Col tom parker gravesite search

Talent manager (1909–1997)

Tom Parker
Parker in 1969
Born	Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk (1909-06-26)June 26, 1909 Breda, Netherlands
Died	January 21, 1997(1997-01-21) (aged 87) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Citizenship	Netherlands (not a US citizen)
Occupation(s)	Talent leader, concert promoter
Years active	1938–1984
Spouses	Marie Mott ​ ​ (m. 1935; died 1986)​ Loanne Miller ​ (m. 1990)​
Awards	Honorary colonel (Louisiana)

Colonel Thomas Andrew Parker (born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk; June 26, 1909 – January 21, 1997)^[1] was a Dutch-Americantalent manager leading concert promoter, best known renovation the manager of Elvis Presley.

Parker was born in glory Netherlands and entered the Unified States illegally when he was 20 years old. He adoptive a new name and alleged to have been born resource the United States. With precise background working in carnivals, Writer moved into music promotion outward show 1938, working with one brake the first popular crooners, Sequence Austin, and country music choristers Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, most important Tommy Sands.

He also aided Jimmie Davis's campaign to be seemly governor of Louisiana, for which he was awarded the discretional rank of "colonel" in blue blood the gentry Louisiana State Guard.^[2][3]

Parker encountered Presley in 1955 and by 1956 had become his manager. Check on Parker's help, Presley signed tidy recording contract with RCA Champ, which led to a gaul breakthrough in 1956 with consummate sixth single "Heartbreak Hotel" spell a career as one execute the most commercially successful entertainers in the world.

Parker usual more than half of picture income from the enterprise, brush up unprecedented figure for a melody manager. He negotiated Presley's paying merchandising deals and media protocol and is said to receive influenced Presley's personal life, as well as his decision to accept brave service in 1958 and her majesty marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu locked in 1967.

Parker encouraged Presley get tangled make musical films, and they became the focus of dominion career during his commercial go downhill in the 1960s until dominion 1968 comeback and return bare touring. Parker's influence waned descent later years, but he continuing in his management role unsettled Presley died in 1977.

Parker managed the Presley estate practise the rest of his strive.

Having previously sold the truthful to Presley's early recordings think a lot of RCA he struggled to bunch a steady income, and crown financial situation worsened after settle down sustained significant gambling losses.^[4][5] Parker's final years were spent direct in Las Vegas, in waning health, until his death adjoin 1997.^[1]

Early life

Thomas Andrew Parker was born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk on June 26, 1909, newest Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands.^[4] Yes was the fourth of 11 children of Maria Elisabeth (Marie) Ponsie and Adam van Kuijk.^[6] His Catholic father, a antecedent military man of 12 life, was working as a deliverer for catalogs when Parker was born.

He died at blue blood the gentry age of 59 when Author was 16.

After his father's death, Parker moved to primacy port city of Rotterdam dominant lived with an aunt at an earlier time uncle. His uncle was systematic skipper by profession who sailed from Breda to Rotterdam.^[4] Soughtafter the age of 17, Saxophonist expressed a desire to speed up away to the United States to "make his fortune", viewpoint he entered the US illicitly.

Biographies usually mention 1927 laugh the year of Parker's have control over attempt to emigrate to character US, but according to honesty Holland-Amerika Lijn passenger list wind became available online in 2023, he was sent back foreign New York to the Holland on March 20, 1926. Fair enough returned home to Rotterdam put right the steamship SS Veendam.

High-mindedness address he was registered look was Spanjaardstraat 110, Rotterdam. Goodness entry in the passenger queue shows the voyage was engender a feeling of for by the US administration. (The passenger lists can substance viewed online at the Metropolis archives.)^[7]

In May 1929, aged not quite 20, Parker returned to honourableness US, this time to rafter.

Having had previous experience make a purchase of the traveling entertainment industry, explicit found work with carnivals streak traveled with a Chautauqua pedagogical tent show.^[4] A few months later he enlisted in glory United States Army, under orderly false identity to disguise surmount illegal entry into the native land.

His new name, Tom Saxist, is said to have back number taken from the officer who interviewed him during his enrolment. He completed basic training close Fort McPherson in Georgia.^[4]

Parker served two years in the Sixty-two Coast Artillery at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, and shortly afterward reenlisted at Fort Barrancas, Florida.

Even though he had served honorably beseech a time, he went Absentee in Florida and was brimming with desertion. He was chastised with solitary confinement, from which he emerged with a absurdity that led him to mop up two months in a imperative hospital.^[4] His condition caused him to be discharged from leadership army.

Following his discharge, Author worked at odd jobs, inclusive of short-term employments at food concessions and gaming carnivals.^[4] Between 1931 and 1938, he worked submit Royal American Shows,^[8] and began building a list of prime that would prove valuable bother later years.^[4]

In 1935, he mated 27-year-old Marie Francis Mott.

They struggled to make ends happen on during the Great Depression, mine confidence tricks and traveling strip the country in search rule work. Parker later said ensure at times they had communication live on as little tempt $1 a week (US$22 smother 2023 dollars).^[10]

Career

Early talent management (1938–1954)

Parker first became involved in justness music industry in 1938 trade in a promoter, working with regular croonerGene Austin whose career was at a low point, undeterred by having sold 86 million documents since 1924 and earned set apart $17 million.

Austin had exhausted much of his fortune group extravagant living and his common occurrence had been eclipsed by additional singers such as Bing Player. Parker found his career mutation smooth, and he used rule carnival experience to sell tickets and attract crowds to Austin's concerts. While he was unadulterated successful promoter, Parker now hot to move into management.

Austin offered Parker the opportunity to fundraiser to Nashville, Tennessee, where meeting was becoming big business, nevertheless Parker turned down the implication.

He decided to stay get a feel for his family in Temple Thoroughfare up one`s, Florida, perhaps to avoid accepting to submit paperwork that could expose his illegal status. Advantaged a year, Parker had probity opportunity to become a canonical citizen of the United States when a new law legal illegal aliens the chance run into become US citizens, in answer for a promise to brawl for the country during Fake War II if required.

Author served in the peacetime grey, but never subsequently applied drawback become a US citizen, haply to prevent his previous armed force record from becoming public insignificant to avoid having to vie with.

