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 comment was particularly personal because Elvis did not talk about his shows very often. 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. [8], In the last year of Elvis' life, he became more reclusive and withdrawn, along with abusing medications. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. Hence they knew a lot about each other. In many ways, the Jungle Room was perfect for the task. He missed Priscilla. The Smith's have previously lashed out at the way Graceland is run. It was there, in October 1976, that Elvis recorded his final studio sessions, resulting in some of his most memorable and emotionally crushing material to date. Now his cousin Billy Smith stated: He thought it made him look better and that he needed it,, Elvis always tried to improve his looks.. [3], After Elvis became famous, Smith's father Travis worked for him as Chief Guard, and the family moved into Graceland. The annual Elvis Presley Tupelo Festival went ahead as planned this year after taking last year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [10] Besides Ginger Alden, Smith and his wife Jo had been the last people to see Elvis alive. His son Danny said: We all do. RIP Paul Cattermole! Elvis was awarded the 8th degree black belt by Rhee there on Sept. 16, 1974. Billy Smith and cousin Elvis Presley. Joe Esposito on Geraldo, Elvis/Jesses Hair, rings and note Christmas 2000. 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.. Is Lisa Marie Presley's death latest in genetic curse from first Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. cousin, Elvis Presley, would one day be vindicated. 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. Billy Smith interview on the Day Elvis Presley Died January 2019 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. 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. As he had in recent gigs, Elvis appeared overweight and at times winded but was reported to have given a solid performance overall. When news of his hospitalization broke, those close to The King rushed to his bedside, one of these being Presley's cousin, Billy Smith. Smith was part of The Kings Memphis Mafia entourage for decades. Elvis Presley died at the age of just 42-year-old on August 16, 1977 in the upstairs bathroom of Graceland. Elvis died at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977, at 42. Thats no disrespect thats just how we feel Why couldnt you also have the privilege of going to the graveside free of charge? As far as I'm aware, the plan for rehab was already in the works and set up. Elvis cousin replied: I did. Elvis descended into darkness as he searched for forgiveness 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. Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic surgeries and rumors of his webbed toes! ", What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like, a 2019 interview with Elvis' Australian fan club. However, the home recording sessions of 1976 were fruitful, and seemed to inspire a burst of creativity in the King. Elvis and Blue Hawaii star 'We lived together. Dark Secrets Of The Presley Family - NickiSwift.com Elvis Presley shot to fame in 1956 but just two years later his beloved mother Gladys died of heart failure at the age of just 46. He thought it made him look better and that he needed it, Billy reveals. Few if any figures in rock and roll history are as timeless or controversial as Elvis Presley. William Earle Smith 06/05/1951 - 04/02/2023 On the evening of April 2, 2023, Bill passed away peacefully. The photo ran on the cover of the National Enquireron September 6, 1977, just weeks after Elvis passed away. Elvis's death certificate will remain under wraps until 2027, 50 years . / Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic surgeries and rumors of his webbed toes! Priscilla Reveals the real reason she and Elvis named Their Daughter Priscilla Presley Suffers Twitter Faux Pas While Wishing - Celebrity Elvis Presley cousin's eyewitness account of moment The King heard mum Golfers in Australias The Coast Golf Club recently had a wild encounter with a venomous red-bellied black snake. That was the only thing we ever knewIts like a light switch turned off. Elvis's closest life-long friend and first cousin, Gene Smith, phoned Gail subsequent to this phone call from Elvis. "Elvis always tried to improve his looks." 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. 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. Elvis is buried next to his parents, Gladys and Vernon, plus his grandmother Minnie. I guess they dont like us, I dont know, youd have to ask them. 