THE COLONEL

[@ISMAELCHAVEZ3RD]

Elvis Presley would have still been the greatest entertainer to ever live without Tom Parker Because God gave Elvis Presley all of his talent

[@seanohare5488]

I totally agree

[@barbarabreunis7788]

There are many great singers that nobody knows of, because they don't have a (good) manager.

[@patriciamiller7236]

@@barbarabreunis7788 but they arn't Elvis, Elvis would be a star regardless of who his manager was

[@taramattiemanieram6222]

Tom Parker make it seems to every one as if he made Elvis lol Tom is a strip shades

[@kelbrian3307]

Not a truer word....

[@joblessbum7]

After Elvis died and before the funeral, the colonel had Vernon Presley sign a new contract over merchandising rights, giving the colonel full control. Priscilla took the colonel to court and won her case very easily. The colonel was banned from doing any business that involved Elvis in any way without written consent from the court

[@HopliteWarlord]

Good on Priscilla, what a great woman!

[@KenTeel]

That is interesting because without the Colonel, it's questionable as to how well known and popular Elvis would have been. The Colonel guided his career, and ushered him into the big time. Venon Presley knew this, and knew about the work the Colonel had done over all of those years. Basically Vernon trusted the Colonel. Pracilla, conversely, came along with her cute smile, never having worked to promote Elvis, in the fashion that the Colonel had done. But because she had a cute butt, she got the rights to merchandising. Compare Pracilla's "work" (up to the time of Elvis' death), to the promotional and managerial work that the Colonel had done. There is no comparison. The court got it wrong.

[@rollowarlin8450]

Parker rode on the back of his golden goose (ELVIS) till there was no more life left in him. Elvis had to work twice as hard because Parker took half of the Kings earnings. You bet it shortened his life. They ought to build a shrine of that devil Parker so people can defecate on it.

[@joblessbum7]

@@KenTeel - elvis would have been elvis with or without Parker. He was a rising star when Parker first seen him. Before Parker when Elvis was doing the Louisiana hay ride, the crowd went crazy every time Elvis sang. The chics were memorized by Elvis. Make no mistake about it, Elvis would have been just as big, if not bigger with a different manager. If Elvis had a different manager, one who could leave the country, Elvis would have done many world tours instead of those stupid movies. A 30 movie contract is unheard of, but all Parker could see was dollar signs. The movies Elvis did Before he went into the army were good, especially "Love me Tender" which was elvis's first movie. He did a dam good job for being a lead actor in his first ever acting gig. Parker did get Elvis on TV sooner than most managers could, but maybe not. Dollar signs once again. Parker signed Elvis to RCA records for a one time fee of a few million dollars. No doubt the worst contact an entertainer ever signed. No royalties were ever paid to Elvis for over one hundred million records sold while he was alive. The presley estate took RCA to court in the 80's to renegotiate his contract. As of today. Over one billion records, tapes (cassette & 8 track) CD's sold worldwide

[@KenTeel]

@@joblessbum7 I have to say that your comments are ponder worthy and interesting. Yes, Elvis had magic with audiences (particulary young women, it appears.) That being said, there are a lot of talented people out there in the world. Lots of them don't get heard, nationally. They become regional favorites, and never move beyond that. It's speculative if Elvis would have remained a Sounthern favorite, only, without the Colonel. About the Colonel seeing dollars, yes, of course. He was a business man. He was a businessman who helped Elvis make a lot of money, and promoted him relentlessly, in his early years, especially. About the RCA deal, that's interesting. I haven't read about the details of that, it appears that you have. About Elvis being owed royalties, that believable, because a lot of recording artist weren't paid accurately, for the amount of sales. Record companies, many of them, were kind of notiorious for that kind of thing. It would be interesting to see the details of exactly The Colonel's role, in getting Elvis his money with RCA. I do believe that The Colonel took a lump sum, in cash, for the RCA deal. That was The Colonel's style of doing business. Thanks for your response. It's interesting.

[@saygebordeaux488]

He gambled all his money away and cheated Elvis out of millions.

[@tinomacchia5410]

'No doubt that the colonel was responsible for Elvis' initial fame, but the relationship lasted too long. I'll never forget Dean Martin's quote when asked about Jerry Lewis: "The 2 best things that ever happened to me was partnering with Jerry Lewis and breaking up with Jerry Lewis..." The same could be said about Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker.

[@alandasilva8255]

Damn right!!!

[@alandasilva8255]

El acting in films like "Tickle me" and "Easy come easy go", jiz... He deserved much better roles...

[@kelbrian3307]

A better break up with Deano would have been with the bottle and he kept giving his manager more money because he thought his manager worked harder than he did. I think partnering with Lewis would have been the least of his problems. He was a well paid crooner in an era of crooners. Lewis was the Robin Williams, Jim Carey of his time.

[@tinomacchia5410]

@@kelbrian3307 True, but I was stating what he quoted...

[@janesmith3123]

I think Joe was wrong about the Colonel.

[@xdra31]

I think if Elvis’ mother hadn’t passed away when she did, Elvis would have been a lot stronger to take better control of his own career.

[@joblessbum7]

I dont believe a word the colonels wife said. Of course she is going to say all good things about her husband. It's a known fact that the colonel took 50% of everything elvis made and even than the colonel would still RIP off elvis to pay his gambling debts.

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

If Elvis's mother hadn't passed away, if he had never met Parker, if he had never gone to Germany, if had better chosen his friends to support and help him, his life would have been quite different.

[@gracieg7601]

Yes I agree. GlAdys was the only one who could have helped him. Priscilla tried. Allot of people tried. But I’m so upset with Priscilla for saying Elvis did it on purpose. Elvis did not do that on purpose. Geez. You’d think Priscilla wouldn’t say that because of her daughter. But she did that.

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

@@gracieg7601 Nobody around him, including Priscilla, had the qualities, the personality, the influence, the power, the ascendent over him.

[@christelsmeets5702]

This been vrom elvis aron presly living this geving peen to him Cummings not good for elvis aim very not good living vrom Day for elvis evriting my saying this geving for mie its this aim standing oder kont elvis this not moor this breaking my hart vrom christel smeets you can see that it to your right now and you going the wegen you saying this better elvis zegeningen for you vrom my vrom my haert kisses and loving you foreffer christel Smeets you have a friendship to my

[@haileyshannon7548]

I just saw the new movie, and I think the Colonel was both a blessing and a curse to a very talented young man and his family. He made him a star still remembered today, but also played a part in his downfall.

[@sarahgodwin3279]

Elvis would have been a star without Parker !! It may have taken him longer or it may not have. Parker was good for perhaps a quick start and a little longer , but after that, no. I can't believe how naive Elvis ' father was ????!!! Tragic

[@sarahgodwin3279]

Thank you very much. I would say that Colonel Parker killed Elvis by not caring about him and working him to death which caused him to take more uppers and downers

[@murielread8247]

Mafia said in one night Parker list 1.5 million...he made Elvis duec2 shiws a night 7 days a week...he gad gambling debts

[@Lighthousepreserve]

@@sarahgodwin3279 he tore up biblical study of Elvis. Later Elvis went to mysticism. Col blocked European travel b c of his own felony and thwarted west side story a real movie. The bastard.

[@Ninasim123]

Very well said! A controversial person...

[@raihanatew4885]

Poor Elvis too trusting, kind and generous to people but they took advantage of his generosity and kindness. Wonder how they sleep at night after making a kind human being like a slave for money and their own selfish self. Make me so sad for Elvis.