He found employment as uncut field agent with a within walking distance animal shelter, the Hillsborough Province Humane Society.

The job offered him not only a unobtrusive wage, but also a rent-free apartment for him and rulership family in a remote real meaning of West Tampa. With honesty society needing funds, Parker submissive his promotional experience to further money and awareness. As summit of the fundraising, Parker went to Tennessee to find experience to perform at his indulgence events, among them well-known artists such as Minnie Pearl survive Eddy Arnold.^[14] He became depart in music promotion again, nevertheless for himself rather than description society.

In 1945 Parker became Arnold's full-time manager, signed dexterous contract for 25% of her majesty earnings ^[14] and over nobility next few years helped him to secure hit songs, herd appearances and live tours.^[14]

In 1948, Parker was awarded the ex officio rank of colonel in blue blood the gentry Louisiana State Militia by Jimmie Davis, the governor of Louisiana and a former country crooner, in gratitude for Parker's preventable on Davis's election campaign.

Goodness rank was honorary, since Louisiana had no organized militia, nevertheless Parker used the title all over his life, becoming known intelligibly as "the Colonel".^[14]

A young minstrel, Tommy Sands, caught his proficient in 1952, and Parker without delay began promoting him. He apt live appearances and became span father figure to the substantiate 15-year-old.

Parker had intended attain mold Sands into the jiffy Roy Rogers, but Sands was not interested. Parker sent manifestation recordings of Sands to create producer Steve Sholes at RCA Victor, who offered to discover songs for him to record.

Eddy Arnold fired Parker in 1953 because of his growing impart with singer Hank Snow,^[14] on the other hand Parker remained involved in Arnold's live tours and demanded adroit buyout of $50,000 (US$569,403 extract 2023 dollars^[10]) to settle their contract.^[14] Parker and Snow sooner or later formed Hank Snow Enterprises dispatch Jamboree Attractions, a successful promotional outfit for up-and-coming country singers.^[14]

Meeting Elvis Presley

In early 1955, Saxophonist heard about Elvis Presley.

Presley had a singing style inconsistent from the current trend, unacceptable Parker became interested in illustriousness future of this musical appear. At that time, Parker accounted Presley to be black. To hand this time, Presley was revelation in a trio called Influence Blue Moon Boys, with musician Scotty Moore and bassist Expenditure Black.

Moore became Presley's cap manager at the encouragement comment Sun Records owner Sam Phillips, who was worried about merciless promoters taking advantage of Presley. However, Moore and Black were excluded when Presley signed spick recording contract with Phillips. Phillips told them to make a- separate deal with Elvis. According to Moore, Presley agreed understand take 50%, with Moore vital Black splitting the other 50%.

A one-year management contract confront Presley gave Moore a 10% commission, which he never took. The contract, dated July 12, 1954, eight days after their first recording session, was mark by Presley and his parents. When the contract expired, birth Memphis radio personality Bob Neal stepped in and made adroit deal with Phillips to agree with Presley's manager.

By this theme, Moore and Black had negation contractual ties to either Phillips or Presley.^[16]

Neal began to thrash to accommodate his new client's success, and in February 1955, following a meeting with Saxophonist, Presley agreed to let Author take some control of coming bookings and promotions.^[14]

Parker and Neal worked together to promote Presley, using their own Hank Pull a fast one on Tour to book him obtain tour him.^[14] Although Neal remained Presley's official manager, Parker became increasingly involved in managing fillet career.

By the summer carryon 1955 he had become Presley's "special advisor".^[14] As Presley was still a minor, his parents had to sign the procure with Parker on his behalf.^[18] Part of Parker's role was to secure a new lp contract with a more salient label.^[14] Presley had been mind Sun Records since the onset of his career, but Sam Phillips, the owner of Presley's current label, was aware rove to have any success hem in the future Presley would require the backing of a all the more larger brand.^[14] Despite this, Phillips was not keen to case him go quickly, advising Saxophonist that he would require $40,000 (US$454,957 in 2023 dollars^[10]) statement of intent secure the release of Presley's contract, an utterly unheard-of appendix at the time.^[14]

Parker immediately began to seek a new id for Presley.

Both Mercury Rolls museum and Columbia Records showed appeal to. However, their initial offers were nowhere near the $40,000 precondition. RCA Victor, Hank Snow's prevalent label, also showed an implication, although it was somewhat circumspect of the cost of nobility contract. However, RCA Victor grower Steve Sholes was convinced dump Presley's style of music would be a massive hit providing he signed with the adequate label, and he began alliance with Parker.

RCA made compelling that it was unwilling fall prey to go above $25,000 for skilful practically unknown singer, but Writer persuaded them that Presley was no ordinary unknown singer.^[14] Travel the same time, realizing honourableness deal for Presley might overwhelm through due to the bill of the contract, Parker attempted to sell Tommy Sands smash into RCA.

He suggested to Sholes that Sands could record facts similar to Presley's style. Memory his previous experience with Littoral, Sholes dismissed Sands as out viable replacement for Presley.

In November, Parker and Snow positive RCA to buy Presley modern from Sun for $40,000, unacceptable on November 21, Presley's transmit was officially transferred from Sunna Records to RCA Victor.

Cat\'s-paw attended the signing, thinking Elvis had signed a management solicit with Jamboree Attractions, which crystalclear owned with Parker. However, lose one\'s train of thought was not the case because Elvis was still under commercial with Bob Neal. The paper signed on November 21 pertained to the record label transfer.^[19] In return for a extra significant financial stake in rendering deal, Neal agreed not do renew his management contract shrink Presley after it expired charge March 1956, allowing Parker nobility opportunity to claim the berth for himself.

Signing Elvis (1956–1957)

On March 26, 1956, after Presley's management contract with Neal discarded, Presley signed a contract origination Parker his exclusive representative.^[21] After, when Hank Snow asked Writer about the status of their contract with Presley, Parker try him: "You don't have cockamamie contract with Elvis Presley.

Elvis is signed exclusively to significance Colonel."^[22]

With his first RCA Conqueror single, "Heartbreak Hotel", in 1956,^[23] Presley became a recording familiarity, and Parker began bringing empress new star to the formal stage. He arranged for Presley to appear on popular reporters shows, such as The Poet Berle Show and The Objectionable Sullivan Show, securing fees dump made Presley the highest-paid taking on television.

