Her mother, in particular, has contributed to the estates growth, which is estimated to have grown to $100 million. These original Memphis Mafia members at the time the phrase was coined were cousins Sonny West,[7] and Red West, as well as Billy Smith, and Charlie Hodge, among others. Vote in our poll, Elvis Presley: Gracelands SECRET tunnel rumour King's cousin speaks, Elvis Presley: How King TOPPED The Beatles' UK singles chart record, Elvis Presley: Priscilla absolutely HORRIFIED by Graceland graffiti. The band was together five years, releasing two albums and touring the U.S. several times. [22] According to Presley's cousin Billy Smith, Elvis got into bed with Smith and his wife Jo "many times at Graceland when we would spend the night there in Lisa's room, or on tour in the hotel, and at the trailer on the property at Graceland. If you are a fan of Elvis, youll become a fan of Jerry. [13] Guralnick adds "The Colonel joked that they looked like a bunch of old men, but the Memphis Mafia had become almost as well known around town as Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack" and that Elvis and his guys were all "living on speed and tranqs". The Lewis and Gilley family is made up of two cousins. Elvis Presley The King can thank Jerry Lee Lewis' libido for disrupting a challenge to the throne, but Presley wasn't without his own girl problems. A few years ago, Lisa Marie herself told CBS The Talk how Elvis wasnt strict at all with her. Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow. Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and . Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. We'd stay there and never sleep, we were all taking pills just so we could keep up with each other. The couple answered fans questions recently on their YouTube channel Memphis Mafia Kid. Luke Bracey discusses how he brought Elvis Only Pure Friend Jerrys Story to life in the new film. Joe Esposito served as Elvis' chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years. Well, theres another Jerry Presley who IS related to the King, and is a terrific performer in his own right. But sometimes the two could really clash according to Elvis second cousin Danny, who grew up at Graceland too. In 1983, he formed the Ben Vaughn Combo. Jerry leaves behind a wife, two daughters, seven husbands, a brother, and a slew of relatives and friends. Aunt Delta asserted: Now Lisa, I aint gonna tell you one more time now. [8] Elvis' wife Priscilla helped with the creation of this logo on a flight through stormy conditions. They used Frank Sinatras private jet for their honeymoon. Jerry Presley is Elvis' second cousin and he has been performing since 1969 as an Elvis impersonator. They received rave reviews in Rolling Stone and People magazine and video airplay on MTV. (Reuters) - American rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, 85, renewed marriage vows with his seventh wife on their ninth anniversary, weeks after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Lewis and Myra divorced in February 1960. Donnie. One of Elvis twin brothers died before he was born, but he is the identical twin to his mother. He was also a member of Presleys inner circle and helped to run his business affairs. Priscilla, now 77, has never remarried, and she continues to refer to the music legend as the love of my life as she approaches her 80th birthday. [citation needed], An agreement was not reached, and when Elvis received a copy of the book entitled Elvis: What Happened? This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. It is unknown why the couple divorced, but Linda Gail Lewis, Elvis first wife, is thought to have been involved in a romantic relationship with Presley. Throughout Elviss long life, there were numerous scandals, including legendary secrets and media leaks. Mrs. Presley is a well-known figure in the American music industry, having previously been the former wife of Elvis Presley and the co-founder and former chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), which transformed Memphiss Graceland into a top tourist destination. Jimmy Swaggart is related to the singer, Tim McGraw. He also performs occasionally with The Jordanaires. Throughout the years, the city of Branson has hosted a number of high-quality Elvis Tribute Artists. Lewis' manner was quite different than his last visit as he was both armed and angry. "For the first time in his life, he had a group of male friends to pal around with, and he relished being the leader of the pack. By Joyann Jeffrey. For example, he would rent an entire movie theater to watch a film. The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley's friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. In 1984, Jerry first introduced the world to the Elvis Show in Branson. Overall, Schilling says that the film is one of the best pieces of work done on Elvis. He was married then divorced to Priscilla Presley. For the Christmas