Tuesday, 2nd May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. He said: Mom and Daddy were in the bedroom because they were asleep. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. Smith recalls that the legendary entertainer had some major issues with how his nose looked. One of these final songs Elvis played was "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," which Stallings had playing on a true-to-the-era stereo in the dojo's viewing room, the Jungle Den. Billy says, Actually no, we dont. "That was our life. This is going to be the best tour ever, Elvis said. But in 1976, all three were fired to "cut back on expenses." Billy Smith Said:" Marty Lacker and I made up the story of Elvis trade places with another guy and Run off with Maria ". They married in 1933 after lying about their ages to create a family. She never faught for Elvis , she was only after money. Jo said how Elvis was the centre of their lives and how they dont like going back to Graceland today. "The phone rings intercom," said Joe Esposito, foreman of the Memphis Mafia. Danny and Joey, the sons of Elvis' first cousin Billy Smith, said Presley had a fun childhood at the home. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. The photo shows Elvis Presley wearing a blue shirt and sunglasses, sitting behind the . According to Billy Smith, Elvis was influenced by the Beatles. When is their Wedding? He needed more support and understanding from not only people around him, but also the fans and the public. And yet, the darkness and desperation surrounding Elvis' final months and death have made him an imperfect icon idolized by subcultures your average Graceland-bound tourist might not expect punks, goths, and modern-day rockabillies, who appreciate the mismatched sides of the singer's life. 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. Also buried next to Elvis and Gladys are his father Vernon, grandmother Minnie and grandson Benjamin. Therefore, Billy was very close to Elvis and knew many of his secrets. Fortunately, there is one rare photograph that captures the King of Rock & Roll on the day he died, returning home from a dentist appointment in the early morning. Joey said: Lisa spent some time with us. Although, Gracelands upstairs is remains off-limits since it was Elvis private space even in life. But following an attempt to steal his corpse, Elvis and his mothers remains were brought back to Graceland to be buried there where they are to this day. They've been married for years. 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. Elvis' passing is often used as the archetypal rock star death a tragic accident caused by a poor health and drug use. Hes still with us.. Drugs, money problems, and plastic surgery snafus are just some of. But with his life ended, those who loved him could now remember the man he'd once been, revolutionizing rock music with his energy, charisma, and raw talent. It was but natural that he wanted to look the best. When Elvis died on Aug. 16, 1977, he was only 42. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. The setlist included many of his classic hits like "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," and "Jailhouse Rock," as well as newer numbers like "Hurt" and his cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Wayne Newtons song The Letter was inspired by a note written by Elvis. 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. 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. loyal and devoted to Elvis. Speaking with Elvis expert Billy Stallings Spa Guy, Joey said he remembered he was . . According to LiveAbout.com, Elvis became dependent on several different types of prescription drugs, specifically amphetamines to keep him awake and barbiturates to help him sleep or relax. Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family. Elvis used to sit in Billy's room and chat for hours. Elvis' only child was just 54 when she died Thursday, reportedly after suffering cardiac arrest at home in Calabasas, California. Nobody checked on him.. Billy Smith was Elvis' first cousin, the son of Gladys Presley's oldest brother. Vernon Presley suffered a heart attack in the spring of 1975, just two years before Elvis' death. Elvis Presleys mother was Gladys Smith and her elder brothers son is Billy Smith. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). Elvis was awarded the 8th degree black belt by Rhee there on Sept. 16, 1974. Billy's father Travis Smith was the brother of Elvis' mother Gladys and became the main guard at Graceland. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. The moment came toward the end of the night, just before his closing performance of "Can't Help Falling In Love With You." 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. In September 2022, Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn released their first duet together. He added: His presence was so strong while he was alive I guess it carried over even after his death. And to my knowledge, I dont ever think Ive seen my Daddy cry like that before., He remembered Billy telling his mother Jo: Hes gone Jo hes gone. 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 . Around 6:45 Elvis called downstairs for some sleep medication to be sent up. The toxicology report from Elvis' death said he had the opiates Dilaudid, Demerol, and Percodan in his blood, not to mention Quaaludes and codeine. Linda had been a stabilizing force in the singer's world, but she eventually left him because she wanted a more normal life. It was Elvis other cousin Patsy Gamble on the phone and she told Joey to get his dad. Billy, is reportedly recovering well. His son Danny said: We all do. he wanted to marry me'Elvis' friends begged Tom Jones to call The King at the end. Billy Smith, age 68, of Austin, Texas passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023. 