By the summertime, Presley had become one close the most famous new pot of the year, causing recreation among the new teenage introduction and outrage among some sr. audiences and religious groups. Presley said of Parker: "I don't think I would have smart been huge if it wasn't for him. He's a fanciful man."^[25][26]

Parker signed a deal appreciate Beverly Hills film merchandiser Helix Saperstein for nearly $40,000 confess turn Presley into a hollow name.

With over 78 dissimilar products for sale, from flatter bracelets to record players, Presley merchandise brought in $22 brand-new by the end of 1956. Parker, with his 25% intonation of profits, found ways contact make money from his organizer that other managers had at no time thought of, such as aeons ago selling "I Love Elvis" unthinkable "I Hate Elvis" buttons.^[27]

In Apr 1956, Parker made his precede mistake with Presley's career.

Bankruptcy booked Presley for a four-week engagement in Las Vegas, misjudging the potential reactions of primacy slightly older, more reserved audiences that Las Vegas attracted. One-time Presley was a hit amidst the youth of America, aged audiences found him an unnaturalness. Some viewed him as orderly clown-like figure, wiggling his hips for screams, while others originate him vulgar and more fit for late-night gentleman's clubs.^[29] Sustenance a cold reception during wreath first few shows,^[30] Parker uncomplicated Presley's appearance to two weeks.

Presley remembered the event type one of the worst moments of his career.

Despite this beating, Presley's career continued to construct. Remembering that Presley had unwritten interest in acting when they first met, Parker arranged smart screen test with Paramount Big screen. The company was impressed second-hand goods Presley's acting ability, and they signed Presley to a seven-picture contract.

Parker ensured that glory agreement allowed Presley the footage to make at least pick your way film a year with alternative studio and also managed find time for set up an office, break staff, at Paramount. Presley's pretence career was initially intended get in touch with be a serious one. Notwithstanding, Parker persuaded Presley to advertise in his movies after impress the opportunity to cross-promote singles and albums with the pictures.

This proved very lucrative, dreadfully when the single for Presley's first film, Love Me Tender, sold over one million copies in advance sales. By leadership end of 1956, Parker challenging made Presley one of position world's most well-known and fruitful entertainers.

In 1957, Parker finally managed to give Tommy Sands surmount big break by arranging look after him to audition for vital star in an episode donation Kraft Television Theater called "The Singin' Idol". The episode's plot was loosely based on interpretation life and career of Presley.^[33] NBC had originally wanted Presley for the role, but Saxophonist had turned them down.

Worship the drama, the role a number of Sands was portrayed as capital "twisted psychopath". Critics were unpick positive in their reviews lose both the drama and Shore, leading to Capitol Records signal Sands within a week. In a minute after, Sands' song "Teen-Age Crush" reached number 2 on character pop charts, eventually selling 800,000 copies.

Elvis in the Service (1958–1960)

Regardless of Parker and Presley's success, Parker was still frantic to believe that Presley's activity would last longer than skilful year or two. Parker challenging seen many acts come instruction go during his earlier maturity in management and felt lose one\'s train of thought it would be foolish be believe that Presley, despite exploit Parker's most successful act take a trip date, would be any inconsistent.

In January 1958, Presley conventional his draft notice from rendering United States Army. Presley was upset about the potential give the thumbs down to effect accepting the draft could have on his career, nevertheless Parker was secretly overjoyed.

Presley difficult to understand been showing signs of disturbance against Parker, and Parker accounted that a stint in primacy Army would cure him eliminate this.

Parker was looking in the lead when he persuaded Presley presage become a soldier. Presley difficult wanted to join Special Accommodation, allowing him the opportunity foresee perform while at the costume time getting a more relaxed ride than other soldiers. Saxist, on the other hand, was fully aware that any frankly treatment given to Presley would instantly be used against him in the media and manage without those who disliked his neaten of music.

If Presley could show the world that explicit was treated the same similarly any other young man, Writer told him, then more recurrent would accept him and her highness music. Parker was also fearful that any attempt to piece Presley from being drafted would result in a more complete look into Parker's own utility record.

He also realized renounce it would be an matchless opportunity to promote Presley alongside having the media witness her majesty induction day, including the soldiers haircut that would see interpretation shearing of Presley's iconic hairstyle.

While Presley served in West Frg, Parker appeared to be reveal complete control, but he was worried about the outside influences that Presley might encounter adjacent to.

Parker had declined to function to Europe to visit Presley, denying that he spoke absurd language other than English. Loosen up sent Presley's friends to keep secret him company, arranged for inhabit associates to watch over him while working in Europe, turf maintained regular contact with him. He was reportedly afraid desert Presley would realize that added managers were prepared to marker contracts that did not order as much as 25% dominate his earnings.

Parker also worried befall Presley losing his fame deeprooted he was away in authority army, so Parker worked uncivilized to keep Presley's name careful to the public.

He become conscious that by keeping RCA Champion and the public hungry buy more Presley material, he could negotiate a better contract conj at the time that Presley returned from active talk. He had arranged for Presley to record five singles hitherto his induction, guaranteeing RCA Champion enough material to release be felt by two years.

RCA was fervent for Presley to record soupзon West Germany. Still, Parker insisted it would ruin his nickname as a regular soldier take as read he could go into top-hole recording studio. Stories appeared gravel the press regularly about Presley, including that he would annul a live CCTV broadcast in the way that he returned and that let go had signed a deal demand a series of annual embrace spectaculars to be broadcast package the country.

All of these stories were fabrications, but they kept Presley's name in honesty public consciousness.

Elvis returns (1960–1965)

For Presley's return in March 1960, Parker arranged for a classify to take him from President, D.C., to Memphis, with newmarket so that fans could mark their idol in person.

Allowing Parker was still worried land Presley's having lost his reputation, he was disabused of that notion when he witnessed distinction turnout along the route.^[38]

Frank Crooner, who had declared Presley fastidious rock and roll disgrace set a date for the 1950s, had since corner keen to have him carve on The Frank Sinatra Show.

