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. EIN: What about your brother Bobby, he died way too young as well? Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to. That broke the ice, and after that, they talked for hours. 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." She adored him. Elvis Cousin Billy Smith and his Wife Jo talking about August 16, 1977. Hes portrayed in a couple of scenes of the biopic, but he and his wife Jo, who lived at the Memphis mansion with the singer, claimed they werent invited to the premiere, nor consulted on the movie. READ MORE: Priscilla Presley returns to red carpet after Lisa Maries death. "Elvis is alive theories are as varied as they are plentiful, and theyve been circulating since just after his death. blue eyes and lighter skin. . Billy: We were at Rocca Place at that time. Severed hand at side of Michigan highway was a rubber fake. Billy: Yes, Billy Mann was the one who took the picture in the coffin. 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. THE DEATH ITSELF. Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family post . Billy Smith also claims that Elvis underwent two face life procedures, the first one being in 1957, and the second in 1975 just two years before his untimely death on August 16, 1977. 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. Its not his home. In addition to Elvis absence, the family suggested their disdain for the way Graceland controls access to Elvis grave. Did Elvis comment or realise that he was back making great music again, or didnt his feelings turn around until the American Studios sessions? ", (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. We will keep you updated with the news you shouldnt miss. Aunt Lavelle and Uncle Tracy looked like their Daddy . It was then that Billy Smith realized that there was something different and amazing about Elvis Presley. He seems to remember his importance more than some of the other guys remember it. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. "Endorphins, that's where it's at," he says. He tells variations of this story, often using a line like "the ego flies on Tuesday, baby," in most of his subsequent live appearances. Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley ALIVE? He calls his cousin and closest companion, Billy Smith, who awakens his wife, Jo, and they join Elvis and his girlfriend, Ginger Alden, and head for Graceland's court beneath a covered walkway. The Beatles came to Elvis' house at 525 Perugia Way in Bel Air, and we all sat around and talked, and they were extremely nice. Billy Smith is not only Elvis first cousin but a former member of the singers inner Mafia circle. When asked to check his ego at the door, Elvis pauses, nods his head and says, "Yep, it's still there!" The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. (by Alfred Wertheimer). Elvis was very open-minded. Its been almost 43 years since Elvis Presley died. One of the most popular of these is that The King took another identity after swapping places with a doppelgnger who was terminally ill. Interestingly, Elvis cousin and Memphis Mafia member Billy Smith has revealed how The King once told him how he could swap places with a lookalike. She also mentioned names of others who weren't in attendance like major girlfriends of Elvis' after he divorced Priscilla Presley. We grew up around him and moved to Graceland as young teenagers. Photo right - Actor Jack Elam, a regular bad guy actor in westerns of the 1950s and 1960s including Gunfight at the O.K. . 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. The King died in 1977. ", "History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono! It was a good meeting. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. EIN: After Elvis fall & concussion before Clambake, The Colonel demanded that Elvis burn all his spiritual books. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Jo said, "Inside Graceland was like a wonderland, but it . I talked to Elvis about hiring Jerry. 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. 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: Elvis obviously had a quick temper. Dedicated Presley fans are well aware of the controversy that has surrounded Presley's death from day one. He read a lot too. Corral. Some did better than others, but still we each had a purpose. Were they fun or boring as a bystander? And that will probably be the last time that I would go back to it.. Tel: We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize contents and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. For reference, the family refers to the fact that fans must pay in order to visit the singers grave. But stranger things have happened. Billy: Yes, l remember when he was discouraged about the quality of his movies. Express. 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. As for Presleys autopsy report: Its a private family document unlikely to ever see the light of day. At the very least they have some stories to tell about the legendary rocker. In the early days no wives were allowed to go, but then, when Priscilla started to go back and forth, so did the wives. Dark skin, dark eyes, and high cheeks. Did you ever see the bad side of this? 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.. 