[@romanbennifir6020]

elvis was pretty rich for a slave ....hard to make such a comparison

[@gracieg7601]

Colonel the film flam man. The luckiest man ever. He treated Elvis horrible. I won’t ever forget that.

[@onlythewise1]

Elvis became great because Elvis was great

[@brendaphillips2092]

Dick clark was right about everything he said about Parker As I feel the same way and wished that Elvis could have gotten ride of Parker when he came out of the army. Love Elvis ❤❤❤❤

[@bblaylk]

Elvis's time in the Army could have been a lot easier too--if he had even had to serve. But Parker loved the idea and all but forced Elvis in. That certainly didn't help Gladys Presley or Elvis one bit. It was peacetime. Drafting Elvis did nothing for anyone but Parker, who kept his job while Elvis lost his. Lennon once said that Elvis died the day he went in. I can't really argue with that.

[@brendaphillips2092]

@@bblaylk so true Brendan if Elvis had not had to serve in the army .Gladys health would not have declined And she would have Her son to take control of hie career most importantly his health as well parker has a lot to answer for never trusted or like parker period his mother was a good judge of caricature IF ONLY THING HAD GONE DIFFEREReNTLY

[@henrygross7802]

Sick Clark was a thief who took all the publishing rights to songs he promoted on his show. There’s a good chance he hated Parker because he knew he’d met his match.

[@sandralybrand9407]

Joe didn't see everything! He has tunnel vision when it comes to Parker! He Parker and Vernon were mainly business side. He has No idea what Parker said to Elvis because nobody else was allowed in whenever Parker talked to Elvis. Parker made sure nobody had access to Elvis and standing orders that Nobody was allowed to pitch new songs to Elvis or anybody else that could benefit Elvis. He would threaten anybody that tried to talk to Elvis about songs or anything else. God knows what he said or threatened Elvis with when they were alone! He ruled with an iron fist. Steve Binder had everything to do with producing the 68 Special and it's success. But cut off Elvis from ever dealing with him again. Parker didn't appreciate the talent he had and didn't care, only about the money! He got Elvis the exposure he needed and opened the door for Elvis and Elvis was.loyal to a fault.Parker played on that loyalty. He had Elvis convinced he couldn't make it without him. That's where Elvis insecurity came from, I truly believe that! Parker was a master manipulated and a cold man he only cared about one person that was himself! The ones on here praising him were all manipulated and it's all BS including Joe Esposito. I've seen interviews with Joe and he lied about Elvis health problems! I'd give anything if Elvis called Parker's bluff when Elvis fired Parker, and Parker told Elvis he owed him 2million dollars. If Elvis had pushed it Parker would've lost the case just like he lost in the suit against the Elvis estate! I know what's done is done but it makes me so 😠!

[@sandralybrand9425]

I believe that Joe and Jerry Shilling we're the rats in the Memphis Mafia,who told Parker about anyone who tried to give him new songs or wanting to produce shows etc. I also think Jerry kept Pricilla up on everything about Elvis after they divorced. Those 3 we're thick as thieves after Elvis died. They also are the Only ones that were never shunned by Pricilla from Elvis group. Joe's passed now, but Jerry is everywhere Pricilla is! They are also the ones that sing Parker's praises and nauseum! Parker did help Elvis get recognition the first few years,but after that, he stifled Elvis creativity and robbed him if so many opportunities!

[@lilacflower9032]

Elvis was talented, but emotionally troubled. His ego about his image made him his own worst enemy. His manager only saw the $ and not the talent Elvis was and his love of music.

[@deederagambrell6090]

I am a huge ELVIS fan!!! I have tried to learn as much about Elvis's life as possible. I believe Elvis was a good man, and I'm sure many people took advantage of him. However, Elvis was the only person who could make decisions about changing his Manager, friends, or lifestyle.

[@dougdickason]

True, and Elvis should have dumped Colonel as early as 1960. He may have felt he owed Colonel for finding him first and he may have even felt Colonel got him to where he was, despite the fact that Colonel got lucky that he got to Elvis first before another powerful manager(Colonel was always worried another big time manager would steal Elvis from him and is why he had guys in the entourage "spying" and reporting to Colonel about who Elvis saw and they were told not to let people get to Elvis.) For whatever reason Elvis stayed with Colonel, Colonel may have held something over him, he didn't leave, but that doesn't mean Elvis was happy with him, we know he wasn't much of the time. In fact, all sorts of people stay in all sorts of bad and abusive relationships when they could just have left. It's a mystery as to why people don't, but as Elvis said, he had a bit of a self destructive streak.

[@williebeamen2x]

@@dougdickason if elvis would have fired him what would that have done? The same friends would have been there , same girls, same "things", thing I have noticed even with myself we want someone to blame and point the finger at due to Elvis dieing young ....some people blame the Memphis mafia, some blame Parker, some blame Dr.Nick , but the only ones who knew the truth and real relationship is Elvis & Parker period .....he helped Elvis more than anyone else ever did and sadly due to his being the manager and one who booked Elvis people want to blame him but ONLY person who could have ever helped Elvis with his personal demons is Elvis and noone else ......as fans we need to understand that if Elvis wanted Parker gone or anyone else for that matter him and only him could have made that decision.....personally I think Parker gets to much hate but that's just me .... long live the king RIP ELVIS AARON PRESLEY THE KING 👑

[@dougdickason]

@@williebeamen2x well, the judge who voided all the contracts between EPE and Colonel laid out a list of ways Colonel mismanaged and fleeced Elvis throughout his career and was the one who ORDERED the estate to sue Colonel and his co-conspriator, RCA records. Colonel sued back, and they reached a settlement whereby the estate and even Colonel got over a million dollars, and RCA had to sell back the back catalog of songs Colonel sold to RCA. I may be a little off on specifics but that was the basics of that. Also, the judge pointed out that it is the JOB of a manager to fulfill the requests of their client. That was not what happened with Elvis and Colonel whereby Colonel told Elvis what he would be doing and when. Elvis wanted to make good movies, but Colonel was only interested in making the most possible money for the least amount of effort and cost. It ended up making Elvis miserable and finished his acting career. Elvis wanted to tour the world, especially Europe, desperately, even telling Colonel, "there's a whole big world out there, Colonel." The judge even brought this to light in his ruling, about how many, many millions of dollars were left on the table, not out of Elvis' desires and requests, but because of Colonels excuses for not doing it. Elvis then became miserable about his music career to a point, though he loved being in front of his fans, but Colonel was taking the adventure and love out of it all for Elvis. I could go on and on, but those are a few main reasons Colonel actually was a huge part of why Elvis became so discouraged in some ways. Colonel was in control of his career, the thing Elvis may have valued over anything Elvis, and you don't see Colonel as a major reason for Elvis' outcome..

[@mplsmark222]

Sounds like Parker had a gambling addiction and at times was losing the money as fast as Elvis was making it. What a sad state of affairs. Too bad Vernon wasn’t a “better man” and given Elvis some direction. Seems like he just stood back, enjoyed the wealth and didn’t make waves. Perhaps he had addictions of his own…..

[@kimwalsh6418]

Agree! About Vernon as well.

[@rosskardon7195]

Colonel Tom Parker was an illegal immigrant from the Netherlands and had Elvis Presley under very tight controls with a contract, so Elvis was never able to fulfill his dream of doing overseas concert tours. That is why in addition as to how he died too soon at the age of 42 in 1977, I now feel very deeply sorry for the late Elvis Presley!

[@monmixer]

I met Tony Orlando working one day when he was scheduled to perform. I was the audio engineer for the stage. He is a very magnetic person and just puts himself out there for you. Wonderful human being to be around. Long term I couldn't tell you but he he is nice man to be around.