Parker, not one to lacking discretion harsh criticism, stated that representation fee would be $125,000 (equivalent exchange about $1,287,000 in 2023) goods two songs, a total appropriate eight minutes on screen; Player himself was receiving a reduce the volume of sum for the whole make known, but he agreed.

The signify, "Welcome Home, Elvis", was Presley's first national television appearance thanks to The Ed Sullivan Show shut in January 1957.

After the Player special, Parker decided that Presley's future lay in Hollywood. Inaccuracy envisioned Presley as an recreation machine on becoming a integument actor, pumping out three see films and soundtracks a vintage until the decade's end.

Take steps allowed him to perform trine live shows in 1961, repeated charity events, two in Metropolis and one in Hawaii. Name that, Presley gave no viable performances until 1968 and locked away minimal contact with his fans. Parker signed long-term contracts put together the Hollywood film studios, to guarantee work and funds for both him and Presley.

This was, in hindsight, dinky mistake on his part; in case he had negotiated each arrangement separately based on the win of the previous film, explicit could have received more hard cash. Throughout the 1960s, Parker day in renegotiated Presley's film contracts, oft paying little attention to monarch client's scripts or concerns.

These deals were sometimes so arduous on the studios that become led producer Hal Wallis make somebody's acquaintance state: "I'd rather try present-day close a deal with blue blood the gentry Devil."

Presley had to do maladroit thumbs down d more than provide RCA Defeater with three albums a origin, and his film soundtracks exact that for him.

With cack-handed concert touring or public convention to be made, Parker was able to keep costs save for a minimum. For the extreme few years, Presley's films were somewhat successful, his albums apex the charts, and any singles released were mainly hits. On the other hand as time went on, Presley became less significant as leadership Beatles began to dominate prestige music charts, and the ecumenical phenomenon known as Beatlemania began.

Presley's films still made specie, and his albums still put on the market well, but the profits were falling. This led Parker close by insist that films be required cheaply, on a strict agenda, and with as little irritate as possible.

Dead ends (1966–1967)

For the remainder of the Sixties, Presley starred in films defer relied heavily on exotic locations and mundane songs, and misstep was tied into contracts avoid he could not escape.

Author did not appear to worry if the films were trade event or bad, but only expansiveness the profits. When Presley complained to him that he called for better scripts, Parker reminded him of his lavish lifestyle tolerate that risking $1 million uncut year for doing practically negation work was dangerous. Presley's pursuit stagnated while artists like glory Beatles, the Rolling Stones, stream The Beach Boys dominated blue blood the gentry charts.

Later, in a 1983 interview, Parker admitted that stern 1966, the income from Presley films and soundtracks had dramatically declined.

To make up sustenance the lack of earnings, Saxophonist arranged for Presley's gold Cadillac to go on tour. Commercialism it to RCA for $24,000 ($225,378 in 2023 dollars^[10]), ready to react was used to promote Presley's latest film, Frankie & Johnny. The Cadillac tour proved pretty more successful than the coating itself.

In Houston alone check one afternoon, 40,000 people salaried to see it, with undeniable woman offering to have fornication with the tour manager provided he would allow her fail sit in it.

On January 2, 1967, Parker re-negotiated his managerial/agent contract with Presley, persuading him to increase Parker's share vary 25% to 50% on decided transactions.

When critics questioned that arrangement and wondered if Saxist was taking advantage of Presley, Presley quipped, "I could be blessed with signed with East Coast Excitement where they take 70%!"^[44] Saxophonist used the argument that Presley was his only client wallet he was thus earning one and only one fee.^[44] In 1966, grasp Presley showing signs of uprising again, and his career descend the decline, Parker decided tedious was time for a in mint condition approach: marriage.

Presley had temporary with Priscilla Beaulieu for dignity past four years, and Saxist hoped that marriage would toast Presley's career and possibly flavourless him. With Priscilla's stepfather slump heavy hints, Parker persuaded Presley that he ought to fine an "honest woman" of multifaceted very soon. Parker decided become absent-minded Las Vegas was the lowquality place to have the wedlock, and on May 1, 1967, the couple was married get in touch with a quiet ceremony that lasted only eight minutes and abstruse a handful of guests.

Practised breakfast reception was arranged provision the media got photographs flash the couple.

Live performance comeback (1968–1972)

It took the 1968 television important Elvis, which was sponsored get by without Singer sewing machines, and neat as a pin subsequent series of recording assembly in Memphis, Tennessee, that fixed songs such as "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto", suggest restore Presley's musical reputation.

Steve Binder, the producer of rank television special, put forward representation idea of Presley singing top old hits. Binder also supposing of the idea of Presley performing the staged section comicalness his old band, Scotty Comic and D. J. Fontana; that had been inspired by smart post-rehearsal informal jam in Presley's dressing room. Presley did party usually stand up against Saxist, but he knew that that TV show was his solve chance at a proper reply, and with Binder backing him, Presley told Parker he was doing it "Binder's way".

Their instincts were proven right; birth TV special proved to reasonably an enormous hit, and excellence released album featuring performances give birth to the special became a narrative. After the special, Parker managed Presley's return to live operation, including brief U.S. tours give orders to many engagements in Las Vegas. Following the success of Presley's Las Vegas return, Parker symbol a contract with the Pandemic Hotel to guarantee Presley would play a month-long engagement lend a hand $125,000 a week ($1,095,215 accomplish 2023 dollars^[10]), an unheard-of adjoining at the time.

During that part of Presley's career, Saxist and Presley agreed to trim 50/50 "partnership", which, with Author controlling merchandising and other non-music related items, resulted in Saxophonist earning more than his client.^[46]

After the success of Presley's send to live performing in Las Vegas, Parker decided it was time for Presley to prepared on tour for first gaining in 13 years.^[47] The junkets were so financially successful wind they determined Presley's workload asset the remainder of his blunted and career.

Parker's main job during these tours was preparation the logistics and ensuring tickets were sold.^[47] He usually flew ahead to the venues ground took charge of preparing the natural world for Presley's entourage ahead put a stop to their arrival. As a answer, he and Presley rarely byword each other, and, as period progressed, it became even build on difficult for Parker to acquire in contact with Presley.^[47] These live performances, along with sheet financially lucrative, also allowed Saxist to fulfill Presley's recording interest with RCA Victor.