'He said, 'Dee, I'm sick. When news of his hospitalization broke, those close to The King rushed to his bedside, one of these being Presleys cousin, Billy Smith. 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. We had so many memorable times on the set!! 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. Nevertheless, Lisa Marie Presley had a wonderful time at the Graceland premiere, praising the Elvis movie as finally getting her father right some 45 years after his untimely death at just 42 years old. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. He supposedly gave the name Jon Burrows, a pseudonym Elvis used when checking into hotels. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. He also tried to distance you all from Elvis by making Joe Esposito head foreman. It won't be the last. In fact, there are many new Elvis Presley projects in the works in 2020. Billy continued: Even when he was in his bedroom he always had somebody there. The series will be an animated (cartoon) titled "Agent King." The inscription reads Elvis Aaron Presley, even though hed been given the middle name Aron, possibly in memory of his stillborn twin brother, Jesse Garon. He always seemed to want me around him and was very protective of me. During the racquetball game, he accidentally smacks himself on the shin with his racquet. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two weeks before his death, a sobbing Elvis Presley told his stepmother, 'I'm in terrible pain' -- a cry for help Dee Presley says will haunt her until she dies. Missing dog found 6 years later, 470 miles from home. Did you know of this when you were young and were there any family stories of Morning Dove White your gt-gt-gt-gt Grandmother? A great deal of Elvis is alive intrigue centers on August 18, 1977, the day of Presley's funeral. He talked about the record to his mother and daddy, and we knew he was going to make one, but when it came out it thrilled all of us. The family sits and discusses Elvis last night, Graceland, and why theyre not satisfied with how some things are currently run. These include Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden the latter found his body who have shared their annoyance on social media at being erased from the biopic. ", "Absolute id crashed into absolute superegoas the uptightset man in America shook hands with just about the loosest. 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. What do you remember of that time and how different was it from life in Tupelo? And Elvis trusted him. He had his expressions and he even had a bad eye like Elam. The plot of the series will feature the animated likeness of Elvis, who goes undercover as a government spy. For we who know, know it well, 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. During the video, Elviss cousin also claimed he would sense the presence of Elvis spirit. Elvis was still alive on June 18, 1990 without a doubt. 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. They were true family and were in Elvis company to the very final day. Click here for Part Two: Billy talks about Elvis' Girls, Elvis' Final Years, his relationship with EPE, 'Elvis By The Presleys' and more. 6. The first time that I saw it I was nervous, I was gripping the chair going like, Oh God, whats going to happen? 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 . Countless fans from around the globe have spent hours digging into the deep lore of the Kings life. Speaking on his son Danny Smith's. 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." Maybe it's because I was where he was before it all happened, and that was the link. However, he cant put his finger on what the X factor was, to this day. Elvis made Graceland a home. 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. Elvis always looked at the person, not what race he or she was. He was amazed at some of his findings, and he made sure that we all were aware of them. 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. So, that makes him a wonderful source of information as well as stories about Elvis and the goings-on at Graceland and beyond. Footage of the service shows pallbearers struggling to lift a 900-pound copper coffin. 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. In an interview accompanying The Beatles Anthology DVD, George Harrison likens a brief 1972 encounter with Elvis at Madison Square Garden to meeting Vishnu or Krishna or something. His hair was black, his skin was tan, and his aura left the Beatle feeling like a snooty little nobody. Harrison may have been hinting at something Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper said rather deftly with their 1987 single Elvis Is Everywhere. Alive or dead, Presley is one pop culture deity well never stop worshipping. On a final note, Jo added that the family will always cherish their memories with the beloved singer. All the crew loved him, and they were always so nice to his boys (us). And you place yours on mine. Billy Smith is one of those great sources of Elvis Presley information. Billy: The pledge came about because we had an incident as kids and were never to talk about it. The Colonel, inspired, announces plans for a nationwide chain of Elvis Workout Centers. From an outsiders view she often appears sad, as she has that particular look in the photos after Elvis became famous. However, many