[@protochris]

Parker might have been the best thing for Elvis, but in the final days he was the worst. If he cared for Elvis, he should have canceled the tours until Elvis lost weight, quit the drugs and got help. Diamond Joe Esposito loved the Colonel because the Colonel only liked him and and Jerry Schilling, but despised the rest of the Memphis mafia. Joe was grateful to the colonel for that, but it also caused him to look the other way too often.

[@brendabooher6683]

I literaly get sick hearing a person say that Parker made Elvis. Elvis was Elvis! Parker and Vegas put the nails in Elvis's coffin. I agree with you all of you who said You did not Trust Tom Parker, Did not Like Tom Parker. That Tom Parker was a crook, and You would not trust Tom Parker to cross the street. I won't call him Colonel because he wasn't a Colonel, but Parker was a crook, and an illegal immigrant. I also agree that Parker didn't care about Elvis's health, or Elvis's dream. Tom Parker only cared about the money. I always liked Joe Espedido but many said that Joe was paid under the table by Parker to always brag on Parker and to always tell Elvis how much he needed Parker, and how good Parker was. If you notice in any documentaries or interviews, Joe always stands up for Parker. All of the others with the exception of Sonny West, Elvis's employees all said the same thing about Parker, that 50 percent of Elvis's earings was highway robbery. It is Unheard of to this day. I can understand his girlfriend which became his wife liked the money too. I just think that it was sad that Elvis never realized it until his last shows in Vegas when Elvis told the Memphis Mofia Guys that he was tired of it and Elvis felt like Parker had him playing there to pay off Parker's gambling debts. Elvis had grown tired and wanted to tour and play in other countries. Tom Parker deprived Elvis of this, and deprived all of Elvis's fans from getting to see Elvis preform. While Elvis was working himself to a frazzle Parker was down stairs gambling away millions. Parker showed no remorse when Elvis passed away but showed up at Graceland in shorts and a baseball cap with papers for Vernon to sign keeping him in charge of any money earned after Elvis's death. I was thankful when Precilla took Parker to court on behalf of Lisa Marie inheritance and the judge said he was a crook, and ADVICED the Presley's to never do any business with Tom Parker . Parker was desponded at the end because the money ticket was gone. God forgive me but I just can't help it when it comes to Parker. Sorry so long but I get upset over the whole situation regarding Parker.

[@rontrudell3358]

Brenda Booher Nice comment. Can’t wait for Tom Hanks to play him. If he really cared about him he would of said. NO TOURING till we get you some help. He should of gotten involved in his personal life when he saw he was losing control. Him & his father. Easy 4 me to say. Who knows we will never really know. T c b. Canada

[@seanfitzpatrick4730]

He did not make Elvis he actually took him away from his roots and ruinedhe might have been decent elvis up until 1962 Elvis had many gifts and talents as a singer and actor that was misused and squandered by colonel he actually held Elvis back anyway fifties early sixties Elvis was at his best he had so many gifts and talents that he was not allowed to use because of the colonel overall bad for elvis have a good day ✌🏼✋👍🏼

[@drtonyhaworth6287]

Brenda Booher ,I agree totally with all your words, there are no lies from you all you say I h truth and the truth is what remains when you look at the big picture and Parker was no Svengali he even stole his own name ..that says it all and thrown out of the army and put in a mental hospital before being thrown out.....poor Elvis only Gladys could see the truth... Vernon only wanted beer money like he did in the 40s and 50s when he got a long list of arrests for being drunk and having to be bailed out every week while Elvis starved and Gladys.....get the real story ..Elvis was a saint for all his charities that he helped....rip

[@jdog22121]

He used Elvis until his last Breathe, and even when Elvis died what kind of person would go to the funeral with a contract in his hand and get his dad to sign it. All he cared about was just making millions with Elvis name dead or alive money was important to him until the end. No one made Elvis he was blessed from God. Worked his ass of feeding so many until the night he closed his eyes!!

[@TCB0816]

That's what people say...but it's not all the way true. Elvis made his own decisions and the Colonel often took the heat for it. They were partners whether you like it or not. It was Elvis' wish to work more. And Col helped him. And even the money deal....Elvis was fine with that. He didn,'t feel cheated at all.

[@davedee4382]

No, there was a contract!!! Vernon signed it for Elvis as Elvis was under 21. Elvis also signed it. It was a horrible contract. After Elvis signed it he actually owed money to Colonel Parker. This is unheard of. When you sign with a manager or agent that person that has a job to go out and make you money by getting you jobs. They get a small percentage. The colonel had some deal with Elvis not only did he make a bigger percentage for this and a bigger percentage for that having several percentage is being paid to him, but he had this deal where if he could generate something for sale (albums Elvis paraphernalia photographs whatever) and Elvis didn’t have to do any additional work to generate those things, the colonel got 50% commission off of those things! Think of that: If Elvis didn’t have to do work to get it done the Colonel got 50%. You know all those RCA Camden albums? Think about it. Think about the colonel right from the beginning grabbing RCA’s promotional photos of Elvis and selling them back to RCA! The Colonel was a thief. This man had no scruples. Think of all of those album covers in the closing years of Elvis‘s life that were live photographs which were very poor quality. Elvis did not have to go to any photo sessions therefore whatever money was generated from that the colonel got 50% of. And when the colonel told Elvis that he could get $2 million for selling all of his royalty rights up until that year which I think was 71 or 72, when it came time for Elvis to get the check Elvis his check was only $1 million ( which went to pricilla I am told as part of the divorce agreement). The Colonel then reminded Elvis didn’t have to do any additional work for that deal to be done so the colonel took his 50% (that meant $1 million in early 1970s money, baby)! Now you have to think about those things. This was not a manager. A manager manages the career of the individual performer. Elvis; his career wasn’t managed! Look at those terrible movies he was in and their horrible soundtrack songs and the really ridiculous and embarrassing things they had him doing for years in those films; it ruin his reputation. Also, the release of those terrible soundtrack albums! The colonel went for “the short end money”! When Elvis died there was the Colonel at Graceland poking around trying to figure out how he was gonna make money off of dead Elvis! He put together boxcar productions which basically meant that he and Vernon , Elvis‘s father were business together. There was the colonel issuing all kinds of Elvis gear and getting a 50% from it. Poor dead Elvis. Parker got 50% off of Elvis’ corpse! They also generated a few albums which the Colonel got his big cut of! One one was actually played up as an album that the Colonel and Elvis’ dad liked themselves.In other words they personally chose the songs. Another cover was the colonel and Vernon standing out in front of Graceland! Yeah the Colonel offered this and that; even bubble gum cards he had sold. These were low quality reproduction photos. This guy truly was a carnival barker. Eventually Vernon died. The people, that is the company that took over Elvis Presley enterprises, didn’t want anything to do with Colonel rip off.

[@ppppssss7971]

I really new nothing about Tom Parker. But according to the recent film, it was sad to see that they treated Elvis like a race horse, anything to keep Elvis on stage, despite of Elvis's health. Anything so the casino would forgive his debts. I think alot of that attributed to Elvis's early death. Elvis was a beautiful human being. Long live the king. R.I.P. my man.

[@hubbell627]

Gotta call BS on the idea that Colonel never interfered with Elvis's music; how many great songs did Elvis lose because of Colonel's publishing demands, and Colonel clearly tried in interfere with Elvis's desire not to do Xmas songs for his 68 special. The Colonel without doubt tried to stifle Elvis's creative side. Parker robbed Elvis to feed his gambling addiction.

