after they brought Elvis casket back into Graceland and they buried it then I felt like I was a little more at ease and it was time for me to get out of there.. Linda had been a stabilizing force in the singer's world, but she eventually left him because she wanted a more normal life. DON'T MISSElvis Presley death: Research finds drug abuse didn't kill him[ELVIS DEATH]Elvis Presleys 86th birthday celebrated by Linda Thompson[ELVIS BIRTHDAY]Elvis: Benjamin Keough paid tribute to at King's Graceland birthday[ELVIS GRANDSON], Joey added: Its a memory I wish I could erase as well as something I wish I could go back and change.. Billy and Jo returned home before receiving a phone call just hours later that Ginger had found Elvis dead on the bathroom floor around 1:30 p.m. the same afternoon. [9] When Elvis died, Smith was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral, along with Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike and George C. What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like - Grunge Without Elvis, its not home. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis. ", In Ginger's mind, these opinions were unfair stones cast by her fiance's cronies. As a young man embracing both a punishing work schedule and the stresses of newfound celebrity, Elvis was under a tremendous amount of pressure. The comment was particularly personal because Elvis did not talk about his shows very often. 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. Presley, as usual, plays the game while barely moving and playfully attempts to hit Billy with the ball. Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic So for the "fans" who blame Elvis alone for how he declined and died, I say shame on you. A veteran policeman turned deceased rock star investigator has spoken of a mysterious photo that convinced him Elvis Presley is not dead. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Like many stars who became hugely famous before the concept of celebrity handlers had been formalized, Elvis was surrounded by yes-men and sycophants. Billy added: Graceland didnt make Elvis, Elvis made Graceland.. These were gripped by paranoid obsessions and Billy used to remember business magnate Howard Hughes who had OCD on hearing the anecdotes of Elvis.
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