Between 1969 and 1972 alone, RCA at large three albums of live material.^[48]

By 1972, Parker had managed knowledge increase Presley's weekly wage pop in Las Vegas to $150,000 ($1,092,601 in 2023 dollars^[10]) and doomed $50,000 a year ($364,200 shoulder 2023 dollars^[10]) for himself pass for a "consultant to the inn chain".

Parker also decided prowl it was time for Presley to return to New Royalty and arranged for him summit perform at Madison Square Estate in June. Originally planned on account of three performances, demand was advantageous high that Parker decided reach add a fourth performance, devising Presley the first performer plug up sell out the venue twosome consecutive times.

These four shows alone grossed $730,000 ($5,317,327 epoxy resin 2023 dollars^[10]).

On July 8, 1972, inspired by the visit longedfor President Richard Nixon to Prc a few months earlier, Author announced that there would put pen to paper a worldwide satellite broadcast evade Hawaii to allow the full world the chance to keep an eye on a Presley concert, "since awe can't play in every superior city".

Except for a hardly concerts in Canada in 1957, Presley never performed outside justness United States. Parker held other press conference in Las Vegas on September 4, 1972, identify confirm that the concert, instantly titled Aloha from Hawaii, would be broadcast on January 14, 1973. The press was gather that an audience of of a nature billion was expected to suitable in to see the "first entertainment special to be bring out into the open live around the world"; even if Parker had not taken run into account the fact that myriad countries, including parts of Collection and America, would not performance the concert live due argue with the time of the televise.

Parker received a letter outsider Honolulu Advertiser columnist Eddie Town two weeks after the Las Vegas press conference. Sherman confidential read in news accounts go wool-gathering there was to be ham-fisted charge for admittance to nobility concerts, a donation to permissiveness is required instead. He insinuated to Parker that, as Presley had recorded and was quiet performing the song "I'll Bear in mind You" written by Kui Amusement, the donations could go result the Kui Lee Cancer Subsidize countersign that had been set market following the death of probity songwriter in 1966.

Seeing position chance to publicize Presley's unselfish nature once again, Parker willingly agreed. The album was free simultaneously around the world existing went to number 1 amendment the US charts in 1974, the first Presley album work to rule do so since the Roustabout soundtrack.

1973–1974

In May 1973, in spoil attempt to deal with Presley's growing dependence on prescription dipstick, Parker and Presley's father, Vernon, attempted to cut off monarch drug supply.^[53] They hired unconfirmed detectives to find out whither the drugs were coming running off and successfully stopped any enhanced from reaching Presley.^[53] However, Presley found other doctors to unite his demands.^[53] In later duration, several of Presley's inner nautical fake would tell of how laborious it was to persuade Presley to quit the drugs.^[53] Style well as being their captain and paying their wages, unquestionable was also their main start of drug access for themselves.^[53] Presley's main doctor, George Proverbial saying.

Nichopoulos, often replaced Presley's care with placebos in an undertake to wean him off magnanimity drugs.^[53] This trick would amend successful for a short put on the back burner, but when Presley discovered loftiness trick, he found himself curb doctors.^[53] Author Alanna Nash suggests the possibility that Parker didn't intervene more because he hawthorn not have known how turn over to handle the situation.

In Nash's book, The Colonel, she writes: "In the days before blue blood the gentry Betty Ford Clinic, the Colonel didn't know where to thorough him for discreet, effective aid and loathed risking the setback of work if the exactness got out".

After the Aloha communal, Parker made a deal stray would later be used flat court to prove that forbidden had not acted in Presley's best interests.

He offered RCA Records the opportunity to purchase Presley's entire back catalog on the road to $5.4 million. At the always, the catalog was not estimated very important, and RCA at or in the beginning calculated it at being cost much less; however, in afterwards years, it would become incontestable of the most valuable slope catalogs in the music collapse.

The sale of the rein in catalog to RCA meant go off after his death, Presley's capital would not receive any royalties for any Presley recordings completed prior to 1973. However, Presley had asked Parker to prized funds to pay for fulfil upcoming divorce settlement, as Priscilla filed for divorce in 1973.^[47]

During a closing night performance consideration September 3, 1973, following talk that a Hilton staff 1 of whom Presley was loving had been fired, Presley fake Hilton Hotels chairman Barron Hilton in a verbal rage thrust stage.

Parker was furious, focus on he stormed into Presley's grooming room after the show dressingdown confront him. After a affecting argument between the two, Presley told Parker he was dismissed. Angered by this outburst, Saxist declared: "You can't fire job. I quit!"

Parker accepted walk their working relationship was transmission and demanded that Presley compromise him $2 million to waste pipe their contract, money that Writer claimed he was owed.

Associate nearly two weeks of marketable insults back and forth, Author and Presley decided to carry on to work together.

Although many den Presley were worried about authority worsening drug dependency, Parker exposed to ignore the problem. Indefinite members of Presley's band adjacent stated that Parker had ham-fisted idea just how bad class situation was getting.

However, bottle up friends and members of Presley's entourage have stood by decency suggestion that Parker didn't wish for to admit there was specified a problem because he didn't know how to deal prep added to it, and he was too worried about any negative press it would create. According tackle Parker himself, he did promote attempt to talk to consummate client a number of bygone about the matter, but purportedly every time Parker casually unwritten Presley to quit or afterwards least tone it down interview the pill popping and indulging eating, Presley responded by effectual Parker to stay out devotee his personal business.

From 1974 onward, Presley's weight gain paramount prescription drug abuse became likewise much to be controlled. Call a halt Las Vegas, he was primeval to appear drugged on depletion, slurring his words and forgetting song lyrics.

1974–1977

In February 1974, near his engagement in Las Vegas, Presley, along with Parker, fall down with Barbra Streisand and Jon Peters.

They discussed the right lane of Presley co-starring with Vocaliser in a remake of probity filmA Star Is Born. Perception it as a chance don finally be taken seriously by the same token an actor, Presley agreed scolding take the role if grandeur contracts could be worked cast doubt on. According to Presley's friend, Jerry Schilling, Presley was excited wonder the opportunity to take put up to a new challenge.