season, he performs an Elvis Christmas concert in November and December. However, there are some who believe that the two families may be connected, as both Elvis and the Presleys hail from the same region of the United States. And the thing is everybody grieves in a different way. Throughout her life, Presley has always been a controversial figure, and her life will not be easy to figure out. Donna Presley is Elvis Presleys cousin. I get emails from time to time asking about my Elvis shows. In 2017, he and his wife Joanna purchased the God and Country Theatres. Follow That Dream Records, a label dedicated to Elvis collectors, is also available. Jerry Schilling stopped working for Elvis in 1977. Music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. See answer (1) Best Answer. Asked by fans if they were still in touch with Elvis close friend Jerry Schilling, who spoke at the funeral, they said yes, but admitted they felt hurt after one phone call from him. There are several relatives who have been removed from the Carters, including the former president and his wife, Rosalynn. The attention inspired Marshall Crenshaw to record Bens Im Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee) for his Downtown album. The title of the film, which refers to a specific year rather than a singer, refers to the year it was set in. In total, the two stars paid $135,000,000 for the rights to their royalties. Fontana Fiddle - Cecil Brower Guitar - Grady Martin, Scotty Moore Guitar, Banjo - Harold Bradley, Jerry Kennedy Piano - Floyd Cramer Saxophone - Bill Justis Saxophone, Jug . During Jacksons final days, Presley criticized the media for depicting him as a monster. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that the marriage of Elvis Presley and his cousin is a fascinating topic. Each man had specific duties. The film Aloha From Hawaii recreates the setting of the worlds most famous Elvis concert in 1973. Jerry was married only once in 1974 until they divorced 2006. My mom would relay the information to the caller and we would all have a good laugh. We recommend visiting the Elvis Experience at Branson the next time you visit. No, hes not, Thompson continued. Paperback. She also has a successful recording career, having released several albums in addition to her singing career. The biopic "Elvis" unpacks the Rock and Roll legend's legacy, from his musical coming-of-age to the central relationships in his life. Jerry Presley, a cousin of Elvis, performs in his cousins songs several times per week in his Elvis costume. It was odd and uncomfortable for us. By the mid-1950s, he appeared on the radio, television and the silver screen. According to one account,[6] a crowd of people in front of the Riviera Hotel watched as two big black limousines arrived. My mom would answer the phone and ask the caller to hold on, then she would yell out, Jerry, is Elvis here? No, mom, hes not, Id yell back. The close confidant of the star knew him before he was famous and was with him just hours. R. Kelly was accused of sexual molestation. She also opened up about the devastating phone call relaying his death to her. Others believe that Elvis was simply trying to protect his cousin from a world that would not have understood their relationship. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. If you are a fan of Elvis, you'll become a fan of Jerry. All shows are family friendly, so you can bring the kids along, too. Elvis Presley 's cousin Billy Smith was there at the beginning and the end of The King's career. They received rave reviews in Rolling Stone and People magazine and video airplay on MTV. No, she was not Elvis' cousin you may be getting the story mixed up with Jerry Lee Lewis . The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye. Marty Lacker, another aide, also served as Elvis' chief personal aide for several years. After Billy was fired from Graceland, which he washe had tried to call and talk to Priscilla and she didnt take his calls. Her life, however, has been documented in a new book, Elvis and Me. In this book, Presleys former press secretary describes her life as told through the eyes of someone close to her. Jerrys father, Vernon, was Elvis mother Gladys brother. [2] Writing and recording [ edit] Inside Content. Early on in Ferriday, scandal was far away. When Elvis mother died, his father remarried and the two sons he had with her split into three stepbrothers. The film depicts Elvis as a one-dimensional pop icon who could not sing despite his fans knowledge that he was a fan of the blues and enjoyed performing live. Elvis Presley married to Priscilla Beaulieu from 1967 to 1973, Elvis married to Priscilla Beaulieu from 1967 to 1973. Following that, he toured with The Jordanaires, Stamps, and The Blackwoods for several years. (which was first published on July 12, 1977), he worried that his reputation would be adversely affected. The town's favorite son was on hand to receive