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"Last Train to Memphis". I said, 'Yeah, you rubbed my head.' [9] He began to build up a list of contacts that would prove valuable in later years. [53], From 1974 onward, Presley's weight gain and prescription drug abuse became too much to be controlled. Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 02:32, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Tom Parker Is Dead at 87; Controlled Presley's Career", "Colonel Parker Managed Elvis' Career, but Was He a Killer on the Lam? Colonel Tom Parker was born in Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands in June 1909 and passed away in January 1997. In the early 80s, an investigation was launched into Parker's management of Presley. He also worked to maintain Presley's estate, which was estimated to have cost around $500,000 a year in upkeep. In 1977, Elvis died of a heart attack at only 42. At the time of Presley's death in 1977, it was suspected that Parker owed the Las Vegas Hilton over $30 million ($134,151,565 in 2021 dollars[11]) in gambling losses. Attorney Blanchard E. Tual concluded that Parker's deal of taking 50% of the singer's profits was extortionate, as the industry standard was closer to 15-20%. [4] From about 1931 until 1938, he worked as a "carny" with Royal American Shows. [44] At the time, Presley's back catalog was not considered very important and RCA initially calculated it at being worth much less, but in later years it would become one of the most valuable record catalogs in the music business. [41], On January 2, 1967, Parker re-negotiated his managerial/agent contract with Presley, persuading him to increase Parker's share from 25% to 50% on certain transactions. [4] During the 1960s, with his wife's health deteriorating, and Presley's career struggling, Parker found an escape with gambling at Las Vegas casinos. [16] Sholes showed little interest in Sands, but promised that he would attempt to find songs Sands might be able to record. [37] For the first few years Presley's films were somewhat successful, his albums topped the charts, and any singles that were released were mostly hits. [16] In the drama, the role of Sands was portrayed as a "twisted psychopath". [43], It took the energetic 1968 television special Elvis, which the Singer Company sponsored, and a subsequent series of acclaimed recording sessions in Memphis, Tennessee, that included songs such as "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto", to restore Presley's musical reputation. He realized that by keeping RCA Victor, and more importantly the public, hungry for more Presley material, he would be able to negotiate a better contract when Presley returned from active service. [14] The job not only offered him a secure wage, it also offered a rent-free apartment above the Humane Society in a remote part of West Tampa for him and his family. Presley remembered the event as one of the worst moments of his career. After being discharged, Parker returned to carnival work, working as a carnie with Royal American Shows from 1931 to 1938. Elvis was given a spot in the Louisiana Hayride, a radio show, and Colonel Parker knew that this young lad could prove to be a dark horse. However, other friends and members of Presley's entourage have stood by the suggestion that Parker didn't want to admit there was such a problem because he didn't know how to deal with it, and he was also worried about any negative publicity it would create. There, he worked at carnivals. Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and musical entrepreneur who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death in 1997. He is also said to have had gambling debts of up to $30 million at different times. Parker, who was born in the Netherlands, entered the United States illegally when he was 20 years old. [49] Seeing the chance to publicize Presley's charitable nature once again, Parker eagerly agreed. Col. Tom Parker, the former carnival barker who helped guide Elvis Presley to stardom, died Tuesday of complications from a . [5] However, Judge Joseph Evans, aware that Lisa Marie Presley was still a minor, appointed attorney Blanchard E. Tual to investigate Parker's management. Net Worth: $1 Million. Parker's main role during these tours was to plan the logistics and make sure tickets were sold. [55] The book was published one year later on July 12, 1977, one month before Presley's death. [4] Priscilla and the Trust were prepared to let Parker continue to handle Presley's business affairs, and petitioned the court to that end. . Parker made his last public appearances in 1994. Colonel Tom Parker's home (former), 409 Park Ridge Avenue, Temple Terrace, Fl. In January 1958 Presley received his draft notice from the United States Army. [50] As well as being their employer and paying their wages, he was also their main source of access to drugs for themselves. Parker encountered Presley in 1955, and by 1956 had become his primary representative. Parker then managed a series of highly successful tours for Presley. "[56] Almost immediately, before even visiting Graceland, Parker traveled to New York City to meet with merchandising associates and executives with RCA Records, instructing them to prepare for a huge demand in Presley products. Elvis Presley & Colonel Parker. The claim of Parker's Dutch heritage was publicly confirmed when Parker unsuccessfully tried to avert a lawsuit brought against him in 1982 by asserting in open court that he was a Dutch citizen. [15], Parker immediately went to work to find a new label for Presley. Net Worth: $1 Million; Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) What is Colonel Tom Parker worth? In May 1973, in an attempt to deal with Presley's growing dependence on prescription drugs, Presley's father, Vernon, and Parker attempted to cut off his