The Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to take a moment today to wish Elvis' Cousin, Billy Smith a very Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Billy!!
Conclusively throughout Elvis' life and career, Billy and Elvis remained close. Frequently it was Billy whom Elvis would share his feelings with, and Billy was perhaps one of the very best friends Elvis ever had.
Billy Smith, is the son of Travis Smith who was the brother of Elvis' Mother, Gladys. Elvis, and Billy were close Cousin's even in eight years apart in age. They grew up together in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the Smith family joined the Presley's on the move to Memphis in 1948. Elvis purchased Graceland in March 1957, and he of course did not forget Billy, and therefor he moved the Smith's into a white house which was once located on Graceland's property. Travis Smith, Billy's Father served as the first Gate Security Guard at Graceland. When Billy became of age he accompanied Elvis on the road as a component of Elvis' entourage, which was recognized later as the "Memphis Mafia." Billy married his wife Jo and they, and their two sons resided in a blue house which is still located behind Graceland Mansion. Elvis' last vacation was Hawaii in March 1977, and as always Billy and his wife Jo joined along. Besides Ginger Alden, Billy and his wife Jo where the last people to spend time with Elvis before his passing on August 16th. On the night of August 15th, 1977 Billy and Jo joined Elvis and Ginger for a game of Racquet Ball. Elvis played the piano following the game, and the final song Elvis ever sung was "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." When Graceland opened to the public in June 1982, Billy worked as a Tour Guide, and he initially helped put together the trophy room which Elvis had hoped to one day share with his fans. In 1995, journalist Alana Nash released a book titled, "Revelations of The Memphis Mafia" which Billy Smith, Marty Lacker, and Lamar Fike shared their memories of their years with, Elvis. April 2013 their book was selected as one of the best "100 Great Stories" for The Journalism class at Columbia University. Today Billy and his family reside not far from Memphis.
Happy Birthday Billy!!
Conclusively throughout Elvis' life and career, Billy and Elvis remained close. Frequently it was Billy whom Elvis would share his feelings with, and Billy was perhaps one of the very best friends Elvis ever had.
Billy Smith, is the son of Travis Smith who was the brother of Elvis' Mother, Gladys. Elvis, and Billy were close Cousin's even in eight years apart in age. They grew up together in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the Smith family joined the Presley's on the move to Memphis in 1948. Elvis purchased Graceland in March 1957, and he of course did not forget Billy, and therefor he moved the Smith's into a white house which was once located on Graceland's property. Travis Smith, Billy's Father served as the first Gate Security Guard at Graceland. When Billy became of age he accompanied Elvis on the road as a component of Elvis' entourage, which was recognized later as the "Memphis Mafia." Billy married his wife Jo and they, and their two sons resided in a blue house which is still located behind Graceland Mansion. Elvis' last vacation was Hawaii in March 1977, and as always Billy and his wife Jo joined along. Besides Ginger Alden, Billy and his wife Jo where the last people to spend time with Elvis before his passing on August 16th. On the night of August 15th, 1977 Billy and Jo joined Elvis and Ginger for a game of Racquet Ball. Elvis played the piano following the game, and the final song Elvis ever sung was "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." When Graceland opened to the public in June 1982, Billy worked as a Tour Guide, and he initially helped put together the trophy room which Elvis had hoped to one day share with his fans. In 1995, journalist Alana Nash released a book titled, "Revelations of The Memphis Mafia" which Billy Smith, Marty Lacker, and Lamar Fike shared their memories of their years with, Elvis. April 2013 their book was selected as one of the best "100 Great Stories" for The Journalism class at Columbia University. Today Billy and his family reside not far from Memphis.
President Caroline Pratt had the honor of meeting Billy Smith at the private Elvis event hosted by, Essential Elvis during Elvis Week 2012 in Memphis. Caroline also met Billy's wife Jo that evening.
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