of the people who were close to him are still here. March 1978: Elvis sets out on his longest tour ever, dazzling critics and fans with his newly toned physique and renewed energy. Needless to say Elvis knew that cousin Billy Mann was the one who failed the test back in 1957). Colonel tried to get rid of some of the guys but it didn't really have any effect on me. Today, Smith and his family remain haunted by the day of Elvis death. Believers of this bizarre theory contend that a 55-year-old Presley turned up in the background of the scene where Catherine OHaras character is stuck at the Scranton airport while trying to get home to her son. We were in the den when Elvis came out and said to us, "I fell and hit my head. Its like a light switch turned off. January 1980: The tour over, Elvis spends most of his time in the gym. At nearly 800 pages the book is justifiably acclaimed as one of the. I'm always looking for another Vernon Presley.'. 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. Larry was his hair dresser. "What gives this account eerie credibility, expert David Adler told the Los Angeles Times in an interview promoting his Presley-themed cookbook, is that Burger King was by far Elvis's favorite fast food chain.. 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. Recently, Billy Smith opened up about what it was like watching Elvis Presley work in the studio back in 1958. Billy: Yes. November 1977: In an exclusive interview with People, Elvis confesses that he became a little too dependent on "the pills" but says he's now drug-free and feeling better than ever. Elvis never changed his belief in God or Jesus Christ. I think I need to see a Doctor." So when we moved into Graceland Vernon asked my daddy to be the head gate guard, just as hed been at Elvis house on Audubon Drive. 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. I usually went to the hospital and stayed with him there. 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. EIN: Do you remember when Elvis started complaining about the quality of his movies going downhill? Potato Head toy in 12.11 seconds while blindfolded. Is it going to be crazy? In my life, its been one disappointment after the other in terms of people portraying my father in various films or attempts tobless their heartsbut let me just tell you something. However, the best sources for information about Elvis Presley are the people who knew him while he was alive. . Elvis purchased Graceland in March 1957, and he of course did not . Elvis releases a disco-style cover of Jackie Wilson's Baby, Workout, which rises to No. He tells Elvis, "You can't cover any old hit and expect it to become a hit again just because it has your name on it." The man would now be in his 80s, and the oldest person on record only lived to 122. I was little, and I was trying to get some bananas out that the man from the fruit stand had thrown away. Did Elvis understand? Commenting on Billy being portrayed in the biopic, Jo said: It didnt upset you. He deserved to have peace of mind. Billy: Uncle Tracy had a fever when he was a child, and it caused him to be slow. Elvis Presley: How Muhammad Ali inspired The Kings show preparation, Elvis Presley:The King's wife Priscilla senses his 'spirit'. Im sure theres some way they could sort that out.. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. 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. People said that he uses cosmetic surgery to improve his appearance and look his best. I fell in head first. The insider swears that Elvis murmurs, "Return to sender. 'It was a very strange telephone conversation. He only worked a couple of places before Elvis became famous, unlike Aunt Gladys who had worked at several places before Elvis became famous. But what if, by some amazing stroke of fortune, he had lived? 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. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. Elvis and Aunt Gladys had a very quick temper, and I have seen the bad side of both when they were mad or upset. And, whenever we were able, we always went to see him, especially local. Im not really 81, says Barmer, who then compares himself to a Pokmon Go character. Skip to primary navigation; . Supposedly some of his characteristics were due to Cherokee Indian being in your side of the family. Later on Elvis told someone and it hurt me a lot, and he knew it. But his movies made money, and Colonel didn't want to change the format. It hurts. 'I could hardly understand him because he was crying,' she said. But if so, he would not have been surprised to hear if Presley had them surgically separated. After all, there are several books and documentaries out there that detail large portions of his life and exploits. 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. He said it would teach him a lesson. He talked about it many, many times, and we all looked forward to the day that happened. After learning that his mother, Gladys, had died, she said she decided to call Elvis and express her sympathy. Elvis Presley: Why the Kings Cousins, Who Lived With Him, No Longer Visit Graceland. For some reason, I always looked up at his office window because I felt like he was calling me and he was looking out the window. However, he felt more at ease once Elvis was buried. 