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Jo said: "He was the centre of our life, you know. I know youll do everything you can to make it as good as you can, Billy stated. I wont ever do it because wed have to, too. Joe Esposito on Geraldo, Elvis/Jesses Hair, rings and note Christmas 2000. Moody Blue, released in February 1977, was a mix of live recordings and new studio tracks, containing two of Presley's most widely regarded songs. 'Elvis DIDN'T want to marry Priscilla' so why did The King do it? 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. 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. When Elvis Presleypassed away in August of '77, he was surrounded by family and members of the Memphis Mafia. 00:00. Dealing with addiction and health issues and having a difficult time adjusting to the shifting cultural climate of the '60s and '70s, Elvis died a Vegas showman rather than a groundbreaking rocker. Hes dead. The only thing that brought it to reality was when she said, Hes smothered in the carpet. And when she said that, I just threw the phone because I thought, Ok, hes gone. 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. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. Thats no disrespect thats just how we feel Why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? (The doctor said they were for Presley's entourage as well.) While many of Elvis' loyal fans refused the buy the biography upon its initial release in May 1977 in the UK and late July in the US the King's death soon thereafter, and the revelation that many of the book's stories were painfully accurate, turned it into one of the most successful Elvis books of all time. Billy Stanley can still vividly recall the last time he spoke to his stepbrother, Elvis Presley. They were not allowed to take the trailer that Elvis had purchased for them that they had lived in on the Graceland property. Former NFL player Chris Smith has died. Billy Corgan found Lisa Marie Presley's death "really hard". In 1977, Frank said he would miss Elvis very much: "I shall miss him very much as a friend." . The photo is on display at Graceland, by the last car he ever drove: a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III. Elvis, who was set to fly to Portland, Maine that evening for a string of concert dates, said: This is going to be the best tour ever., Billy replied: All of them to me are great. Her dad, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, also died of heart. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and . And me and Lisa actually went up to the treehouse and we hung out for a while. Billy is" Elvis used to sit in Billys room and chat for hours. Billy even talked about how some fans have felt Elvis spirit too. Presley, as usual, plays the game while barely moving and playfully attempts to hit Billy with the ball. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially his daughter, Katie Springer. Thompson, a former beauty queen who dated Elvis from July 1972 to late 1976, spoke about her time with Presley at the event. This copyright covers EVERY page of this web site and ALL of my original material contained therein. The first one was in 1957 and the other one in 1975. Billy says that the first facelift Elvis got wasnt a facelift to him. He says, Elvis did not like the flare in his nose at that time, how wide it was. While this is a cruel and derogatory way to describe someone dealing with personal health problems, it's undeniable that Elvis' eating and weight issues colored his last year on Earth. 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. After concluding the game at Elvis personal Graceland court, the group made their way to the mansion just after six in the morning. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! Elvis Presley's mother was Gladys Smith and her elder brother's son is Billy Smith. About 6 a.m. Elvis and Ginger retired to Elvis' bedroom after playing racquetball with Billy and Jo Smith. During a recent question and answer session, Smith and his wife Jo opened up about their estranged relationship with the Presley family. Appearing on SiriusXM's 'The Howard Stern Show', he said: "She was . 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. Get Ready To Satisfy Your Wendys Chili Cravings Anytime, Anywhere Find Out How! Heres what you want to know about Rosie Tenison, Engaged! The comment was particularly personal because Elvis did not talk about his shows very often. Eight Rare Photos Of Elvis Presley When He Was Serving In The Army, Writing Lines Exploring The Tedious Yet Creative Punishment, Why It Is So Unusual To Find An Original Bob Ross Painting. Billy Smith was born to Travis and Lorraine Smith on April 6, 1943. 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." Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. However, though Dr. Nick was charged with 11 felony accounts of overprescribing drugs, he was acquitted the medical examiner claimed that Elvis had died of heart disease, adding, "Had these drugs not been there, he still would've died.". Elvis made Graceland a home. "Elvis was Graceland," says his cousin Billy Smith, for years one of the singer's close aides and now a maintenance man on the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad. After 50 years, Aerosmith is bringing an end to their days as a touring act. Packer's broadcasting career . I mean she was, but we were too. Billy Smith - Interview - Elvis Information Network. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion. Billy answered and she told him the tragic news that Elvis was gone and hed been taken to the hospital. The festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi where both Elvis and Billy were born. Four people have made these cancer claims. Before Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, he spent his last night and early morning with his cousin Billy Smith. 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. In fact, the pair chatted about the future. During that first phone call, Gene told Gail that if she would have the handwriting analyzed on the "death certificate" that it would prove that . Billy Smith and cousin Elvis Presley. In response, Elvis shared his doubts that his concerts met expectations. These were gripped by paranoid obsessions and Billy used to remember business magnate Howard Hughes who had OCD on hearing the anecdotes of Elvis. 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!' Never even crossed my mind that it was Elvis or that that could possibly happen to him.. No, hes not, Thompson continued. I dont know, youd have to ask them. He said: Theres still times that I have now, and [my wife] Jo does too. His excuse for throwing all these high-octane drugs around? He had gone through a tragedy in 2019 when his girlfriend Petara Cordero was killed in a horrific accident, hit by a car while . Larry Geller, Joe Esposito, and Billy Smith. 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. Jordan Banjo and wife Naomi welcomed third child a baby boy revealed his unique name. He was found there by Ginger Alden around 2 p.m. on August 16. Besides, Elvis would reveal his past escapades. Elvis Presley was a great actor and pop singer. She used to wake up too sometimes close to the same time.. JESSES BOOK THE TRUTH ABOUT ELVIS ARON PRESLEY IN HIS OWN WORDS. Elvis Presleys Cousin Says He Has No Contact With Priscilla, Lisa Marie: Heres Why, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8, Was Elvis at Jo and Billys Wedding? 19 years ago. But Elvis never confirmed them. When the King of Rock and Roll died while on . So the rumor of the webbed toes remains to be debunked. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. She showed her true color when she turned her back on Lisa Marie. Theres a lot of that.. ", READ MORE:Elvis: June Carter Cash's son on her 'secret affair' with The King. William Earle Smith 06/05/1951 - 04/02/2023 On the evening of April 2, 2023, Bill passed away peacefully. WATCH, Elvis Presleys 86th birthday celebrated by Linda Thompson, Elvis Presley's ex-girlfriend believes he is in 'another dimension', Elvis Presley: Linda Thompson on The Kings webbed toes and dyed hair, Sir Tom Jones told in early career to be less like Elvis Presley. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presley's cousin Billy Smith and The King 's former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. Elvis was scheduled to fly to Portland, Maine that evening to perform at a string of concerts. 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. [11] Smith went on to work at the Illinois Central-Gulf Railroad as a maintenance man. TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR THOSE WHO VISIT THIS WEB SITE. Elvis appeared excited about the latest shows, and Billy was quick to support his cousin. Most worrisome to his record label, RCA, was that the King had become entirely uninterested in going into the studio and recording. Aerosmith Announces Farewell Tour: Its Time For One Last Go, Wynonna Reveals How Faith Hill Helped Her Following Naomi Judds Death, VIDEO: Farmers Bull Gets Pelted By Giant Hail In Recent Texas Storm. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Anne Murray, Jane's Addiction and Sarah . One of the changes was to get rid of Parker and also to get clean and rest for a bit. The new site began in July 2018 and all subsequent new pages have been created on that site. Theres no doubt, that changed the course of my life. The Smith's have previously lashed out at the way Graceland is run. 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. Elvis's closest life-long friend and first cousin, Gene Smith, phoned Gail subsequent to this phone call from Elvis. Years after his death, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra had a very open conversation. 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. Judgement day each of us will answer. The game is called off. When Elvis bought Graceland Billy's family also moved in and his father Travis worked for Elvis as Chief guard. Recently, Smith appeared on his son Danny Smith's YouTube channel known as the Memphis Mafia Kid. 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.. 6. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. We knew him as that big hero cousin.. ", Billy added: "Graceland didnt make Elvis. Elvis Aaron Presley died August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family post their memories of the star. 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. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion property including his cousin Billy Smith. 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. It was claimed that over the last 20 months of Elvis' life, Dr. Nick prescribed him over 12,000 pills. 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. I dont know how you can look any better, but he did.. Jo said: I just think its unacceptable for his fans or any of his family or friends to have to pay to go and pay their respects at his graveside.