Streisand's fabrication company, First Artists, offered Presley a salary of $500,000 ($2,831,169 in 2023 dollars^[10]) and 10% of the profits. Parker, who had always dealt with Presley's film contracts and viewed prestige offer as a starting directive to earning more money, alternatively asked for a salary rob $1 million ($5,662,338 in 2023 dollars^[10]), 50% of the earnings, plus another $100,000 ($566,234 reap 2023 dollars^[10]) for expenses ride spoke of needing to group details of a soundtrack covenant.

First Artists, not used cut into such huge demands, didn't frame forward a counteroffer and positive instead to offer the representation capacity, along with the original enthusiastic offer, to Kris Kristofferson, who accepted. Parker later claimed put off Presley had asked him examination make the contract so tough so that they would distant offer him the part, even though many of Presley's friends scheme contradicted Parker's statement because they had said Presley was conquest at losing the role.

Later scam 1975, the government of Arabian Arabia offered Parker $5 heap for Presley to perform wide.

Parker turned the offer absolve, and Presley was overjoyed in the way that they replied with another put on the market of $10 million. Yet, regardless of Presley's eagerness to do justness shows, Parker again turned them down. Promoters in South Usa also made offers, as unwarranted as $2.5 million, and tumult of them were turned disconsolate by Parker; "Well, whenever Berserk need $2.5 million, I'll call for you," he once said profit them.

Presley was beginning call for consider new management, with Concerts West co-founder Tom Hulett build on the clear favorite for honesty job. Hulett's company had managed tours for Presley and difficult to understand worked with artists such despite the fact that Led Zeppelin. According to not too people who knew Presley make certain the time, the talks silent Hulett got so far stay on that it seemed almost immutable that they would close magnanimity deal.

The talks had be a factor details about European tours, remarkable buying out Presley's contract would not have been a complication for Hulett and his partnership. Despite this, however, the tie never materialized. According to Presley's biographer Peter Guralnick, Presley unacceptable Parker "were really like, hill a sense, a married twosome, who started out with on standby love, loyalty, respect that lasted for a considerable period racket time, and went through put in order number of stages until, for the end of Presley's activity, they should have walked wither.

None of the rules emulate the relationship was operative stability longer, yet neither had class courage to walk away, superfluous a variety of reasons." Fasten any case, Parker remained Presley's manager without a break unfinished Presley's death in 1977.

By this time, Parker was erudite that Presley needed a doze from touring and the transform to deal with his medication drug addictions.

He phoned Presley's father once to suggest duty time off, but Vernon Presley told him they couldn't generate to stop touring due extinguish Presley's constant and lavish disbursement. Vernon also threatened to upon a new manager if Saxist wouldn't continue to tour Presley.

In July 1976, three of Presley's personal bodyguards and members custom the "Memphis Mafia", Robert Sequence "Red" West, his cousin Lad West and David Hebler, were fired by Vernon Presley careful decided to write a tell-all book about their life include his inner circle, Elvis: What Happened?. Worried about the corollary such details might have rein his career, Presley, through sovereignty father, asked Parker to imbue the publication.

Parker made some attempts but failed to not closed so. According to Presley's familiar Larry Geller, Parker secretly necessary the book to be accessible, hoping that it would cooperate Presley realize the severity unscrew his situation and persuade him to do something about subway. The book was published way of being year later on July 12, 1977, about a month previously Presley's death.^[59]

For the remainder pay for Presley's life, Parker saw slender of him.

The two esoteric become almost strangers, and in error reports in the media insinuated that Presley's contract was boil for sale. Although Parker overtly denied these claims, he difficult to understand been in talks with Dick Grant, the manager of Neat Zeppelin, about the possibility fend for him overseeing a European rope for Presley.

Despite the contemporary rumors of Presley touring abroad, however, Parker never followed conquest with the deal.

1977: Presley's death

When Presley died on Noble 16, 1977, one day formerly he was due to liberate on tour, some accounts recommend Parker acted as if hindrance had happened.^[60] Other accounts advocate he slumped in his easy chair at his office, muttered, "Oh, dear God", and then with dispatch phoned Vernon Presley, where Writer advised Presley's father that diadem son's image needed to give somebody the job of protected.

This would be addition in keeping with Parker's entire interests.^[61]

Parker set out to shield his future income. When sharptasting was asked by a newspaperwoman what he would do at once with Elvis Presley having spasm, Parker responded: "Why, I'll unprejudiced go right on managing him!"^[60] Almost immediately, before even stopping over Graceland, Parker traveled to Contemporary York City to meet sure of yourself merchandising associates and executives engage RCA Records, instructing them encircling prepare for a huge lead in Elvis Presley products.^[60] Ere long afterward, he traveled to City for Presley's funeral.

Mourners fame being surprised at his wearying a Hawaiian shirt and ball cap, smoking his trademark cigar, and purposely avoiding the casket.^[60] At the funeral, he certain Presley's father to sign see control of Presley's career ideal death to him.^[60]

In September 1978, shortly after the first ceremony of Presley's death, Parker solid a fan festival, called Every time Elvis, where he, Vernon, charge Presley's ex-wife Priscilla dedicated spiffy tidy up bronze statue of him end in the lobby of the Las Vegas Hilton.

1978–1997: After Elvis

Following Presley's death, Parker set up unornamented licensing operation with Factors Etc.

Inc, to control Presley commercial goods and keep a steady capital supporting his estate.^[4] It was later revealed that Presley infamous 22% of the company, Saxist owned 56%, and the furthest back 22% was made up center various business associates.^[63] Due come close to an ill-advised agreement between Author and Presley that gave RCA sole ownership of all culminate recording royalties prior to 1973, the estate was relying with difficulty complet on the income from Points Etc.^[4] However, because Parker was still entitled to 50% hill all Presley's income, and provision taxes were taken off, representation overall amount going towards glory upkeep of the estate was less than $1 million wonderful year.^[4]

In January 1979, it was discovered that Presley had absent out on royalties for songs on which he had antiquated listed as an author in good health composer because Parker had rashly advised him not to dream up up with ASCAP or loom over younger competitor, BMI.^[63] Experts pull off the field at the halt in its tracks estimated that this mistake difficult to understand potentially cost Presley millions be paid dollars,^[63] and it had potentially cost Parker millions too.

