ELVIS : Waiting for Colonel Parker : Documentary

[@raeabrahams1974]

Colonel Park certainly did not do everything right. He was heartless. He did not care about Elvis. Elvis was so precious. It breaks my heart to hear how colonel Parker treated Elvis. 😨

[@parsleypalace3272]

Vernon was just as bad.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

parker did not want to see the needs of his artist he jst saw a way to make himself very rich by him!

[@ronniebishop2496]

First of all he was born that way. Has any other human ever looked as beautiful as Elvis. Not even close. And did anyone sound like him, not even close. He was a phenomenon.

[@boxerfan2]

True. Kind of annoying when they try and impersonate him or try and sound like him. They will never come close.

[@dianabeurman364]

Absolutely 💯

[@suecole5543]

Totally agree .

[@mariamariscal5616]

Exactly

[@RubenNJ]

@@boxerfan2 i mean, what about austin butler? He did really good

[@favre16]

Elvis was nothing more than a ATM to Parker, in my opinion. What a shame!

[@suecole5543]

Just a meal ticket ...

[@jitterbug121]

Elvis's mom Gladys judged the Colonel correctly straight from the start!

[@taramattiemanieram9317]

That was soo true .is like the colonel parker had a spell on elvis Presley and his family. Elvis couldn't get out away from the colonel parker evil ways such a shame bastardization

[@fafaflobie8449]

moms Know ,they have an instinct for stuff like that when it comes to their kids

[@msr1116]

But not my ex mother in law, though. That woman hastily and harshly judged many people because her emotions and prejudice clouded her assessments. She lost out on lots of good relationships because of it.

[@carolineshields5664]

@@fafaflobie8449 in

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

@@taramattiemanieram9317 I will never give that B any credit even for getting Elvis started, but i can say it has been well publicised and many have agreed the Mafia too that he did a good job , he having knowledge of and making sound business deals and that's not me saying that btw. Elvis was going to be very big indeed and parker knew that he used him & abused him, elvis could have dumped him once he had made enough , he didn't need the leech all the way thru his career. But elvis was jst too damn nice he would never have done that , He felt he owed parker , that he put him where he was and was afraid of going back to poverty. I doubt there is another singer since Elvis who gave almost everything they earned away, , Elvis said he didn't want to jst build money he wanted to use it make his and his family's life easier. Money meant nothing to him it was jst a product he could use to change peoples life , he was jst doing something he loved and was getting paid handsomely for it he loved to see peoples faces when he gave and how he was helping them. unlike parker who used him as a cash machine to fund his gambling addiction

[@leeroyholloway4277]

Parker was the single most destructive force in Elvis's life.

[@user-pl1hz8pu1p]

He was suspected of murder in his hometown. He fled, didn't even tell his family where he was going. He just took off. How Elvis crossed paths with this psychopath is very unfortunate and sad!

[@MMAfighter38113]

Col. didn't ''create'' Elvis. And for those say he did, why didn't Col. create another one???

[@fender1000100]

Didnt need to. Elvis was a big enough cash cow for his needs. Imagine you are getting 50% of whatever your boy makes. Come on now.

[@gracieg7601]

PROJECT DX the colonel should have never been allowed to charge Elvis that much.

[@MMAfighter38113]

Marcia Patterson it’s a good thing a probate court in Memphis ordered the estate to cut ties with Col. Parker.

[@gracieg7601]

That’s what the guys told the colonel. You said you made Elvis. No. ELVIS MADE ELVIS. If the colonel could make Elvis why didn’t he go make another?

[@gracieg7601]

EXACTLY! In the last year I recently learned that Elvis and the colonel had created a corporation. It was split 50/50, cause it included the Elvis stuff. Posters and books etc.

[@sianhanks7078]

everyone around Elvis used him everybody he had no friends even his family used him andvthere why he was so sad he knew

[@alexcarratu5554]

The day Elvis signed with Parker in August of 1955 was the beginning of the end of Elvis's professional life. Elvis would have been great and big even without Parker. It's like saying Andy Gibb wouldn't have been big and great without his Bee Gees brothers; it's only speculation, not fact. Back to Elvis, if it weren't for the Colonel, Elvis would have pursued his dreams and made an even bigger impact on the world. The Colonel was simply too money orientated and cared nothing for Elvis' creativity and talent - and Elvis' wellbeing. Say what you want, but it was greed that killed Elvis at the age of 42, just as much as the damage from bad choices. RIP, Elvis.