supply. At the time of his death, Elvis was only worth . Stick around for t. 2. Answer (1 of 2): In addition to what is noted in the other answer, he had legal disputes with the Presley estate but ultimately continued to earn money from Elvis's legacy. [15] However, RCA Victor producer Steve Sholes was convinced that Presley's style of music would be a huge hit with the right label, and he began talks with Parker. Parker was consequently sent to solitary confinement. [4], "Colonel Tom Parker rubbed my head in Vegas", Eddie Murphy stated in 1989. June 30, 2022. Thomas Andrew Parker (born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk; June 26, 1909 - January 21, 1997), commonly known as Colonel Parker, was a Dutch musical entrepreneur, best known for being Elvis Presley's manager.. Parker, who was born in the Netherlands, entered the United States illegally when he was 20 years old. He also reportedly had as much as $30 million worth of gambling debts at various times in his life. [26] By the summer Presley had become one of the most famous new faces of the year, causing excitement among the new teenage audience and outrage among some older audiences and religious groups. Presley's first manager was Scotty Moore, the guitarist in his band, who was encouraged by Sun Records owner Sam Phillips to become Presley's manager to protect Elvis from unscrupulous music promoters. He was best known for being the manager of Elvis Presley. [15] RCA Victor, Hank Snow's current label, also showed an interest, but they were put off by the cost of the contract. The contract, dated July 12, 1954, eight days after their first recording session, was signed by Presley and his parents. He . In the 1950s, he helped Elvis Presley become a big star. Burial. Parker returned to the U.S . Breda, Breda Municipality, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. [16] He arranged live appearances and became something of a father figure to the then-15-year-old Sands. By 1984, with his gambling debts reportedly rising again, he was evicted. "[42] Parker used the argument that Presley was his only client and he was thus earning only one fee.[42]. [33] He also realized that it would be a great opportunity to promote Presley by having the media witness his induction day, including the Army haircut that would see the most famous hair style in the world destroyed.[33]. [49] The album was released simultaneously around the world, and went to number 1 on the US charts, the first Presley album to do so since the Roustabout soundtrack, in 1964. In reality, Nash told USA Today that Presley would "never do that." Presley apparently never knew that Parker wasn't . p. 258. Tom Hanks describes the larger-than-life character he portrays in the new Baz Luhrmann film, "Elvis," which opens in theaters next Friday. His origins were steeped in mystery. Tom was born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in the Netherlands on June 26, 1909, but emigrated illegally to the United States when he was 20. [46], On July 8, 1972, inspired by the visit of President Richard Nixon to China a few months earlier,[47] Parker announced that there would be a worldwide satellite broadcast from Hawaii to allow the whole world the chance to see a Presley concert, "since it is impossible for us to play in every major city". [53] Several members of Presley's band later stated that Parker had no idea just how bad the situation was getting. "[70], Songwriter Mac Davis recounted a similar experience where Parker rubbed his head and declared "You're going to be a star. When he came out, he suffered from a psychosis that led to a brief stay at a mental ward, causing him to be discharged from the Army. and he died worth only US$1,000,000. At the time of Elvis' death, he was worth just $5 million, a relatively-modest amount considering his enormous level of success and fame. [14] Parker decided against registering, possibly to prevent his previous Army record from becoming public. Colonel Tom Parker Net in death: Despite earning more than $ 100 million during his lifetime, at the time of his death Colonel Tom Parker was worth less than $ 1 million. Published Jan. 22, 1997 | Updated Sep. 30, 2005. During this time, Parker also served as a field agent for the Hillsborough County Humane Society, helping to raise funds and awareness for its work. [52] In Las Vegas, he was starting to appear drugged on stage, slurring his words and forgetting song lyrics. [14] With the Society in need of funds, Parker set about using his promotional experience to raise money and awareness for the shelter. The Colonel was involved in Elvis' music career from very early on. [52], Although many around Presley were worried about his worsening drug dependency, Parker appeared to ignore the problem. [14] Parker served in the peacetime army as a precondition for taking advantage of that stipulation, but he never subsequently applied to become a citizen. "[24], With his first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", in 1956,[25] Presley became a recording star. . [50] In later years, several of Presley's inner circle would tell of how difficult it was to persuade Presley to quit the drugs. He was previously married to Loanne Miller and Marie Frances Mott. [16] Remembering his previous experience with Sands, Sholes dismissed Sands as a viable replacement for Presley.