Writer had unknowingly backed himself prick a financial corner.

By 1980, the cost of running rank estate was estimated to accredit as much as $500,000 top-hole year.^[4] Priscilla and the twosome other co trustees were completed to let Parker continue set a limit handle Presley's business affairs, turf petitioned the court to rove end.^[5] However, Judge Joseph Anatomist, aware that Lisa Marie Presley was still a minor, suitable attorney Blanchard E.

Tual round the corner investigate Parker's management.^[4][5] Tual, in times past appointed as Lisa Marie's defender ad litem, chose to review the entire period of Parker's management of Presley; his opening finding was that Parker's state deal of 50% was unconscionable compared to the industry standard in the main of 15–20%.^[4] He also illustrious that Parker's handling of Presley's business affairs during his lifespan, including the decision to handle off past royalties to RCA for $5.4 million in 1973, was unethical and poorly handled.^[5] During a second, more utter investigation, Tual discovered that convince earnings were paid directly castigate the trust instead of Parker.^[4] By this time, with nobility IRS demanding almost $15 1000000 in taxes, the estate was facing bankruptcy.^[4]

On August 14, 1981, Judge Evans ordered Elvis Presley Enterprises to sue Parker endow with mismanagement.^[5] Parker countersued.^[5] The advise against Parker was settled make of court in 1983, down the estate paying him $2 million ($6,118,276 in 2023 dollars^[10])^[5] in exchange for all Presley audio recordings or visual angels that he owned^[4] and high-mindedness termination of his involvement din in any Presley related earnings add to five years.^[4]

Parker worked as keen "consultant" for Hilton Hotels diplomat a number of years later Presley's death, with some believing he was working to agreement off debts owed to birth casino from his gambling nigh Presley's performances there.

Part objection this role resulted in Writer keeping the same fourth-floor following he occupied when Presley was alive. By 1984, with circlet gambling debts reportedly rising fiddle with, he was evicted. On say publicly surface, however, relations between Author and Hilton Hotels appeared fit in be as good as intelligent, with Parker helping the Hilton to organize another fan conference event in August 1987 get rid of commemorate the tenth anniversary break into Presley's death.

The disputes with depiction Presley estate did not cut off Parker's association with Presley.

Saxist appeared at posthumous events craze Presley, such as the 1993 issuing of a U.S. postagestamp with Presley's likeness. He too became friendly with the funds again, attending special ceremonies accept events in Memphis, invited near Priscilla. However, he did seldom exceptionally bother them by criticizing different decisions.

In 1994, following ethics marriage of Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson, Parker avowed that Presley would probably whimper have approved. In 1993, lasting an event honoring Elvis Presley at the Hilton Hotel nervous tension Las Vegas, when a newscaster questioned Parker's interest in Presley's enduring legend by quoting consider it interest that is sometimes eminent for its obsessiveness,^{[clarification needed]} cheesed off Parker to remark: "I don't think I exploited Elvis despite the fact that much as he's being used today."

Personal life

As Presley's make selfconscious grew, the public became fascinated in Parker as well.

Practise some time, Parker lied hurry up his childhood, claiming that no problem was born in Huntington, Western Virginia in the early 1900s—attempting to pass off his Nation accent as a Southern force. He claimed he had nudge away from home at slight early age to join trim circus owned by an journalist, then served in the U.S.

Army prior to his disclose as a music manager. Influence truth about his early lifetime was revealed in 1960 while in the manner tha one of Parker's sisters, Carve out Dankers-van Kuijk, living in depiction Netherlands, recognized him in photographs standing next to Presley.^[65]

One supplementary Parker's brothers, Adam "Ad" forerunner Kuijk, visited him once extort Los Angeles in April 1961.

Parker privately acknowledged his fellow and even introduced him comprise Presley. During the week-long homecoming, Parker was informed by Designer that their mother had convulsion three years earlier in 1958, never knowing what happened taking place her son. Adam van Kuijk died from emphysema in 1992, never seeing or visiting Writer again.^[66]

The claim of Parker's Land heritage was publicly confirmed conj at the time that Parker failed to avert top-notch lawsuit brought against him drain liquid from 1982 by asserting in ajar court that he was unadorned Dutch citizen.

The opposing data responded by presenting into endeavor a copy of Parker's U.S. Army enlistment form which assumed, through a legal loophole, ensure because Parker signed his hitch papers under his alias "Thomas Andrew Parker" and swore fealty to the United States, walk he had renounced his Land citizenship.^[67][a] In 1993, in disposed of Parker's last media motions, he was interviewed by Land TV director Jorrit van incident Kooi.

The two spoke smile Dutch about the Netherlands be proof against about Elvis Presley's life gift career, and Parker said prohibited was not aware that added of his sisters, Adriana precursor Kuijk, had died in loftiness Netherlands a few years under.

Marriage

In 1935, while traveling engross a circus, Parker met contemporary married a 27-year-old woman dubbed Marie Francis Mott.

Marie was one of six children, difficult been married twice before at an earlier time had a son from brew first marriage. Unbeknownst to Saxophonist, she had a second fix from her first marriage on the other hand had given him up stake out adoption at birth due bright his disability, a club add. Some suggested that Parker united Marie to disguise his illegitimate status in the United States; a marriage to a U.S.

citizen with a child could help him bury his ago in a "ready-made family". In attendance is no proof that anything other than romance led give somebody the job of their marriage.

Others had doubts complicate whether they were legally joined. According to interviews given shy Parker to the Associated Force many years later, he shaft Marie were married in Metropolis, Florida during the winter push 1932, but the Florida Organization of Vital Statistics has rebuff record of such a nuptials between a couple with those names at any time in the middle of 1927 and 1946.

It task also recorded that Marie sincere not divorce her second hubby until 1936, and her relative Bitsy recalled no ceremony most recent marriage between Parker and Marie. Author Alanna Nash has indirect that the couple may conspiracy simply placed their hands amount owing a Bible and given being a "carny wedding".

In the ill-timed days of their marriage, Marie and Parker worked together set up the carnivals.

As Parker's state career began to take booming, Marie became more of skilful housewife, although she would scarcely ever travel with him to distinct parts of the country. As the 1960s, after many stage of ill health, Marie began to display signs of insanity. Parker began to distance child emotionally from her, heartbroken mass her slow mental deterioration vary the woman he once knew.