[@carolbell8008]

Alex Carratu hi, that is absolutely true.

[@alexcarratu5554]

@@carolbell8008 thank you. The Colonel was the biggest sponger in Elvis's life and death. Elvis should have ditched Parker as soon as possible. If Gladys had lived, she'd have booted Parker out of the picture years before.

[@carolbell8008]

Alex Carratu hi, that is for sure! She was a very good judge of character.🎶🎵🎶❤️

[@alexcarratu5554]

@@carolbell8008 she sure was. Had Mrs Presley lived, I believe Elvis would have too. She'd also have booted out some of the leeches in Elvis' life too. Had she lived, the spongers would have been out of the picture far sooner than they were.

[@sandramaggard2962]

@@alexcarratu5554 I don't wish ill on anyone either but user's I just don't care for, Elvis had a big heart and really let people use him. Yes, Elvis's life would've been very different if he hadn't lost his mother so soon.

[@rasputinsliver3196]

Parker was great for the initial 1st stage of Elvis' career up to 1960. But he should have been fired when Elvis came back from the Army. Certainly when Elvis finished the contractual obligations of the movies and, finally putting his foot down and demanding things change, jump started his career in '68/'69 he should have been fired. I've read over the years since even the mid '70s that many people from Cher, Wayne Newton, Tom Jones, Sammy Davis, Jr, and others had strongly urged Elvis to get rid of Parker as he was not doing Elvis any favors on any aspect of his career. I've read where legendary Vegas businessman Kirk Kerkorian had had long talks with Elvis and put forward various business strategies that would have offered Elvis the best movie roles at his choice and leisure, to fulfill the dreams of touring worldwide, greater money and the best song choices and collaborations with other greats in the business but Elvis, although very, very, interested, said no, he owed a debt to Parker. How sad that Parker took advantage of Elvis' deeply rooted sense of honor and loyalty and essentially treated Elvis as a slave and basically bilked Elvis big time. He made more off Elvis in the straight deals and in side deals using Elvis' name than Elvis ever made for he and his own family. What other entertainer had a 50/50 contract deal with their manager? None that I can think of. I'm sure there were some but I can't think of any. That Parker's family still lives off Elvis' back is a travesty and shame on them for it. I've never heard one word of thanks from any of Parker's family for the life of perpetual wealth that Elvis gave to them thanks to his enormous talent. Never has any of Parker's family made a public thank you to the man who gave his all to their "Colonel" so they could enjoy a life of ease. Shame on the Parker family. There's no getting around it. "Colonel" Parker was at the heart of what eventually killed Elvis at such a young age. Parker didn't give two squats about Elvis or how much greater and even how much more money Elvis could have commanded had he either been a better, more attentive and creative manager or let him go to those who would have allowed Elvis the opportunities he could have had and deserved to have had that would have challenged him as a performer and gave him reason to enjoy life. I've no respect for the fraud that was "Colonel" Tom Parker. Elvis deserved better.

[@ErnstTCB]

Well said!!!

[@msr1116]

The music industry has been rife with older, wiser vultures who look for young, naive performers willing to put their trust in a manager with the illusion of having industry skills, savvy and the right connections. It's just that Elvis so publicly endured such poor creative choices, bad business decisions and a questionably long association with Parker. The ridiculously exploitative fee split alone makes me wonder if there was blackmail involved that kept Elvis from ditching the old man.

[@fafaflobie8449]

He was a very loyal kid

[@GuillermoRodriguez-gu3oq]

Why the hell do you guys call him Colonel he was never a Commissioned Officer. He not qualified to be called recruit parket

[@DanielHawthorne]

Sure the colonel got elvis started, but he abused and used him. Case closed. Colonel was a nasy arogent human being

[@knockedoutloaded279]

has anyone ever been used as much as Elvis, even in death?!?

[@annanydegger8795]

No, no one ever has. Poor Elvis was exploited in life and his ex wife has exploited him even more in death. What a tragedy.

[@gregamerson9172]

@@annanydegger8795 baby u hit that nail DIRECTLY on the head😎😎

[@quinnmorgendorffer8435]

Him and MJ have that in common.