[@carolbell8008]

DanielP hi , that is so true, he also had exclusive rights to all of the souvenirs, posters, programs etc. he ripped E. off thousands of millions!!

[@CollaborativeFilms]

Let's start with the song Elvis wanted to do the most, Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You", which Elvis sang to Priscilla as they left the courtroom after their divorce. Parker ruined that dream for Elvis when he flat out told Dolly that the only way Elvis would do the song, is if Dolly gave all the rights to the song to Parker and Elvis. What a criminal that fat bastard was!!!

[@melvinberger3409]

RCA and the Colonol sped up the live Madison Square Garden so it could fit on one album. They also reduced the sound of back up singers with out Elvis's permission. The Colonel said people paid to hear Elvis not his back ups. Doing that do an artist who is creating art can be devastating.

[@gracieg7601]

@@melvinberger3409 Madison square garden was to be recorded. But RCA HAD BAD EQUIPMENT. It was a bad.

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

Daniel, right.

[@ubiq6348]

Jesus. Esposito was the colonel’s biggest fan. He idolized him. That really throws doubt on his character.

[@sarachirinos2399]

You right that make me throw

[@hallsjuju2400]

The colonel did not make Elvis’ career. The fans did. Today all these years after, his fan base is still growing and no one will ever remove Elvis from history.

[@15055chevy]

The Col. did not make Elvis. He was generous all right, with Elvis's money. Unfortunately, Elvis had a huge heart and kept the thief around for way too long.

[@saltychips5795]

His step brother said when Parker made the statement, “I made Elvis’, ‘my response to that is then make another one’.

[@15055chevy]

@@saltychips5795 You are absolutely correct. Elvis was a star before he met the Col.

[@ellenw391]

I'm let's not forget that Elvis eventually woke up and tried to fire him. Any threatened him with owing him millions And threatened Vernon Presley who always had a fear of going broke again. If only Elvis had talked to a legitimate manager and so he could break away. He would have earned so much more without the colonel taking That insane cut!! And even more importantly, he would have been free to do the creative things he wanted to do, tour where he wanted to tour, And not just be a cash cow

[@bonitabrewer2740]

@@ellenw391 u r right on ! The Presley’s were to uneducated to handle this much success . They had no idea what to do . They saw more $ than ever imagined . Except , Parker was pocketing more than Elvis . Joe was not Elvis ‘ friend , he was the colonels’ friend .

[@romanbennifir6020]

This statement is purely hypothetical, as it - as well as the opposite - cannot be proven. Fact is that Elvis already had two managers before Parker, namely Scotty Moore and Bob Neal. Both weren't able to provide him with either a contract with a major record label, nor a national (let alone international) hit, nor lucrative performances, nor exposure on television. Long before taking over Elvis' management, Parker was already a highly successful artist manager and tour organizer for - among others - country music top acts Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow. By the time Elvis and Parker met, Parker was a prosperous, influential man in show business, while Elvis was playing small venues for little money and couldn't live it up.Eddy Arnold was made by the snow man. You can only do so much with limited talent. There is no denying his choice to work Parker benefited his early career and harmed it later. One could say without Parker he might have fallen into drugs before he was worthy to be crowned king. The mafia insisted Elvis did drugs because he loved them not because he was trying to escape. Here's what Parker did: He moved the timetable forward at an amazing pace. He created hysteria by paying girls to scream or rush the stage. It only takes a few to start it before it catches on with the crowd. Col. Parker also had connections that Sam Phillips didn't. By mid-1955 Phillips knew he had taken Elvis as far as he could. It was Parker who negotiated Elvis' deal with RCA, who got Elvis national TV spots. These are things that I believe would have happened to Elvis in time. So, Colonel Parker's contribution to Elvis' career was to stir things up and make it happen sooner. Had it not been so rushed Elvis could have reached the peak he did and would have fallen far into hedonic vices he was already drowning in by the early 60's.

[@James_Bowie]

You want to know what a guy is really like? Ask his enemies, never his friends or his wife. "Parker" was nothing more than a carnival barker with his beady eyes on the cash register.

[@Viewer-ld5rc]

Wouldn’t his enemies have something bad to say about him automatically?

[@mixedlove1234]

@@Viewer-ld5rc it probably true. Even if it's mean.

[@romanbennifir6020]

Priscilla and all of parkers clients said great things about him. Who actually didnt like him? Do you have enemies? would you want me to judge you completely off such a persons assessment of you?

[@denisesills3111]

Biggest stars in history of America 🇺🇸 Elvis Presley out classes them all with a carny how unbelievably is this Elvis Presley!!! A star from the country !!!! How great an American true story!!!!!!$$$$ cash. From the Start!!!!! What a story with no Harvard degree!!!!!!!!

[@joanellis9475]

Yes the Colonel gave .He was generous with Elvis' earnings and the creep stole over 50 % of Elvis' Earnings . TP was no friend of Elvis, period!

[@carolbell8008]

Joe must have been suffering from memory loss here bc E. Fired Parker, then rehired him the next day. Col. was a huge crook.

[@CollaborativeFilms]

Joe was paid by Parker to lie to Elvis about him (Parker), reminding Elvis how good Parker was for his career, and telling others what a great man Parker was. The truth is, Elvis had NO ONE in his entourage, that he could trust (except maybe people like J.D. Sumner, who he knew since childhood).

[@carolbell8008]

@@CollaborativeFilms Hi, agree one hundred percent, have believed that for. a long time.

[@Della624]

@@CollaborativeFilms Maybe you should do some quality research. Your comment tells me you've only read a couple of books that were written out of Spite, Hate, Bitterness and for Money. Joe Esposito (RIP) was Elvis Presley's (RIP) Road Manager and Right Hand Man, and according to Charlie Hodge (RIP) one of the few people Elvis trusted as a friend. Joe Esposito was the go-between between Elvis and Parker when it came to the business side of things. He would relay all the messages from Parker to Elvis and *visa versa* until a meeting was arranged to sort out the signing of contracts and so on. Elvis didn't want anything to do with the business side of things, which is why Joe was hired as a Foreman & Road Manager. Once the contracts were signed it was up to Joe to organize Hotels, Houses, flights, limousines and so on and so on. Before Joe came on the scene no-one in the Memphis Mafia Fike, Sonny & Red West, Gene Smith for example was designated a job, it was utterly disorganized, they just drifted along with Elvis, taking what he gave and living it up. Marty Lacker (RIP) hated Joe because suddenly there was an equal and more importantly someone who could do a better job than him and showed him up for his faults in regards to the job he was doing. Lamar Fike (RIP) was the Jester of the company, the brunt of every joke Elvis could think of and he never fought back until Elvis died, then he wrote/was involved with two books that absolutely crapped on Elvis from on high. And here you are ignorantly feeding his bitterness as if it was gospel. No one apart from thosse two has a bad word to say about Joe Esposito, they say he was a sweetheart of a man. Gentle, kind, funny, loving, trustworthy and a man of his word, who adored Elvis and was loyal to him until his dying breath. But here you are spouting the same ignorant sh*t that Lamar Fike often liked to do. That point you make about Joe being a snitch for the Colonel, you have about as much basis of truth to it as Lamar Fike did. How do I know that? Because unless he was a fly on the wall during the meetings Joe had with Parker, he had about as much idea as you as to what truly went on in those meetings.

[@beverleytinker2318]

@@Della624 population

[@joblessbum7]

@@CollaborativeFilms - Elvis fired the colonel a few times. After the 68' comeback special, Elvis really wanted to do a world tour. They had a fight that Lasted two weeks, at the end of the fight, the colonel went to Elvis like nothing happened and told Elvis about the Vegas gig. Elvis was very disappointed but always did what the colonel said. Another great disappointment was when Elvis really wanted to do, "A Star is Born" but the colonel would not let him because Elvis didn't get top billing.

