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. After his death, there were still family members living on the Tennessee mansion property including his cousin Billy Smith. Tuesday, 2nd May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Billy's son, Danny, runs the Youtube channel Memphis Mafia Kid, where the family post their memories of the star. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. loyal and devoted to Elvis. As one of Elvis' closest confidants and a blood relative, Smith has been described as a "wonderful asset to the Elvis Presley fans worldwide."[13]. Some Elvis fans did not like the new movie because they said it was "too sad", I on the other hand loved it precisely because it showed the true story. "a.Billy Smith said that Elvis had a nose job in 1957/8.b.Billy Smith said Elvis had a face-lift 1975. 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. Elvis autopsy tools are put up for auction . So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! The star is buried in the Meditation Garden, next to his parents, Vernon and Gladys, and his grandmother, Minnie Mae. Sure, Elvis will always be remembered for "Jailhouse Rock" and "Can't Help Falling In Love With You", but these final tracks are a testament that even lonely, depressive Elvis had a message that would resonate with audiences for years to come. I dont know, youd have to ask them. But then he shared how Lisa Marie herself, Elvis only child, came by their home at the back of Graceland that evening. Elvis second cousin said: After [he died] it seemed like the world stopped. "He was miserable. Billy Smith, age 68, of Austin, Texas passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Around 6:45 Elvis called downstairs for some sleep medication to be sent up. He needed more support and understanding from not only people around him, but also the fans and the public. There were often rumors of Elvis undergoing cosmetic surgerylike facelifts and dying his hair. Drugs, money problems, and plastic surgery snafus are just some of. He was 82. 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. 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. Billy revealed that Elvis had two facelifts in his lifetime. "He thought it made him look better and that he needed it," Billy reveals. [1], Smith has given numerous interviews for a range of media that have covered Elvis. Thats no disrespect thats just how we feel Why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? When the King of Rock and Roll died while on . Want to Read. Its Graceland. Billy Smith - Interview - Elvis Information Network. When news of his hospitalization broke, those close to The King rushed to his bedside, one of these being Presley's cousin, Billy Smith. So he decided to have it trimmed down and thats what they didwhich made him lookgod! Marty Lacker said "Billy Smith spread rumors because . 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. Meanwhile, though his adoption of African-American musical traditions is a bone of contention for many listeners today, in his heyday it was a powerful way to put non-white rhythms in front of segregated audiences. Elvis' cousin Billy Smith was a part of the star's inner circle, The Memphis Mafia. The following notable deaths in the United States occurred in 2023.Names are reported under the date of death, in alphabetical order as set out in WP:NAMESORT.A typical entry reports information in the following sequence: Name, age, country of citizenship at birth and subsequent nationality (if applicable), what subject was noted for, year of birth (if known), and reference. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Elvis appeared excited about the latest shows, and Billy was quick to support his cousin. Please keep Billy Smith in your thoughts and prayers. "Anytime someone mentions my name and Elvis' name in the same sentence, that's great," he told Rolling Stone. Vernon Presley was born on April 10, 1916, in Fulton, Mississippi. "We did crazy, crazy things. This page was last edited on 16 March 2015, at 18:35. Billy and Jo say they dont know exactly why theyve lost contact with the Presleys. Hugely overweight, his mind dulled by the pharmacopeia he daily ingested, he was barely able to pull himself through his abbreviated concerts.". Billy even talked about how some fans have felt Elvis spirit too. It was Elvis other cousin Patsy Gamble on the phone and she told Joey to get his dad. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Another one of Elvis's cousins, Billy Smith, claimed the singer simply preferred the more common double-A spelling, . Oh boy thatthatgot to me. Based on the report, Elvis Presley's note for Billy might be enough proof that he had been having suicidal thoughts. He hated how wide it was and the way it flared. 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. Like many stars who became hugely famous before the concept of celebrity handlers had been formalized, Elvis was surrounded by yes-men and sycophants. Golfers in Australias The Coast Golf Club recently had a wild encounter with a venomous red-bellied black snake. by. On the Memphis Mafia Kid YouTube channel, Billy recalled the last conversation he had with the music icon. And now his cousin has shared the moment he found out on that awful final day. His excuse for throwing all these high-octane drugs around? When Elvis died on Aug. 16, 1977, he was only 42. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. 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. adios.". (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T7QKcIrE8). "You always think there was something you could have done, that he might still be alive today. In many ways, the Jungle Room was perfect for the task. She died Dec 30, 1976, so I'm guessing Elvis paid for the funeral expenses since she is so close in proximity to Gladys' grave at Forest Lawn Elvis had another cousin, Bobby Smith, brother to Gene who was very close to him. These two interviews were done years apart. 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. All three shake their heads. When he lived at Graceland from 1957 until his death, Presley had an open-door policy with his Memphis Mafia. It was but natural that he wanted to look the best. 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. Millie Bobby Brown is engaged to boyfriend Bon Jovis son Jake! Billy Smith is not only Elvis' first cousin but a former member of the singer'sinner Mafia circle. He was found there by Ginger Alden around 2 p.m. on August 16. In Elvis bathroom, the room where he would have a fatal heart attack around 7 hours later, Billy was helping The King dry his jet black hair. The band announced on Monday (May 1) they are embarking on their farewell tour. We havent been in contact with any of them, Jo adds. [2] When Smith was five in November of 1948, his family moved along with the Presley family from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis Sr.'s cousin Billy Smith, who grew up at Graceland with him, and his children have addressed the late singer's infidelity rumors. Few if any figures in rock and roll history are as timeless or controversial as Elvis Presley. Heres what you want to know about Rosie Tenison, Engaged! He missed Priscilla. Just nine-years-old, she ended up hanging out with Joey up at his treehouse there. I dont know why., Jo adds: I guess they dont like us. Got to a point where Id go to sleep, itd be early in the morning and I would hear him calling me. And yet, when Elvis died on August 16, 1977, he had become something entirely different from his former self. She was something," Danny said, reports Express. 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 . Now in a new interview, the Memphis Mafia member has opened up on his claim that he sensed the presence of Elvis spirit upstairs at Graceland after he died. What confused some people, though, was that Elvis took a portion of the show to introduce everyone from his life onstage. Billy Smith, Elvis's first cousin, confirms that the boy in the photo is indeed his relative. That is disrespectful to Elvis.". Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. After a very long battle with decreasing health and increasing substance abuse. Travis was reportedly Gladys' favorite brother. Smith is frequently cited as one of Elvis' longest and most devoted friends and family members. As far as I'm aware, the plan for rehab was already in the works and set up. 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. His hip-swinging antics might seem tame to today's audiences, but when he first emerged as a pop star, Elvis introduced millions to rock's inherent sexuality. Four people have made these cancer claims. I knew he was dead.". 1980 ELVIS Country Music Magazine Jesses Comin, DNA PROOF THAT JESSE IS ELVIS ARON PRESLEY, AUTHENTICITY DOCUMENT PROVES JESSES AUTOGRAPH WAS WRITTEN BY ELVIS, Jesses letter to the Attorney General of Missouri written Dec. 2002, Jesses letter to the Attorney General of Missouri and graphologist Shirley Mason, Shirley Mason Handwriting Authenticated Video of FOX 8 report interview Jesses letter to the Attorney General of Missouri, WANDA JUNE HILL HAS ENDORSED MY WEBSITE AND JESSE, PHOTO OF ELVIS/JESSE WITH HIS GRANDSON BENJAMIN IN 1994, PHOTO OF ELVIS/JESSE WITH HIS GRANDSON BENJAMIN IN 1994 continued, PROOF THAT THE PHOTO OF JESSE ACTUALLY IS THAT OF ELVISWITH HIS GRANDSON, Elvis was still alive on June 18, 1990 without a doubt. 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.. No, hes not, Thompson continued. In fact, the pair chatted about the future. "The phone rings intercom," said Joe Esposito, foreman of the Memphis Mafia. The critics noted his weight gain when reviewing his public appearances. 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." Billy was 8 years younger than Elvis and grew up with him in Tupelo. Elvis Presley ended up passing away on August 16, 1977. The King's only true friend near the time of his death was arguably Letitia Henley, his live-in nurse. During the June 9 to June 13 event, Presleys cousin Billy Smith and The Kings former girlfriend Linda Thompson were in attendance. This manifested most egregiously in March 1977 during two stops in Louisiana. Jul 10, 2019 - 206 Likes, 7 Comments - elvis aaron presley (@forever.presley) on Instagram: "Elvis's first cousin, Billy Smith with his wife, Jo Smith.