[@postersandstuff]

Bruce Lee

[@deerheart87]

Monroe

[@marcyonsgard544]

Elvis was an intelligent, gifted man. His music surpassed amazing, his humor was tremendous, and he was a loving..caring man. He trusted people too much, and was eaten alive. Not his fault...he grew up poor and humble, and that's a part of your DNA that never goes away.

[@patriciaferrini8652]

In life you are not aware how to face toxic people around you. We grew up thinking people are correct and honnest. But in fact not at all they all behave in their favor.

[@The1990Doctor]

the colonel was pretty much a control freak towards Elvis

[@Schulzvalerie]

Don't like that man he used Elvis till the day he died for his own profit

[@Rock4UNow]

And still today..whatever deal Cilla & Jerry struck with the Colonel's estate.

[@gracieg7601]

Rockstars really? Wow I didn’t know that his estate still makes money off of Elvis stuff. Why can’t they fire him? He’s dead. That’s terrible.

[@gracieg7601]

I think they’re building another place across the street to put a replica of Graceland to open. So they can get the fans out of the house. I think lisa Marie wavts to move back to Graceland. Now that she’s lost her son she’s in big doo doo. I think she’s broke. She gets a bunch of money from the places and the house but she’s like her daddy about spending. I wouldn’t be surprised if she isn’t back in drugs. Priscilla is selling all the homes she owns. Lisa even said in a video before her son died thst she liked to go sleep in daddy’s bed. When she’s down she does go sleep in daddy’s bed. It costs allot of money fir you to go to Graceland. Just Graceland not to all places. They’re only are selling the vip tickets now. My frievd thst lives over in the area said she would go more often if it wasn’t so high. It costs her avd her husband over 100.00 to go the two. That’s just to the house. That’s not to the planes and the other places. Of course I guess if your a real Elvis fan you will. But by the time you’ve gone to all of it and eat and hotels fir the went end it’s a 2000 weekend. That’s stupid. They say the hotel by Graceland is too expensive. 250.00 a night without a coupon. That’s crazy.! It shouldn’t be that expensive.

[@illusionistdave1]

Elvis made Elvis.

[@malangope]

I don't care about Parker, memphis mafia or anyone else that did Elvis wrong. I will hate them for a few days at most and then I will listen to Elvis music and appreciate the legacy he left to all of us. After that, love will fill my soul again. RIP Elvis.

[@fourwalls57]

I have met Gordon Stoker a few times, twice in Holland. When he talks about an artist, any artist, he tells his story seen through his eyes. He was there, when Elvis was alive, you weren't.

[@henridelagardere4584]

Elvis never toured Europe, because *Andreas Cornelis (Dries) van Kuijk* (aka Colonel Tom Parker) would have been arrested as soon as he sat foot on Dutch soil, or European for that matter.

[@Pfsif]

For what?

[@myelvischannel1992]

He thought he wouldn't be allowed back in the USA because he was an illegal immigrate there. That's why he never went out of the country. Elvis is always TCB

[@vashsant]

The rumor was that Colonel killed someone in Holland and fled, hence his illegal status in the US and false Colonel status. Either way, he probably never had a passport and couldn't obtain one, which is why even in the army years he couldn't go to Germany.

[@evitagiron]

@Aþort Mən I don’t understand why they didn’t think to get a lawyer

[@alexcarratu5554]

I think that it's safe to say Elvis Presley wasn't money-orientated and business-orientated by any means. Early in his career, his parents had to sign Elvis as he was underage. Elvis didn't care about the money, just to make others happy, a massive contrast to the Colonel, who was nothing but a leech after Elvis's money. Some people tend to forget that Elvis wasn't just touring to support him, his family, friends and colleagues, he was essentially the Colonel's cash cow and performed also to pay off the Colonel's heavy gambling debts. Elvis had insomnia his whole life and the Colonel probably knew that Elvis had it, but didn't care. How could he not see the shape Elvis was in by 1977? Or did he, but didn't care? I guess it's the latter. Elvis should have told Parker to eff off and done what he wanted to do. But Elvis was too much of a nice dude and that was probably his downfall in the long run. Elvis is just one example of many of if the business gets you and you don't get the business. He simply wasn't strong enough to deal with the setbacks. RIP, Elvis. You will never be forgotten and your legacy will live on forever. RIH (Rot in Hell), Parker.