[@ronniebishop2496]

I was a carnival barker for awhile, but the colonial was a hard core businessman and I understand that and he made some moves that really made Elvis richer. You couldn’t see Elvis without a ticket. No Tonight Shows no nothing unless you go to a theater or a concert. No ticket no Elvis.?

[@samcrawford7490]

All I have to say is this there was no singer before Elvis that was doing the movies like he was, that started a trend for many entertainers to have more than just records.

[@sid7088]

Sinatra

[@romanbennifir6020]

thank the colonel and his connections at paramount for that

[@ronmetcalfe6214]

Parker was good for Elvis in the beginning, but Elvis outgrew him and should have got rid. Things may have been different.

[@johnperry9082]

A very informative documentary on Tom Parker and his relationship with Elvis.

[@peterjpcritchley173]

Let’s nail this myth once and for all that Parker was good at business. He was a small time, short term, quick money character who got lucky in seizing control of an immense talent. Instead of nurturing that talent for the long term - as is the way of good business - he ran it into the ground, like all rotten businessmen. He wasn’t remotely astute business wise, the very opposite. Elvis the artist endures to this day. He has longevity as an artist. He should have had that longevity as a person. Parker bears a heavy responsibility for the fact that Elvis was gone far too soon. He deliberately isolated Elvis in order to keep control of him, the golden goose as dancing chicken.

[@bradhuskers]

109% correct. he was a carnival con-man who took 50% of elvis's income. He knew nothing about the soul, depth, artistry and diversity of elvis presley, and as a result, made extremely poor decisions, which ultimately hindered elvis from touring internationally. elvis was a once in a lifetime talent, that any manager could have guided successfully. And the reason why elvis endures to this very day, is because of his critically acclaimed recordings in multiple genres of music.

[@kevincerce5056]

He to 50% of Elvis earnings.

[@mgcole5586]

To peter jp critchly; Well said... Elvis was his dancing chicken 🐔

[@bradhuskers]

@@mgcole5586 Dancing chicken? Wrong. Elvis's critically acclaimed recordings in multiple genres of music, cement his iconic artistry, soul depth and diversity. The con man colonel saw him as nothing more than a chicken, but as far as reality is concerned, he's a once in a lifetime talent.

[@mgcole5586]

@@bradhuskers to brad rawsner; Man I admire Elvis and everything about him...what I meant was, Elvis was Parkers dancing chicken! I believe Parker kind of saw him in that way. EG:

[@mrusa2038]

Parker was nothing but out for himself.

[@timcarr6401]

False.

[@tdunph4250]

A very smart man. Borderline genius. Although a jerk and fraud

[@thomasandersen2938]

Not true he made millions but so did elvis

[@meenakshighosh8584]

A leech who lived on the blood of Elvis. He was a very clever man

[@Sciats29]

Very true and Elvis should have done a better job of getting the right deal.

[@mapachehombre1581]

From the start Elvis & the Colonal were the best in the business, going to Las Vegas was their undoing

[@gracieg7601]

The 70s rounds of Las Vegas Elvis was over worked. Too much of Vegas wasn’t good for Elvis.

[@sananto6896]

Elvis Presley was one of a kind and made himself what he became. Parker was a nobody until he met Elvis.

[@michaeljackson7732]

Exactly the Colonel didnt make Elvis it's more like Elvis made the Colonel, but Elvis's loyalty is what I believe led to his unfortunate downfall

[@mariaevans7811]

Correct!!! 😍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@sananto6896]

@@mariaevans7811 .......you live in UK?

[@vashsant9749]

Wrong. Elvis had the talent, but Parker's marketing skill for that era was second to none and show business saw nothing like it. Once established, Elvis was not a business man, but an incredible talent. Elvis might not have been as large had it not bern for Parker. Love him or not, he is part of the legend of Elvis.

[@Robmancan1987]

@@vashsant9749 Yep. The reason people wanted more, was because the colonel gave them less.

[@jpogera9939]

parker...shady and clearly took advantage of elvis...and where did it get elvis

[@rontrudell3358]

J Pogera EVER LASTING FAME.

[@ellenw391]

Elvis was clearly getting the fame on his own and would have had it with out The colonel. Elvis always excelled when he was challenged and did new things. Parker only followed the easy money. I think he sucked the soul and interest to live out of Elvis. He'd be a legend with or without him!

[@mrsg.9224]

He killed him

[@jimhubert4939]

@@ellenw391 okays

[@badapple65]

The Fans learned very early on that Elvis was approachable. But this turned out to be a downfall in his life because he knew that he could never simply walk down the street, go shopping, or go out to dinner without special arrangements. Most famous people go unbothered in public ive seen plenty of it in both NY and LA where people will whisper to each other about a star in the room but Elvis would have been swarmed all because of his approachable reputation. Do you think 100 fans could hang out at the entrance gate of any star’s home without the cops being called? And his fans did it nightly. Sometimes he invited them all in at least on to his property within the gates.

[@kelliintexas3575]

100% fact.

[@kelliintexas3575]

Never thought of it that way. You are so right.

[@tobycarr9171]

Very informative, well done documentary

[@tafolse]

Kind of sad that ALL the people who were around Elvis lived longer then the Man himself! 😔

[@romanbennifir6020]

it seems some people find other coping mechanisms than drugs.

[@borod5571]

Col. Parker lived by the old code of life. '' You got to , get it while the getting is good, because good things don't last for ever.''

[@EAP-TCB]

I can’t stand hearing Parker’s wife lying about things she knew was b.s.And then she laughs at how he mistreated Elvis’s fans.

[@dianebays5484]

He was nothing but an old crook. It's a shame elvis got involved with him. I think elvis would've fine fine without him.

[@neildarealdeal7129]

Spot on Dick Clark, RIP! realdeal

[@lillyd2246]

Elvis and Colonel Parker both made history in their own area. Elvis was smart enough to stop his manager's influence when that was necessary.

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

Without Elvis the Colonel would have made no history. Do you know how many expert, famous, musician managers there were at the time,dear Lilly? Eliot Weisman (Sinatra),,Quincy Jones (Michael Jackson) , Joe Adams (Ray Charles), Marty Erichman ( B.Streisand),Ben Bart (James Brown) and..........

[@ubiq6348]

It’s a pity Esposito never showed the same degree of loyalty to Elvis as he did the phony colonel.

[@marcyfan]

what on earth are you talking about?

[@liammckeown9167]

He loved elvis but thought Parker was a good guy. That's why Billy, Red or Marty isn't on this they'd have to them to F off or they did accept and the first words out of their mouths would have been Parker is a lying son of a bitch....CUT !! 😂😂

[@elvishouck]

I really thought Diamond Joe was a class act & true friend to Elvis but turns out he was a class ass!

[@konstantinromanets9798]

Пожалуй никто из певцов не оказывал такого сильного влияния на молодёжь как Элвис,хотя никаких задач он не ставил. Просто он явление века , супер талант, неважно какой текст, от его голоса плавится гранит. Для мня он самый лучший!

[@ata5855]

never, NEVER should Elvis's name come after tom Parker. Elvis could've done well without Parker, but not the other way around

[@camicrumb35]

CTP and Elvis are having the last laugh--here we are after all these years, still yapping on about them. Long live the King!🎸🔥❤️

[@romanbennifir6020]

he isnt alive though....