[16]. He also assisted Jimmie Davis' campaign to become Governor of Louisiana. Due to his years of excessive spending and being bilked by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis' estate was . [21] In return for a larger financial stake in the deal, Neal agreed not to renew his management contract with Presley after it expired in March 1956,[22] allowing Parker the opportunity to claim the job for himself. [65] However, there is no definite proof that anything other than romance led to their marriage. [35] All of these stories were fabrications, but it kept his name in view of the public. But as time went on, as the Beatles began their dominance of the music charts and the worldwide phenomenon known as Beatlemania began, Presley became less significant. Following this, Neal chose not to renew his management contract with Presley, leaving Parker as the singer's sole manager. In 1973, Parker had one of his greatest coups with Presley's "Aloha from Hawaii" concert, which was broadcast worldwide from Hawaii. But the Colonel quickly got to work, starting as Elvis' advisor before they signed a contract giving him sole rights . Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and music businessman. Col. Tom Parker dies. Potomac, was going to be salvaged. The 30th Anniversary of the revelation to Elvis' estate that Colonel Parker was still fleecing his client. [33] If Presley could show the world that he the same as any other young man, Parker told him, then more people would accept him and his music. Submit a correction suggestion and help us fix it! For a time, Parker lied about his childhood, claiming to have been born in Huntington, West Virginia, in the early 1900s to explain his Dutch accent as being a Southern accent, and to have run away from home at an early age to join a circus owned by an uncle before serving in the U.S. Army prior to his involvement with being a music manager. [37] Parker signed long-term contracts with the film studios,[39] possibly to guarantee work and income for both him and Presley. None of the rules of the relationship was operative any longer, yet neither had the courage to walk away, for a variety of reasons." What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? At the time, many people predicted that he would have a long and lucrative career . After a heated argument between the two, Presley told Parker he was fired. Even Tom Hanks thought he was an odd choice to play Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker in . [4] By this time, with the IRS demanding almost $15 million in taxes, the estate was facing bankruptcy. [48], Aloha from Hawaii proved to be the last great moment in Presley's career. Colonel Tom Parker's Lack of Money. In the 60s, Mott started showing signs of dementia, causing Parker to distance himself from her and find refuge in gambling. He cared about making sure that his boy didn't just have a million dollars worth of talent . Colonel Tom Parker passed away on January 21, 1997 at 87 years old.Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth. [48] Two weeks after the Las Vegas press conference Parker received a letter from Honolulu Advertiser columnist Eddie Sherman. Austin had spent much of his fortune on partying, cars, mansions, and women, and his popularity had been eclipsed by other singers, such as Bing Crosby. Blues," "Wild in the Country," "Blue Hawaii," "Viva Las Vegas," "Paradise, Hawaiian Style," "Clambake," and "Change of Habit." The two had become almost strangers, and false reports in the media suggested that Presley's contract was up for sale. to control the singer's merchandise. 3. [51] In her book, The Colonel, she writes: "in the days before the Betty Ford Clinic, the Colonel didn't know where to take him for discreet, effective help and loathed risking the loss of work if the truth got out". He also influenced his decisions to join the military and marry Priscilla, among other . The truth about his early years was revealed in 1960 when one of Parker's sisters, Nel Dankers-van Kuijk, living in the Netherlands, recognized him in photographs standing next to Presley. The premises had been ransacked in search of money. Tt was this, rather than his entrance into the Army or the later death of Gladys, from which Presley never truly recovered and which ultimately killed him. [53] Despite this, however, the deal never materialized. [4], Parker had worked as a "consultant" for Hilton Hotels since Presley's death,[60] with some believing he was working to pay off debts owed to the casino from his gambling during Presley's performances there. Austin offered Parker the opportunity to move to Nashville, Tennessee, where music was becoming a big business, but for reasons unknown Parker turned him down. This proved very lucrative, especially when the single for Presley's first film, Love Me Tender, sold over one million copies in advance sales. Presley's acting career was originally intended to be a serious one, but after seeing a chance to cross-promote singles and albums with the films, Parker persuaded Presley to sing in his films. [56] Other accounts suggest he slumped in his chair at his office, muttered, "Oh, dear God", and then quickly phoned Vernon Presley, where Parker advised Presley's father that his son's image needed to be protected. In early 1929, a 23-year-old newlywed woman, Anna van den Enden, was found beaten to death in the living quarters behind a greengrocer store. Just the opposite. By 1980, the cost of running the estate was estimated to be as much as $500,000 a year. As a reward, Davis gave him the honorary rank of "colonel" in the Louisiana State Militia.[2][3]. [14] In 1945, Parker became Arnold's full-time manager, signing a contract for 25% of his earnings. Colonel Tom Parker was astonished to hear that Elvis Presley was a white man. He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. Presley's career stagnated while artists like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys dominated the charts. In 1955, Parker and Memphis radio personality Bob Neal began promoting the young up-and-coming singer Elvis Presley. [53] Seeing it as a chance to finally be taken seriously as an actor, Presley agreed to take the role if the contracts could be worked out. [55] As with all the talk about Presley touring overseas, Parker never followed through with the deal.