[@sandramaggard2962]

I like the RIH.

[@alexcarratu5554]

@@sandramaggard2962 thanks. I don't wish ill upon the Colonel, but he really treated Elvis appallingly. Elvis should have woken the hell up and fired Parker ASAP

[@barthogeling]

He blackmailed the living hell out of elvis,with vernons past

[@alexcarratu5554]

@@barthogeling, Parker blackmailed Elvis full stop, not just with his Dad's past. His mentality was "My way or no way. You'll do this or you won't do anything". He fleeced Elvis for all he could. As long as Elvis was bringing in the money and Parker got his 50% share, Parker was happy. He didn't give a toss about Elvis's creativity, health, talent or Elvis's wellbeing. Even Elvis's Mum, Gladys, didn't trust him. Had she not died back in the late Fifties, she'd have told Parker to f%%% off and go to Hell.

[@edecioparedes7424]

100% agree with you bud..

[@maxineneild7352]

Poor Elvis was cash cow for everyone who was in his life right up to this day so so sad only loyal people in Elvis,s life was his fans an still loyal to this day RIP beautiful Elvis never to be forgotten 💙👑👑

[@LT1HILLINGHOE]

Elvis actually looked pretty good at his last televised concert. Just a little heavy and tired. 6-1 @ 250 pounds really isn't all that bad.

[@mawarbiruberduri7881]

Elvis will try to be seen to make the best performance, a good person and not much fuss, with all that, his friends around him take advantage of his kindness and his straight forwardness.

[@RonYoungAsElvis]

People can speculate all they want from hear say and second hand rumors , the only people who really know the truth are Elvis and parker and they are both gone. Just be thankful for all the great memories you have then and now there will never be another TALENT LIKE ELVIS and I've seen him a dozen times live in concert from the beginning of the 70's till June of 77, charisma talent charm and voice and you could feel the love between him and the audience !!

[@jameslovell8682]

+Ron Young WRONG! Many people knew the truth. Elvis was surrounded 24 hours a day. Unless EVERYONE was blind, a lot of people knew what was going on.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

We all know about the truth it was borne out thru out Elvis's Career , Elvis said , many times parkers descisions and how he wasn't happy so not really rumours eh !

[@williamludlow3788]

I worked at the Hilton 69 to 71and this is not the case with Parker' gambling issues. He had a credit line but would never pay it down unless he won. International hotel was the casino hotel's name until Hilton purchased it. I was able to be around Elvis when he entertained and was in his 30th floor suite while Parker was in the lower 3rd floor suite. Elvis on again off again girlfriend worked for me at another casino who also died of an overdose. Sad all the way around.

[@SheenaRea]

Interesting history!!

[@stever1791]

Was That Alicia Kerwin ?

[@williamludlow3788]

Did you know Alicia

[@stever1791]

@@williamludlow3788 I know she overdosed , I'm Not sure of the exact date of her death, but she was still way too young .

[@leebillington1909]

Loved reading your story!

[@TheKen68]

The man took 50% of elvis money??..That's a serious crook...

[@grabar20]

+Dale Kenny He got 50% for the merchandising,get it right.

[@depaola63]

Elvis ruined Elvis!! He let that piece of shit take it!! 20% Tops is what he would have took if Elvis said that! Elvis was all fucked up from 74'-77' ..Cilla being gone killed him too!

[@floydberthanichols6711]

Dale Kenny 50%, plus percentage of royalties. Larceny.

[@OGRuth]

From what Ive read and heard, Vernon was very intimidated by the Colonel and never stood up to him.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

When elvis returned from the army he knew full well wat was at stake, Parker was looking after parker as usual, that when parker was asked " bet your glad your boys back so you can start making that 15% again & Elvis said 15% hell, he's getting 50% !! Got to the point Parker was making more than elvis!!

[@randyharris3175]

Sandra Miller you're absolutely right one time they came to elvis and said we are going to raise the prices he said the hell you are

[@TheKen68]

2 shows a night for a month?. That would destroy most entertainers voice ..The man was overworked for parkers gambling debt...

[@jameslovell8682]

+Saphire Blue WRONG. His voice had more power toward the end than any time in his career.

[@shigsho]

Elvis asked to work.