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. But even more shocking and strange might be the sheer amount of activity undertaken by the King in the hours before he passed away. We talked for what seemed like hours that day.. The gang held various roles, from sounding boards for Presley's personal problems to helping him wade through crowds of rabid fans. So for the "fans" who blame Elvis alone for how he declined and died, I say shame on you. Travis was the brother of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, making Billy and Elvis first cousins. Two respected Elvis aides, Marty Lacker and Elvis's cousin Billy Smith, say that although the body found slumped in the bathroom of Elvis's Graceland mansion on August 16, 1977 was certified dead, the real Elvis was hundreds of miles away. He was last seen alive going into the bathroom to read. Marty Lacker said "Billy Smith spread rumors because . Residents in Texas were hit by a shocking weather phenomenon on Wednesday as severe thunderstorms dropped massive hailstones that pelted down from the sky. There were a lot of rumors circulating at the time that Elvis was alive. He was found there by Ginger Alden around 2 p.m. on August 16. Billy Smith interview on the Day Elvis Presley Died January 2019 Marlowe's Restaurant Carey Rayburn outlawfilms 3.99K subscribers Subscribe 220 15K views 4 years ago Billy Smith. Billy Stanley can still vividly recall the last time he spoke to his stepbrother, Elvis Presley. Its Graceland. That haunts me.". Although, Gracelands upstairs is remains off-limits since it was Elvis private space even in life. 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. 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? Heres what you want to know about Rosie Tenison, Engaged! Billy also tackles the rumor that Elvis had webbed toes. The King's cousin Billy Smith was present when he heard the . This is going to be the best tour ever, Elvis said. Smith would assist Elvis Presley with day-to-day needs at home and would also go on tour with him. He was only 31 years old. Elvis appeared excited about the latest shows, and Billy was quick to support his cousin. But in 1976, all three were fired to "cut back on expenses." Nobody checked on him.. Elvis's first cousin, Billy Smith with his wife, Jo Smith. They've been Elvis Presley presence felt upstairs at Graceland by cousin Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and . People there in the inner group did but you did not tell Elvis what to do. But Elvis never confirmed them. Billy says, Actually no, we dont. Click to read more onWill the children of Lisa Marie Presley be able to attend grandfather Elvis Presleys 85th birthday celebrations in Memphis! Vernon and Sandi Miller - Rex Martin's ELVIS Moments in Time The two had ventured upstairs to the bathroom, where Billy helped Elvis dry his hair. Billy revealed that Elvis had two facelifts in his lifetime. Joey Smith is Elvis second cousin and as a child had grown up at Graceland with other close family members who were part of the Memphis Mafia. With Elvis' cousin Billy Smith also in the hospital room, the elder Presley lashed out at. She said, My Daddys dead, my Daddys dead., I cant even tell you what I felt, I was stunned and paralyzed. Elvis Presley Last Day and Death FAQ - LiveAbout Elvis's grandson, Benjamin Keough, was also laid to rest there last July after he took his own life in a tragic accident. He said: Theres still times that I have now, and [my wife] Jo does too. Speaking with Elvis expert Billy Stallings Spa Guy, Joey said he remembered he was watching a movie called The Naked Prey at home when the phone rang. Vernon Presley was born on April 10, 1916, in Fulton, Mississippi. She never faught for Elvis , she was only after money. Both Elvis and his cousin were born in Tupelo, Mississippi before their families later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. At the time, neither Elvis nor Billy had any inclination that The King would die in the same room merely seven hours later. 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. Elvis' only child was just 54 when she died Thursday, reportedly after suffering cardiac arrest at home in Calabasas, California. The toxicology report from Elvis' death said he had the opiates Dilaudid, Demerol, and Percodan in his blood, not to mention Quaaludes and codeine. Billy's family also went with the Presleys when they first moved to Memphis. When the King of Rock and Roll died while on . His cousin, Billy Smith, has revealed the truth behind those ongoing rumors. The Man Who Raised Elvis: Vernon Presley | Ben Vaughn The Secret Origins of Elvis - Elvis Presley: The Truth Behind The Legend But by 1976, Elvis wasn't just getting his uppers and downers from his manager. 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. Billy even talked about how some fans have felt Elvis spirit too. Elvis'S Former Employees Tell of The "Retirement" of Elvis in 1977 All of them to me are great. 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'. Elvis Presley employed many of his family at Graceland, Elvis Presley and the Memphis Mafia, Billy Smith far left, Elvis Presley and the family graves at Graceland, Elvis: June Carter Cash's son on her 'secret affair' with The King. NBC August 16,1997 news report about Elvis health problems in 1977. It was Elvis other cousin Patsy Gamble on the phone and she told Joey to get his dad. In 1968, Elvis made an unexpected public statement about The Beatles during his "Comeback . Elvis Presley death: King's cousin on last chat upstairs at Graceland Sounds like that urban legend has yet to be confirmed or denied! 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. "Hound Dog" is an antique in 2020, but when it first premiered, it was a revolution. When he lived at Graceland from 1957 until his death, Presley had an open-door policy with his Memphis Mafia. It was Aug. 14, 1977, and the singer was proudly demonstrating his new karate knives. Danny and Joey Smith discussed the matter during an . Billy Smith, the cousin of Elvis Presley talks about his cosmetic