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The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Rise and Fall of the King of Rock and Roll

Richard Adams

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Published in The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story Of Colonel Tom Parker And Elvis Presley

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The relationship between Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic in music history. Parker, a Dutch immigrant with a background in carnival promotion, became Presley's manager in 1955 and guided his career for the next two decades. Together, they created one of the most successful and iconic musical partnerships of all time. However, their relationship was also marked by controversy and conflict, and it eventually ended in a bitter legal battle.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley. We will explore their early lives, their rise to fame, and the complex and often tumultuous relationship that they shared. We will also discuss the lasting impact that Parker had on Presley's career and legacy.

The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley

by Alanna Nash

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2985 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	416 pages

Early Lives

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. He was the son of Gladys and Vernon Presley, and he had one older brother, Jesse. Presley's family was poor, and they lived in a two-room shotgun house. Presley began singing at an early age, and he was influenced by a variety of musical styles, including gospel, blues, and country.

Colonel Tom Parker was born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in Breda, Netherlands, on June 26, 1909. His father was a shoemaker, and his mother was a housewife. Parker had a difficult childhood, and he left home at a young age. He worked as a carnival barker and a dance promoter before eventually settling in the United States.

Meeting and Partnership

Presley and Parker first met in 1955 at a concert in Louisiana. Parker was immediately impressed by Presley's talent, and he offered to become his manager. Presley agreed, and the two men quickly formed a close bond. Parker was a shrewd businessman, and he helped Presley to develop his career. He negotiated a recording contract with RCA Victor, and he booked Presley on a series of successful tours.

Presley quickly became one of the most popular singers in the world. His music was loved by people of all ages and backgrounds, and he was dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll." Parker played a major role in Presley's success. He controlled every aspect of his career, from his music to his image. He also protected Presley from the media and other outside influences.

The Rise and Fall of Presley

Presley's career reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s. He starred in several successful movies, and he had a number of hit songs. However, his career began to decline in the 1970s. He became addicted to prescription drugs, and he was often overweight and unhealthy.

Parker tried to help Presley overcome his problems. However, his efforts were often unsuccessful. Presley eventually died of a heart attack on August 16, 1977. He was just 42 years old.

The Aftermath

Presley's death was a huge shock to his fans and to the music world. Parker was left as his sole executor, and he controlled Presley's estate for many years. He also continued to promote Presley's music and image. However, Parker's relationship with Presley's family became increasingly strained.

In 1982, Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, filed a lawsuit against Parker. She claimed that he had mismanaged her father's estate and that he had cheated her out of millions of dollars. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court.

Parker died in 1997 at the age of 87. He was a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he played a major role in Elvis Presley's career.

Parker's Legacy

Parker was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a shrewd businessman, but he was also a ruthless manipulator. He was loyal to Presley, but he also exploited him. Parker's legacy is still debated today. Some people believe that he was a great manager who helped Presley to achieve his full potential. Others believe that he was a greedy con man who took advantage of a vulnerable young man.

Ultimately, Parker's legacy is a mixed one. He was a brilliant businessman who helped to create one of the most successful music careers of all time. However, he was also a flawed individual who made some questionable decisions. Despite his flaws, Parker undoubtedly played a major role in Elvis Presley's life and career.

The story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley is a fascinating one. It is a story of ambition, success, and tragedy. Parker was a complex and enigmatic figure, and his relationship with Presley was a complex and often tumultuous one. However, there is no doubt that Parker played a major role in Presley's career and legacy.

Photo Captions:

Figure 1: Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker in 1956.

Figure 2: Elvis Presley performing on stage in the 1950s.

Figure 3: Colonel Tom Parker in the 1970s.

Figure 4: Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion.

The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley

by Alanna Nash

4.5 out of 5