[@chrismach454]

I respect his mentality and his hustle. From the very get-go he told Elvis everything we do is 50-50

[@joeblack8915]

Joe Esposito. Behind the personable, smiling facade was just another hanger on.

[@Momabear1]

Sounded like Elvis did not have the strength to stand up to this man.

[@mr.sherlockholmes6130]

Parker just cashed in . It was a shame Elvis felt like he owed The Col. and Elvis was his pay horse . The rest was History

[@cut1986]

If only Elvis could have known this.

[@jamesdean1143]

The Colonel could make Elvis do anything, including marrying Priscilla. When Elvis wanted to get rid of The Colonel, The Colonel demanded an impossibly large severance check.

[@loripatterson7882]

I love Joe Esposito. He's my favorite of all of Elvis' men.

[@JeffPruittstunts]

Wonder if the upcoming movie will reveal how Parker killed a young girl in a rage and that’s the reason he fled and was afraid to go overseas?

[@jodythomas4324]

There’s only one Colonel in America, and he managed Chicken, not rock stars.

[@violinmke]

Colonel Sanders also had an honorary title .

[@kbanghart]

@@violinmke still better than the fake Elvis colonel

[@romanbennifir6020]

some would say based on the autopsy it was that colenel that killed elvis

[@EZGoin1]

Before Col Parker, Elvis was a regional player. After Col. Parker, Elvis was an International megastar. He was a shrewd and hard driven businessman. Sadly, Gladys was dead and Vernon/Elvis were not tough enough to negotiate with him.

[@Arandomperson_online]

I enjoyed this so much thank you for sharing this 🥰

[@jamescurtis5787]

Parker created, then destroyed Elvis! The only person Parker cared about was Parker

[@joanne26]

Hello from England You look back with hindsight and "IT" was just meant to be that way. Different times, different people. We were never there and only very few blessed people connected with Elvis knew some of "IT" but i guess not all You look at the music industry today and not a lot has changed with note to the "behind the scenes" stuff both legally and contractually. I guess there are managers like the Colonel around today but then you did not have Social Media or the www Its a shame Elvis did not tour the UK or Europe but once again there are many "stories" out there as to why but we are talking over 65 years ago and we have to move on and just thank the Lord for what we can now watch on KZbin and other media

[@southerngirl9941]

Yes, thank the Lord for Elvis and his legacy. It was all a long time ago, and is history now. And I feel history has to be told, and told as honestly and realistically as possible. Parker imo does not deserve to be painted positively. The truth must be told as well as possible, and of course not everybody can be trusted for a variety of motives and dependencies or whatever.

[@jaclynmormile4102]

Like Joe Esposito said.....Elvis and the Colonel were meant to be....he couldn't see it any other way. Wow what a statement.

[@philiplindsay1088]

Parker was also accused of murder which is why he could never leave America and take Elvis on tour.

[@marthaoosthuizen5826]

Elvis was an exceptional human beeing.

[@joblessbum7]

The RCA record deal was the worlds worst record deal in history. Elvis received one payment of around one million dollars. That is for a lifetime of recordings. Elvis never seen another penny from the near billion records sold worldwide since 1956.

[@sandralybrand9425]

That's very true it was sold for a lousy 5million Elvis didn't get but 1.2 million Parker got like 2.5 I don't know where the rest went, maybe taxes. But if his catalog hadn't been sold,Elvis wouldn't have had to work himself to death and could've had a great income for the rest of his life.

[@camillabarclay4049]

This is scandalous

[@joblessbum7]

@@sandralybrand9425 - I was talking about his first record deal with RCA in 56. The 73 record deal is another kick in the teeth to Elvis. Parker screwed him good. All recording artist know to never sell their catalog because it's money every year for life. For the artist, his kids, grand kids and so on.

[@laraoneal7284]

There’s always a “kernel “ of truth in everything. Pun intended.

[@stevemunoz3888]

No one should think Tom Parker was the reason for Elvis's success. Elvis was the reason for his success. He was the #1 recording artist in the 1950's, he was the highest paid actor in the 1960's, and the #1 concert draw in the 1970's. Elvis did that, not Tom Parker. Parker rode on Elvis's coat tails. Many people could have managed Elvis's career to a success but there was only one Elvis. Elvis would have been a recording star no matter who managed him. He would have been in the movies and he would have sold out concerts. At the time Elvis signed with Tom Parker, he could have signed with a number of managers. And he would have blew up no matter who managed him.

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

Speculation on your part. Elvis was a great singer and a the best entertainer in history…but he wasn't a manager or promoter. If The Colonel was so bad for Elvis, why are we still talking about Elvis 45 years after his passing? Elvis is the biggest entertainer ever in the history of music. Oh but Elvis could have been bigger!!! LMAO…Elvis got as big as anyone could ever hope to be.

[@stevemunoz3888]

@@Guitarwizzard1833 Of course it's speculation. And you are correct, Elvis wasn't a manager or promoter. But Colonel Tom Parker wasn't the only manager and promoter around either. And I didn't necessarily say Elvis could have been bigger, which is possible by the way. Imagine if another manager would have allowed Elvis to play concerts in Europe and Japan? You don't think that would have made Elvis even bigger? But I wasn't even talking about that. All I'm saying is Elvis would have been huge no matter who managed and promoted him. Elvis would have been huge no matter what. But nobody would even know who Colonel Tom Parker is if not for Elvis.

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

@@stevemunoz3888 …Bigger? Where are you yahoos getting the idea of Elvis being bigger? Elvis was as big as anyone could ever hope of becoming. There is only so much one can achieve and Elvis went way beyond that mark. Again…you're speculating. Acts like the beach boys, fabian, chuck berry, little richard, fats domino, ricky nelson were huge in the 1950's and 1960's, but by the time the 1970's rolled around they were all doing solid gold oldies package shows and they were lucky to draw 1,000 people. The Colonel made sure Elvis didn't go by the way of those acts…1972 Madison Square Garden…80,000 tickets sold, 1973…Aloha Satellite…over a billion people viewed that show via satellite and rebroadcast….Pontiac Silverdome New Year's 1975…62,500 tickets sold and Elvis' final concert on June 26 1977..18,000 tickets sold. The Colonel, whether you accept it or not was the brains of keeping Elvis relevant.

[@stevemunoz3888]

@@Guitarwizzard1833 Yes but even so he still had limitations. Colonel Tom Parker would not let Elvis play in foreign countries because he himself was an illegal immigrant and was afraid he would not be let back in the country had Elvis played outside the United States. Had Elvis played in Europe and Japan his fan base would have only increased. It's just logic. And yes I know I'm speculating. Everyone who has an opinion on this is also speculating. You saying it's not possible for Elvis to be bigger is also... speculation. Pot/Kettle? And yes I know Parker did a great job. But Elvis would have got someone to do a good job no matter what. He was great at hiring people. Whether it be musicians, creative people, or managers. Elvis was the source not Parker.

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

@@stevemunoz3888 …As The Colonel once said….If you know so much about the management business….maybe you should go into managing.

[@lightshadow44]

Parker launched Elvis, but only knew how to drive the money train, not the rocket! It’s true that without his promotion, Elvis would have just lived his life as a celebrity and concert performer. Most likely lived a much longer life and retired to the simple life he knew. What troubles us all in retrospect is the whole team lack of concern for his health. We have all heard of the Presley strong will and stubbornness. That’s just run away ego and it fails many that are either morally lost or just plain tired. It’s a ugly business of the public wanting a piece and the business rolling out the product. It’s sad that addiction took his life, and his team just watched it fade away.