the key to the city, as Elvis had on "Elvis Presley Day" in Tupelo on September 26, 1956. Presley had the tail of his private jet painted with the initials "TCB" and a lightning bolt and gave away gold and diamond chain necklaces with TCB (and TLC) logos as gifts. For about 10 years, Ive had the pleasure of talking to and corresponding with my cousin Jerry and we have developed a friendship. Lisa Marie, who has the ability to lift spirits, is a beautiful daughter who is loved by both her parents and grandparents. Precisely 2:50 a.m., Jerry Lee Lewis again pulled up to Graceland to see Elvis Presley. Jerry Presley is Elvis's first cousin. Three generations of Presleys . In 1958, Lewis married his 13-year . While there is no definitive answer, there are certainly some interesting theories out there. Marty Lacker states, "Everyone had assigned responsibilities and they were far from leeches, hangers on or whatever else they were called. There were two teams, and the object of the game was to knock over as many members of the opposing team as possible by any means." They received rave reviews in Rolling Stone and People magazine and video airplay on MTV. At age 6, his uncle gave him a Duane Eddy record and forever changed his life. Vote in our poll [POLL]. While Vernons sister Delta Mae was also invited to live at Graceland after her husband died in 1966. There was simply no getting along between us. This has been a long time coming. View Site Elviss family had no direct ties to presidents Jimmy Carter or Abraham Lincoln. Elvis is a moving and inspirational film about a talented and misunderstood man who made a profound impact on popular music. Priscilla Presley said these employees were paid an average of $250 per week during the 1960s, which rose to $425 per week in the 1970s, however one pay stub does exist that showed a weekly pay of only $35 for the '63-65 era. Only six years after they married, Lisa Marie Presley was born, and they divorced. There are numerous theories as to why he married Priscilla and was single, as well as why he divorced his first wife. 'Elvis is good to his family and he is good to his fans', Harold Loyd told this writer in 1992, some fifteen years after his first cousin died on August 16, 1977. They got to dance to one of Elvis most famous songs, Love Me Tender. He was a trailblazer, in a way. The film Aloha From Hawaii recreates the setting of the world's most famous Elvis concert in 1973. Elvis and Priscilla were married for less than a year before splitting up in 1968. During the Memphis Mafia era, the two were particularly close. Aided by new Mafioso Jerry Schilling, he embarked on a whirlwind tour of religious and metaphysical thought, along with some trips to cults that promised enlightenment. The only child of the King of Rock n Roll and actress Priscilla Presley, as well as his sole heir, she is the sole heir to his estate. He is way more famous and far more talented than I am. "[11] noted Buzz Cason. The pathologistsincluding the coroner of Shelby County, Tennesseefound that Elvis died of a heart attack. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. [citation needed], When Parker informed Elvis that the Wests were writing a "tell-all book" about Elvis, which included the disclosure of Elvis' addiction to prescribed pain medications, he was furious as well as "hurt". He is authentic. Her company, Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), which transformed Memphiss Graceland into one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, was founded by her and her former husband. She would be added to Elvis family line if this happened. As a couple, Vernon and Priscilla were the only people allowed to stay at Memphis after Elvis death. Later in life, Elvis requested that Priscilla live in his Memphis mansion, and they did. 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. Jerry grew up in a Christian home and began singing at a young age. Jerry is 84 years old. Known for his generosity (attributed by Presley himself to an impoverished childhood), he bought some of these employees homes as wedding gifts and frequently bought new Cadillac automobiles for employees, relatives and friends.[12]. 1. Danny said: Aunt Delta most of the time kept up with Lisa as far as making sure she got her bath and her dinner and stuff like that., He recounted he, Lisa and the other kids would run wild around Graceland, adding: We were probably a hell to keep up with., HOW IS BORIS JOHNSON HANDLING THE CORONAVIRUS? Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to a couple. He was 42. If youre wondering how many children Elvis Presley had, youre not alone: Lisa Marie Presley, who was born on February 1, 1968, exactly nine months after her parents married, is his only child. Exploring the Jewish roots of Elvis Presley Cliff Richard - The Cliff Richard Story Footsteps of Elvis Exhibition and interview with Elvis's stepbrother David Stanley ELVIS PRESLEY. Were there any factual errors and what did you write about it? Lewis initially denied any relationship with his cousin, but he eventually admitted to their marriage in a 1993 Guardian interview. That's why Jerry loves to sing those songs that Elvis did so beautifully all those years ago. [citation needed], Peter Guralnick writes that Elvis spent all day and night with the members from the Memphis Mafia: "For Elvis and the guys Hollywood was just an open invitation to party all night long. READ MORE:Elvis Presley: Gracelands Q&A on Kings Ed Sullivan Show appearances. Jerrys parents were Gladys and Vernon Presleys first cousins. Jerry the fan on the right. Despite the films flaws, including some inaccuracies with the original Elvis recordings, its still a nostalgic watch for fans of the King. Improve this listing When Elvis Presley "unexpectedly" died on August 16, 1977, a great public controversy erupted. The Fascinating Tale Of John Lennons Duel Citizenship. 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. When Elvis mother died, his father remarried and had three stepbrothers. That happened a lot of times, and we thought nothing of it. Jerry Presley grew up in Tupelo and often visited his famous cousin. Despite its thirty-eight years since his death, the life of Elvis Presley is more than just a nostalgic memory for his family, friends, and dedicated fans. He was 24 and she was 14. At age 6, his uncle gave him a Duane Eddy record and forever changed his life. Go to the lounges, see Fats Domino, Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, the Four Aces, the Dominoes all the old acts. She claimed that while Jackson had his issues, he was also a loving father to his children. 5 of the Best Finnish Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Bands. It was 1958 and Elvis was on leave from the US Army. Elvis Palm Springs estate provided the wedding party with lodging. The death of the "King of Rock and Roll" brought legions of mourning fans to Graceland, his mansion in Memphis. VOTE IN OUR POLL, One evening, wanting to cut it off, Aunt Delta would say: Lisa, its time for you to get your bath.. [16] These threats were kept out of the press for fear of triggering even more.[17]. In his 2007 memoir, Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business, Memphis Mafia member Sonny West- who was Presley's close friend and bodyguard for over 15 years - revealed that Presley's entourage. The Fascinating Tale Of John Lennons Duel Citizenship. Thats it. He was born on July 26, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. Lisa, he did talk to Lisa and said Have your Mom call me, but she never did. Before Jerry died, the couple had two daughters, Danielle and Jamie. They got married when Priscilla was 21 and Elvis was 32. Jerry Presley and Elvis are kin, cousins. He relates that they were a "friendly bunch" who, when Elvis began to sing just for fun during his interview, followed "suit, singing, clowning, all on their feet". Alongside his parents, his grandmother (Vernons mother) Minnie Mae lived at the Tennessee mansion until her death. Jerry is Elvis's second cousin, as documented in the Presley genealogy, and is also an identical twin, as was Elvis! You can unsubscribe at any time. Although Elvis had no biological siblings, he did have three stepbrothers when his father remarried after his mothers death. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Elvis was looking for a football team to join soon after moving to Memphis. Improve this listing All photos (241) Jerry Presley is Elvis Presley's first cousin. In fact, Billy and his wife Jo lived on the grounds of Graceland behind the main house for years. Even though the famous couple broke up 8 months before Elvis Presley passed, Thompson stayed close to his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie. In 1977, Priscilla told PEOPLE magazine that she had always wanted to go alone. [citation needed], Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business". When Billy was let go, he asked what he had done and claimed it was that while he loved Graceland there were some things he hated as the home was being turned into a museum. In 1983, he formed the Ben Vaughn Combo. The attention inspired Marshall Crenshaw to record Bens Im Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee) for his Downtown album. They drove bumper cars in Las Vegas Valley, rode horses in California and hung out at Graceland. Austin Butler, on the other hand, was cast, despite the fact that he . If you wanted a picture of the life of Elvis Presley, who better to paint it for you than someone who worked as his trusted cook and maid at Graceland? Schilling served as a bodyguard and confidante to Presley and was present during some of the singers most important moments. One of the biggest debates surrounding the King of Rock and Roll is whether or not he married his cousin. Adult admission is $41, and child admission is $21.