[@depaola63]

FACT !!

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

plus other singers had support acts , elvis didn't he did all the show himself 600 shows

[@fender1000100]

@@jameslovell8682 Absolutely not. He lost his GRIT in the 70s. He couldnt sing songs like ONE NIGHT AND JAILHOUSE ROCK with half as much power as his prime. He could sing in an operatic style on a good night. But the GRIT was gone.

[@johnnylee2744]

Thank you for telling the truth sir

[@EluraTruthful]

He was valueble more than a singer, he need his own life

[@gracieg7601]

Elvis wanted to keep the prices low enough to let his fans be able to afford to be there.

[@TheBohemianAngels]

Did Tom Parker have something on Elvis that Elvis couldn't get away? I am always wondering this. Someone out there knows the truth. It looks like they will be taking it all to their graves.

[@peggyjohnson1848]

Just his father’s jail time

[@TheBohemianAngels]

@@peggyjohnson1848 I doubt that. That would not have held up for 20 years, and it had been known as well. Something more relating to Priscilla, and heaven forbid, gayness.

[@accountaccount180]

It cost me $17.50 to get into the midnight show...course you had to tip your waiter about a hundred to get a stage seat.

[@Schuch1963]

Gordon is right on here. What he said about Elvis just needing some words of love from the COL would have been a lift to his heart. elvis never said a bad word about the COL.

[@annanydegger8795]

When the Col was asked by a reporter if he loved Elvis like the son he never had, the Col. said no but he was the success I always wanted. It broke my heart.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

well there has been a lot said about Elvis's relationship with parker, a lot say it was a love/hate others there was no love , , elvis wouldn't have thought bad of him only frustration at how he was being handled by him , there was no love on Parkers part , it was purely business and when elvis died he never shedded a tear he was more concerned of the money he would lose . he even went to the graceland on the day of the funeral service with Elvis lying there in an open Casket to get Vernon to sign a business papers, who does that at a funeral someone with a selfish heart . still controlling Elvis in death . thats parker so full of love NOT !!!!

[@leebillington1909]

@@annanydegger8795 Oh my gosh! That was so heartbreaking for Parker to say that! 🥲

[@leebillington1909]

@@gassbaggerwoods5955 What a totally inappropriate thing for Parker to do!

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

@@annanydegger8795 and that was parker he never cared for elvis that was so evident thru out he was an end to a means , elvis made parker very very rich !! and that was ALL parker ever wanted , he signed elvis up for 5 wks at the hilton elvis was looking forward to the end of them to move on and upwards then parker signed him up for another 5yrs , the owners of the casino said to keep elvis at the hotel and the would write off the debt parker had with them it was all about parker and wat he wanted and elvis was jst the tool he needed to get him that !!

[@xangphuak]

2 shows a night? ...feel so sorry for Elvis.....

[@rosechris48]

It was mainly because he was an Illegal Immigrant and could not leave the U S. Even Elvis didn`t know that , it only came to light after Elvis died.

[@GuillermoRodriguez-gu3oq]

Vernon should of turned him in to immigration.

[@g9001]

that no good sob parker.

[@nokiannie]

The day Elvis met up with the colonel it was the begining of the end for Elvis he worked Elvis to the bone and he got the profits Elvis was a great natured man and felt like he owed the colonel where as its the colonel who owed Elvis everything. denied him his dream to tour the world hate him for what he did to Elvis a user of a kind hearted guy who cared about his fans where as the boss just cared about his profits whenElvis wanted to leave i wish he did have

[@no-oneman.4140]

The simple truth is Elvis succeeded in spite of the colonel NOT because of him. Why Elvis never got rid of him will remain a mystery.

[@ErnstTCB]

After the army Elvis was past the colonel, he should've dropped him then. Elvis made it because he was Elvis. The colonel only held him back. Elvis would've been bigger, done more and probably still be alive. Elvis was a dreamer and the colonel killed the dreamer. Elvis Presley- a God gifted talent the finest of any music genre, Charismatic performance and gifted actor. No one better. "A Star is Born" was his to be in, the colonel took it away....

[@rosechris48]

Have you ever seen Elvis on stage, I am not talking about just before he died, he sweat his ass off, pouring from him. He did weeks and weeks of none stop tours going from city to city. So sorry, the illegal immigrant did work Elvis butt off.