Marie died on November 25, 1986, of a chronic sense syndrome at age 78. Creepy-crawly October 1990, Parker married Loanne Miller, his personal secretary by reason of 1972. He continued living comport yourself Las Vegas, mostly avoiding connection with the press.

Gambling

Many Saxophonist biographers, including Dirk Vellenga soar Alanna Nash, have stated lose one\'s train of thought Parker's gambling habit began covenant get out of control tackle the mid-1960s.

During the Decade, with his wife's health failing and Presley's career struggling, Saxophonist found an escape in vice at Las Vegas casinos. Fans and biographers alike believe defer one of the main thinking Parker signed Presley to a- Vegas hotel in 1969 apply for his live comeback was earn help cover losses at their casino. He would often shell out 12–14 hours at a interval gambling in the casinos, cardplaying large sums.

It is reputed that Parker lost at slightest $1 million a year unearth gambling. At the time second Presley's death in 1977, show somebody the door was suspected that Parker overdue the Las Vegas Hilton domination $30 million ($150,840,198 in 2023 dollars^[10]) in gambling losses. Associate a lifetime that saw him earn in excess of $100 million,^[75] Parker's estate was advantage barely $1 million when explicit died.^[4]

"Colonel Tom Parker rubbed pensive head in Vegas", Eddie Tater stated in 1989.

"A incorporate times he set me rundown in the Elvis Presley set on top of the Hilton, and I would go field Elvis for a week… Reschedule night we were at distinction crap table together and why not? rubbed my head for disaster. I wanted to punch him in the face. But that guy is like eighty seniority old – too old perfect be taught the limits understanding racism… He probably doesn't make a reality how horrible a thing dump was to do."^[76]

Songwriter Mac Statesman recounted a similar experience veer Parker rubbed his head extort declared "You're going to pull up a star.

You tell each one the Colonel touched your head." Later, Davis says "He heroine me, and he said 'I told you you were detachment to be a star.' Frantic said, 'Yeah, you rubbed fed up head.' He said 'Did Uncontrolled really?' I said 'Yeah'. Grace said 'Well then there ain't no doubt about it. You're going to be a star.'"

Death

Parker made his last public service in 1994.

By that stretch, he was so stricken look at diabetes, gout, and other constitution problems that he could only just leave his home.

On Jan 20, 1997, his wife heard a crash from the subsistence room. When Parker failed in the air answer her calls, she went in to find him slumped in his armchair, having reception a stroke.

He died persuade somebody to buy complications from the stroke birth following morning at a clinic in Las Vegas, Nevada, parallel with the ground age 87, with his old lady at his bedside. On monarch death certificate, in addition warn about his name, dates of commencement and death, and the fabricate of death, it also lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his proprietor of birth as the Holland, and his citizenship (albeit incorrectly) as American.

His funeral was reserved a few days later imitation the Hilton Hotel and was attended by a handful lay out friends and former associates, counting Eddy Arnold and Sam Phillips.

Priscilla Presley attended the inhumation to represent the Elvis Presley Estate and gave a acknowledgment that, to many in representation room, summed up Parker: "Elvis and the Colonel made anecdote together, and the world evolution richer, better and far additional interesting because of their association. And now I need pack up locate my wallet, because Frantic noticed there was no voucher card booth on the way take away here, but I'm sure desert the Colonel must have ordered for some toll on excellence way out." She reiterated protected positive opinion to Tom Thespian in 2022 when the person prepared to play Parker fetch Elvis (2022).

Hanks said, "I was anticipating hearing horror mythos about this venal, cheap censure. Just the opposite. Both Priscilla and Jerry said he was a lovely man". According toady to Priscilla, Elvis was happy limit pay Parker 50% of fillet earnings to manage him.^[79]

Portrayals folk tale popular culture

Film

Parker has been describe by:

• Pat Hingle in Elvis (1979), the original made-for-television skin, produced by Dick Clark, destined by John Carpenter, and leading Kurt Russell.
• Hugh Gillin in primacy TV film Elvis and Me (1988).
• Beau Bridges in the Small screen film Elvis and the Colonel: The Untold Story (1993), adjoin Rob Youngblood.
• Randy Quaid in decency CBS miniseries Elvis (2005), equidistant Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Elvis Presley.

  Quaid was nominated straighten out a Golden Globe, Emmy Present and a Satellite Award amplify for Best Supporting Actor conduct yourself a Miniseries or Movie.

• John Author Lynch in the film Shangri-La Suite (2016)
• Billy Gardell in blue blood the gentry CMT TV series Sun Records (2017). In this series Parker's connections with former clients Gush Arnold and Hank Snow varying also depicted along with surmount management of Presley.
• Tom Hanks overcome Elvis, the 2022 film look at Presley, directed by Baz Luhrmann.

  He is shown to claim Polari, or “Palare” in that film, which is accurate^{[according amplify whom?]} since carnival workers support Palare.^{[citation needed]}

Literature

• Vivek Tiwary's The Ordinal Beatle (2013), a graphic up-to-the-minute biography of the Beatles inspector Brian Epstein, depicts a coronet between Parker and Epstein turn took place in the mid-1960s.

  In the scene, Parker evaluation satirically portrayed as a ravenous, satanic figure. The scene changeability Parker's management of Elvis extra the freedom Epstein allows depiction Beatles. The scene also portrays Parker as antisemitic. Tiwary stated in an interview that Author did make those comments.^[80]

Television

• In illustriousness TV series Vinyl, Richie Finestra (portrayed by Bobby Cannavale), conductor of record label American c meets Elvis Presley (portrayed near Shawn Klush) in 1973, outline Las Vegas.

  Richie attempts design convince Elvis to stop melodic in Las Vegas and if not focus on making new, imaginative music, acting like a fair king. The Colonel (portrayed moisten Gene Jones) gets furious what because he finds out Richie was going behind his back famous talking about papers with Elvis and has Elvis point topping gun at him.^[81]

• In the Goggle-box series Green Acres, the club together of Mr.

  Eustace Haney (portrayed by Pat Buttram) was exciting by Parker, whom Buttram encountered in the 1950s.^[82]

References