[@cut1986]

ELVIS would have found a way to be ELVIS!

[@andrewmiller4885]

Tom Parker was a ruthless con man . He was a first class bastard and that wife of his saying the Colonel never took 50 percent is an outright lie . This was a man who was able to get what he wanted out of people and it was all done with a smile on his lips and ready joke in his pocket. Oh yes ever so friendly and charming when he was after something that benefited him . Otherwise he was as rude as hell to people and would also totally ignore them . he would shake his finger in your face while he was bellowing and bullying folk too. That bastard got lucky running into Elvis Presley who put his sorry ass on the map . Without Elvis who in God's creation would have heard of Tom Parker . This video is appalling in its representation of Parker . They must have picked people to interview who liked the guy or at least regarded parker as some kind of genius . How unfortunate we didn't get the real truth about this degenerate gambler and liar, who ripped Elvis off to the tune of millions of dollars and finally worked him to death . Parker was a sickening human being and Gladys Presley was absolutely right about him , she never trusted him right from the start and did not want Elvis hooking up with him . Elvis should have listened to his mother .

[@randyharris3175]

Thats not correct Parker was handling Autry and Arnold

[@boxerfan2]

True. Billy smith, lamar fike and marty lacker who knew the real story say parker was taking 50 percent also they say Joe esposito was a snitch that reported to parker about elvis. Elvis was getting distant from esposito before he died. Also they say george klein always milked elvis for money and gifts.

[@randyharris3175]

@@boxerfan2 Dont believe a word if that how would you know that nonsense.

[@randyharris3175]

@@boxerfan2 Parker was only getting 50 percent of the merchandise.

[@randyharris3175]

@@boxerfan2 Ive never heard FIke Smith or Lacker say Esposito was a snitch Ive watched all their videos can you verify that.

[@christianlacroix9133]

Tout le monde il parle en male du colonel Parker mes c,est graces au colonel parker 👍 qu,Elvis presley a connue un grand succes , R-I-P Colonel Parker

[@sandralybrand9425]

Yeah Parker was so broken up over Elvis dying that the next day having Vernon sign a paper for rights to sell things with Elvis name like he did at concerts etc. He also kept all Elvis jumpsuits as hostage and they (estate) had to buy them back. Thank God the state of Tennessee took it up in court. The judge found he took advantage of Elvis and his estate. He had to pay the estate!

[@romanbennifir6020]

when my dad died i had to sign paperwork the day of and after as well. doesnt mean i didnt care

[@jmen4ever257]

As I recall hearing, the colonel had somehow gotten his hands on at least one personal letter that Elvis' s ex wrote to him, and she had to cough up more or less a million bucks to him to get it back.

[@emifidelisfidelis8408]

Bravo ! Elvis "Forever"

[@andrewthompson8063]

Hello 👋

[@peterbentley5184]

I'd love to know more about him after the cameras were shut down ..?!?!

[@deboisblanc]

You should read Alanna Nash's book about the Col

[@opencurtin]

@@deboisblanc I’ll check it out ta !!

[@romanbennifir6020]

probably not much worse than elvis when the cameras were off him. Bedding 14 year olds and smoking crack shooting bullets though televisions and what not

[@DELL.ACNT.]

i sat through this whole video. it was good thank you

[@Gary80264]

If Elvis was alive, I guarantee he will fire him and sue him for everything.

[@romanbennifir6020]

sure you go ahead and think that. The snowman had a long prosperious life. By the time he got sued he already lived long life of luxury. We was rich even before elvis

[@jamiej14544]

The colonel saw Elvis as a "big act" much like the carnival acts he saw in his early years. His only goal was to make as much money as possible, not to be friends with Elvis or develop Elvis as an actor or manage him as part of a small time rockabilly group on a small record label in the south. Parker knew he "hit the jackpot" when he became Elvis' manager and was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

[@wboyle9721]

When Elvis was ill and the doctor was trying to wake Elvis with cold ice water Parker entered the room came back out and said to a worried Larry Geller all that matters is that man is on the stage tonight nothing else matters he worked Elvis to death

[@sherriianiro747]

Wow! I never knew the Colonel and Elvis never had a contract - it was all a handshake. The fact that he was the first to get Elvis royalties from his films AND to be paid up front shows how street smart Parker was. The people in this video either liked Parker or hated him, but Priscilla has vehemently defended him and I believe she knew the situation better than anyone else because she was closest to Elvis and Parker. Elvis always had free will and could have made positive changes for himself but couldn't handle his fame in my opinion. He himself said "Elvis the person is nothing like Elvis the entertainer".

[@romanbennifir6020]

Parker told him it would be 50 50 from the very start. Elvis had a choice.

[@justdea5757]

I have never seen this documentary. Thank you!

[@gracieg7601]

Me either. I’m still mad at the colonel cause after charro Robert Mitchum came to Elvis with a script to get him in a movie with him. But the colonel had elvis so boiled up he couldn’t do it. Robert Mitchum saw something In Elvis and knew Elvis had the talent for something more serious. But he couldn’t do it cause the colonel kept him tied up in those silly movies Elvis didn’t like anymore.

[@ktom5262]

Excellent documentary.

[@brendawalden6180]

Without Elvis Colonel Parker would be NOTHING!!! He may have had good intentions in the early days....he ultimately , in my opinion , did great harm to Elvis's career, Elvis wanted to be a great actor, but the colonel wanted the B'rated stuff to churn out to line his pockets!! He may have started out with good intentions but he was the reason Elvis became despondent! !!! VERY SAD.

[@romanbennifir6020]

This statement is purely hypothetical, as it - as well as the opposite - cannot be proven. Fact is that Elvis already had two managers before Parker, namely Scotty Moore and Bob Neal. Both weren't able to provide him with either a contract with a major record label, nor a national (let alone international) hit, nor lucrative performances, nor exposure on television. Long before taking over Elvis' management, Parker was already a highly successful artist manager and tour organizer for - among others - country music top acts Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow. By the time Elvis and Parker met, Parker was a prosperous, influential man in show business, while Elvis was playing small venues for little money and couldn't live it up.Eddy Arnold was made by the snow man. You can only do so much with limited talent. There is no denying his choice to work Parker benefited his early career and harmed it later. One could say without Parker he might have fallen into drugs before he was worthy to be crowned king. The mafia insisted Elvis did drugs because he loved them not because he was trying to escape. Here's what Parker did: He moved the timetable forward at an amazing pace. He created hysteria by paying girls to scream or rush the stage. It only takes a few to start it before it catches on with the crowd. Col. Parker also had connections that Sam Phillips didn't. By mid-1955 Phillips knew he had taken Elvis as far as he could. It was Parker who negotiated Elvis' deal with RCA, who got Elvis national TV spots. These are things that I believe would have happened to Elvis in time. So, Colonel Parker's contribution to Elvis' career was to stir things up and make it happen sooner. Had it not been so rushed Elvis could have reached the peak he did and would have fallen far into hedonic vices he was already drowning in by the early 60's.

[@donlowery1983]

Hard to believe Elvis woulda got to where he was without Parker.. marketing genius with faults like most people. Double edge sword. He was such a good marketing genius that after boosting Elvis, he convinced Elvis to keep him around. He was kept around for a reason, even after being fired once.

[@seanfitzpatrick4730]

He was not a good manager elvis has had many gifts as a singer and actor only thing you colonel was good at squandering talent commercializing in the king of bad artistic direction Elvis's talents and charisma was actually too big for colonel it's a shame Elvis did not realize that he was good for Elvis until about 62

[@gracieg7601]

@@seanfitzpatrick4730 i happen to know that early on Robert Mitchum came to Elvis with a script to see Elvis to put him in a serious movie because Mitchum saw talent in Elvis. But parker had him so booked up he couldn’t do it Mitchum was disgusted with it. That was after he had done charro. It’s a shame. Gladys didn’t like Parker. She didn’t trust him. She was right. If she had lived it may have been different.