[@Rock4UNow]

The Colonel "He did everything Right????" Most enthusiast say up untill 1958..I'll give him till 1965 and it was time to drop him completely. Out of the picture because of his manipulating conniving ways. He was so out of touch with the fans and didn't care what they thought.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

charlie hodge said in one of his interviews that parker told him to change the songs people were getting fed up hearing the same ones, so elvis didn't agree but said they would have the audience put their choice in a bucket on a piece of paper at the enterance door , and elvis would pick from there to sing . this is true as his drummer bore this out surprisingly they were all the ones elvis was going to sing , so it wasn't the fans it was parker fed up ,all parker ever cared about was the money every deal he pushed for more money , he even was going to put the ticket price up , elvis put his foot down for once and said NO!! these fans have save all yr you will not do that

[@Rock4UNow]

@@gassbaggerwoods5955 Colonel didn't care about the music. Only if he and his buddies can cash in on and if they sounded like a lullaby. For the 68 comeback his script had Elvis singing, "How Would you Like to be" and "Sandman's coming". Obvious songs he own the majority of the publishing rights to.

[@Rock4UNow]

@@gassbaggerwoods5955 Im not surprised about the set list but I can relate from a current experience. When Kiss got Ace & Peter back and started touring in full make up, I just wanted to see them play the classics among the fans not the hits but without the hits the new fans felt like they're getting ripped off. So they did both. I remember the Elvis on the radio and the Elvis in the household..different set of songs. Like he should have implemented The Saved Medley from the 68 comeback.

[@hermanglimsher]

The Colonel was a despicable person. He knew Elvis shouldn't have been on stage from 1975 on. But as long as Parker got paid he didn't care. Also because of the Colonels' gambling losses the hotel could get sweetheart deals from Parker for Elvis's concerts.

[@karenmar1529]

Just seeing this now I wish when Elvis fired Parker that they would have gotten some Attorneys involved to protect him, maybe he wouldn't have taken him back, maybe he would have lived longer not being pushed so hard. It's horrible to think about that.

[@krispirtsios8654]

Well.. Its not so difficult to sack a manager really. Entertainers do it all the time Its the exception rather than the rule to have the same manager for life.

[@1burnman]

@MJL3764 you ar right elvis was a star inspite of the colonel

[@jessieblanton9875]

IIM GLAD HES HAPPY NOW DOING WHAT HE LIKES DOING .GOD BLESS

[@kathrynenderby5997]

I’m a huge fan of elvis Presley’s I love 💕 elviss music and flims too elvis will always be the king the king 👑 of rock and roll 🎸 my dream is to visit Graceland and communicate with elvis 11:48am

[@anY-bf9ud]

Elvis, s mother saw the shark on his back from the beginning, and it tugged v and tugged till I took him under. Col had a hold over Elvis what I don't know.

[@walkingtrails7776]

Elvis had to do 2 shows a night so col Parker could continue to gamble away his fortunes.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

Elvis was the only ever singer to do as many shows 600 i thought no other singer has or did since , surprised he wasn't burnt out sooner. he often told charlie he was exhausted but didn't want to let his fans down god love him

[@247drycleaners9]

I used to think that the Col mismanaged his career after the Army but, as I've gotten older I'm not so sure anymore. It's easy to judge after with the benefit of hindsight but Elvis did remain a star for all the years that he was under contract to the Col. He made mostly forgettable movies but he was highly paid for those movies and it kept Elvis in the spotlight. Same with Vegas. He was the highest paid entertainer in Vegas and Elvis needed the money. He had a huge entourage. to pay. His 50/50 split was crazy but Elvis has to take responsibility there. He could have torn up their handshake contract and did a reboot. He didn't. The COL didn't tell him to take the drugs either. The Col didn't get him help but that was not so common then either. No one has a perfect record during 20 plus years of management but the Col didn't do too badly either.

[@freddysnip6257]

This is one of the few comments about Parker that makes sense to me.

[@Patracat]

Totally agree with this. Colonel Parker has been demonised for far too long.