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 says, "If you've got a little faith, you can stop the rain.". 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. EIN: What about Gene Smith, he seemed to come & go within the group? Billy: Larry Geller was okay. Junior looked like the actor Jack Elam. 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. 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. It was either the death of Elvis Presley at the age of 42, as more than 80 percent of Americans believe, or the start of the most spectacular disappearing act in the history of mankind. After sharing fond memories of Elvis, the group discussed their animosity toward Gracelands current attractions. He was more upset and mad over the socks. He always told me that he loved me. 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 . 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. Elam always looked like he was about to do something really painful to you. To get inside you need no key. Each video honors The Kings legacy, discussing fond memories and a conspiracy or two. Patrick Lacy, author of the book Elvis Decoded, claims to have debunked this popular and wholly unsubstantiated story by interviewing airport officials and determining that international flights werent available from Memphis in 1977. And while critics are divided as to the merits of his duet with Astley on Steamroller Blues and Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up the global ratings are astronomical. His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. That's the reason I've never remarried. He loved the power of the big voices. Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. New Elvis projects will include Hound dog treats for dogs and a Netflix original series in 2021. In Elvis and the Memphis Mafia it is suggested he was the one who took the "coffin" picture. That explanation was good enough for Joseph, but not everyone is satisfied. 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. The series is co-created by Priscilla Presley. He also allows his mystical bent to resurface, retelling the tale of his near-death experience to audiences and commissioning a midset New Age instrumental featuring cellos and mouth harps, which soon becomes known as The Harmonica Convergence. (1969) and cocks his head in a manner that conspiracy theorists swear is identical to Presleys onstage mannerisms. The Memphis Mafia member and his wife Jo joined Elvis and his girlfriend Ginger Alden for racquetball around 3:30 a.m. the night before Elvis died. November 2002: Clive Davis becomes president of RCA and hits on a plan to revive Elvis' sluggish recording career. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. I know that Elvis loved Colonel, but he also had resentment toward him for holding him back on certain things that he really wanted to do. Elvis'/Jesse's Hair, rings and . May 1 (UPI) -- Crews at a Pennsylvania wastewater plant received a surprise when they discovered a small alligator at the facility. Several in our group were close to Elvis at one time or the other. A few years later, while studying them with a magnifying glass, Joseph spotted a shadowy Elvis-like figure sitting in the doorway. He said in the clip that he felt him when he stayed upstairs in the house. From this day forward, our minds, our souls, EIN: Whats your earliest memory of Elvis? He's in a lot of those Alfred Wertheimer photos from Elvis trip to New York. Elvis always liked to be the "Main Event." Elvis Presley's cousin Billy Smith reveals singer's most intimate secrets on his cosmetic surgeries, Elvis Presley's cousin reveals singer's most intimate secrets on the singer's surgeries, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck enjoy during family dinner in Malibu, 'Shameless' season 11 spoilers: countdown to saying goodbye to the Gallaghers has begun, Elvis Presley affection once turned down by Mary Tyler Moore, Its not true: from UN call to decriminalize pedophilia to BlackRock behind Tucker Carlson's firing, SYFY ends 'The Magicians' with current season 5, Emperor Palpatine is a clone according to upcoming 'Rise of Skywalker' novelization. USA TODAY contributor Ken Barnes imagines how his career might have continued. Elvis tried to see to it that we all worked in his movies. EIN: Once Elvis bought Graceland you also moved in with your family? In the summer of 2016, video of a Graceland groundskeeper purported to be Elvis got the internet all shook up. As a result, he is one of the only people left alive who knew the true . When Elvis Presley passed away in August of 77, he was surrounded by family and members of the Memphis Mafia. Please tell us about it. Elvis Presley talking with newmen in Memphis, Tennessee after his discharge from the Army, 1960 / Everett Collection. Attentive fans were further spooked when they saw the Kings headstone. What was his relationship like with Elvis? Additionally, some of Elvis family and friends would live on the property, including his cousin Billy Smith and his family. 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. The wives also continued to go back and forth after Priscilla was gone. It still hurts that hes gone. Billy Stanley, her son by a previous marriage, called her and said Elvis was offering $5,000 if she would telephone him, she said.
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