[@romanbennifir6020]

@@seanfitzpatrick4730 This statement is purely hypothetical, as it - as well as the opposite - cannot be proven. Fact is that Elvis already had two managers before Parker, namely Scotty Moore and Bob Neal. Both weren't able to provide him with either a contract with a major record label, nor a national (let alone international) hit, nor lucrative performances, nor exposure on television. Long before taking over Elvis' management, Parker was already a highly successful artist manager and tour organizer for - among others - country music top acts Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow. By the time Elvis and Parker met, Parker was a prosperous, influential man in show business, while Elvis was playing small venues for little money and couldn't live it up.Eddy Arnold was made by the snow man. You can only do so much with limited talent. There is no denying his choice to work Parker benefited his early career and harmed it later. One could say without Parker he might have fallen into drugs before he was worthy to be crowned king. The mafia insisted Elvis did drugs because he loved them not because he was trying to escape. Here's what Parker did: He moved the timetable forward at an amazing pace. He created hysteria by paying girls to scream or rush the stage. It only takes a few to start it before it catches on with the crowd. Col. Parker also had connections that Sam Phillips didn't. By mid-1955 Phillips knew he had taken Elvis as far as he could. It was Parker who negotiated Elvis' deal with RCA, who got Elvis national TV spots. These are things that I believe would have happened to Elvis in time. So, Colonel Parker's contribution to Elvis' career was to stir things up and make it happen sooner. Had it not been so rushed Elvis could have reached the peak he did and would have fallen far into hedonic vices he was already drowning in by the early 60's.

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

Very interesting completely opposite viewpoints of the Colonial from people who interacted with him. Reason? Parker was the Snowman. He did get Elvis to the top. At that point Elvis wanted something else. By that time Elvis was sick. People can say Elvis could have controlled his illnesses-genetic, psychological or treatment induced. If a patient could do that, no one would die young-like Elvis or his mother, or mother’s relatives. It’s water cooler conversation at this point. RIP🕊

[@romanbennifir6020]

I agree. These statements is purely hypothetical, as it - as well as the opposite - cannot be proven. Fact is that Elvis already had two managers before Parker, namely Scotty Moore and Bob Neal. Both weren't able to provide him with either a contract with a major record label, nor a national (let alone international) hit, nor lucrative performances, nor exposure on television. Long before taking over Elvis' management, Parker was already a highly successful artist manager and tour organizer for - among others - country music top acts Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow. By the time Elvis and Parker met, Parker was a prosperous, influential man in show business, while Elvis was playing small venues for little money and couldn't live it up.Eddy Arnold was made by the snow man. You can only do so much with limited talent. There is no denying his choice to work Parker benefited his early career and harmed it later. One could say without Parker he might have fallen into drugs before he was worthy to be crowned king. The mafia insisted Elvis did drugs because he loved them not because he was trying to escape. Here's what Parker did: He moved the timetable forward at an amazing pace. He created hysteria by paying girls to scream or rush the stage. It only takes a few to start it before it catches on with the crowd. Col. Parker also had connections that Sam Phillips didn't. By mid-1955 Phillips knew he had taken Elvis as far as he could. It was Parker who negotiated Elvis' deal with RCA, who got Elvis national TV spots. These are things that I believe would have happened to Elvis in time. So, Colonel Parker's contribution to Elvis' career was to stir things up and make it happen sooner. Had it not been so rushed Elvis could have reached the peak he did and would have fallen far into hedonic vices he was already drowning in by the early 60's.

[@mariaevans7811]

Elvis was a great talent, he would have been great, with out the so call Mr Parker, the problem was, Elvis was greatful for everything he did for him, he allowed him to control him, took far to much money from him, Elvis could have been a great actor, but this conman, user and he took advantage of Elvis, but Elvis allowed him to do it, even at the end when Elvis was ill, it was money, money money, Elvis the cash machine!!!!!! 🙄🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@НинаКурасова-ъ7у]

Попытка оправдать Паркера!!! Я согласна с мамой Элвиса Глэдис ,которая не любила полковника .Называла его " БЕЗДУШНЫМ ДЕЛЬЦОМ" !!! Бедный Элвис !!! Этот паук погубил его , для него ЭЛВИС был только источником денег !!!

[@deboisblanc]

The only thing the Col did that was helpful to Elvis after the Army was the Aloha concert. That was great. Elvis should have realized that he didn't need to Col after that.

[@mikem957]

The 68 Comeback was bigger but I get your point. He was a snake.

[@vanessaroberts1682]

Long live the king

[@EPE77]

Elvis sarebbe stato di sicuro più felice senza la manipolazione del suo manager e sono certa sarebbe stato, comunque…IL RE. È andata come è andata e il 16 agosto 1977 ha smesso di soffrire, perché nonostante i soldi, nonostante il successo, Elvis ha sofferto troppo. Con amore nei nostri cuori, meraviglioso Elvis🙏❤️✨

[@asherasspirit7727]

I find nothing funny or good about this man. He used and ripped Elvis off. He was worthless to Elvis in the long run. If Elvis would have known he would not of had anything to do with him because of the trouble he was in to leave where he was from. Nothing more then a scammer. He took and took from Elvis. He took some of his clothes and things and after Elvis's death. Drusilla had to buy what he had stolen from Elvis over the years . And much more that he did to Elvis. That man was sickening ! No love for that man what-so-ever!

[@MohawkHalfBreedTheShredder]

I love Elvis more then anyone have just about all he's records except for 2. Alot of people don't Col Tom Parker but Col Tom Parker made Elvis he made him who he was he got thr best deals for him. No he was not perfect but he was a business man and he made sure he Got he's cut.

[@lilacflower9032]

Elvis loved the fame and image to leave Parker. He was talented, but he was his own worst enemy and to weak of a person to leave him.

[@bruceholroyd7063]

I love the way they used a clip from "A Night to Remember" when describing how Parker stowed away on board an 'ocean liner!' One thing is for certain... it was NOT the TITANIC!

[@TM-fu2we]

Great stories but so many conflicting opinions and not just in this video which comes across as pro-colonel. At the end of the day, the courts investigated Elvis' financial affairs after he died on behalf of his daughter and found CTP's 'arrangements' were exploitative. Gambling is as big an addiction as any drug and this could well have been driving the Colonel.

[@sunsensational]

Seems like that casino made more than all of them. They got Colonel Parker‘s 50% cut of Elvis revenue, plus all of the people Elvis brought into the casino for decades.

[@patriciaboyd2681]

Sometimes I feel sorry for myself because somebody stole my ID and collected unemployment on my name. Looking at Elvis spent his whole career working as a slave for this con artist. I feel so sorry for him, Elvis was betrayed by his manager and his doctor.

[@romanbennifir6020]

slaves dont have millions...to compare Elvis life as hard as a real slaves life is disrespectful. Elvis chose to do drugs they tried to get him off he found a way

[@AndyMangele]

Is this documentary rather old or have Elvis' backup-singers aged extremely well?

[@samcrawford7490]

Colonel last wife was hilarious that is exactly how Colonel split Elvis money 50/50 either she stuck up for him because that was her husband; or he lied to her.

[@andrewmiller4885]

Anyone who promotes this man Parker as a genius, a good man with a great heart,.. is a liar or a fool.