[@ispy368]

Sandra Miller.. please write a book...l agree with everything you said, except...l believe Priscilla loved Elvis with all his heart....but she basically was a child in a grown experience man world...She was infatuated of Elvis like most women...but she is the one to marry her love....No woman could live with Elvis lifestyle, all the women who came after Priscilla who lived him... understood why she had to leave... even though you didn't want to.....I know and lived with a drug addict.... Elvis also had a lust addiction for women....that is a helluva combination to have to live with....I loved someone once who had that problem...l still love them...but l couldn't live with them, and still can't....I would take them back, only if they could change for themselves, and be a better person...You can move on , and find someone romantically you can be attractive to....but when you truly experience that kind of obsession love Priscilla had for Elvis, plus having his only child...You never stop loving that person, you will love them until the day you or they die....But what you can't do is live with them in that destructive stage...or you will die with them or before them..... You can't save someone from them self.... Elvis had to wanted bad enough.... Priscilla was a kid when she met Elvis....13 or 14 year old... Elvis was young, but a full grown man , doing grownup stuff....She couldn't save him, without losing herself...She had a daughter to protect.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

A lot of people don't agree but i quite like Prescilla , Elvis caught her at the tender age of 14 , she was swepped off her feet she really did love him and he her she knew he wasn't a 1 woman man she stuck it long as she could then had to go , not all woman can stay like that. was said she had an affair , well i don't know but if so that wasn't right , i believe if you want someone else that cant be helped at times but at least end it with your partner properly

[@roseturner3726]

Elvis Presley was three times the man. Then Colored Parker.👉

[@bishopaz]

I think that Elvis was always loyal to the colonel,no matter what,he promised him he would make him a star and he did.

[@smokey03100]

R Paz he was already a star

[@hazelevans1971]

He would have been a 🌟 any way

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

Elvis would have been a star also without Parker His talent, his charisma, his magic would come out anyway. Maybe a little slower, but certainly he would become a superstar. Can you imagine Elvis's career in Quincy Jones's hands? Parker became powerful and famous because he owned the most talented boy, just the opposit.

[@alexcarratu5554]

Elvis would have been big without Parker. He had the talents and personality, a massive contrast to the leech Colonel who was only after Elvis's money. It's like saying Andy Gibb wouldn't have been big without his Bee Gees brothers. Andy, like Elvis, had the talents and personality. Maybe Elvis would have become a star slower without Parker, but he still would have been big without him. Same as Andy: he may have become a star slower without his brothers, but he still would have been big without them.

[@kaschak75]

For Colonel Money was important than Elvis..It's real pitty and very sad for us....

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

Elvis at a certain point of his careershould have fired Col. Parker But he was so generous so kind and caring that he accepted also what was not good for him. On the contrary, Michael was taking care of his business and did not hesitate to fire his managers when he didn't agree with them.And Michael's managers were cultvated people and musicians,what about col .Parker?

[@tyvallon6511]

First of all Parker may have been a prick but he was THE FIRST ROCK 'N ROLL MANAGER. And a marketing genius.!! He wrote the book on how to promote and build a star. He was a pioneer in Rock music management in the same way Elvis was a pioneer in Rock music.,Without Parker would there have been an Elvis? Of course. But Not to the extent that we know him today, especially considering that the 1950's was his window and platform. As far as Michael taking care of business?! lol...he went from being worth 2.3 billion dollars to 130 million. ! That's a loss of over 2.1 billion !! yeah ol' jacko was taking care of business alright. His ''managers'' cared a hell of alot less about him than Parker did about Elvis. Ultimately jacko should've kept his hands off little boys and an eye on his bank account.

[@hirskdubbi]

Ty Vallon HAHAHAHA HE WAS AN ILLEGAL ALIEN,A CARNIVAL HUCKSTER AND ROBBED tHE kING OF rOCK N rOLL

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

Ty Vallon Certainly Parker was a marketing genius and a genius in making money also from a stone. In the first years ,no doubt, he helped Elvis to be famous and rich, but he subjected him to exhausting sessions and tours.When he was only 18 and then 21 years od, he had to be taken to the hospital because he collapsed. Later, when he performed in Las Vegas for months he had to perform twice a day without a break and often, since his fans' demand was very high, he performed also at 3 in the morning. He went on in this way during all Elvis' careere until 1977, when he was very sick and tired of living. Elvis never refused these exhausting tours, because music was his life and he felt happy and calm only on the stage.All the times he was taken to the hospital, and the physicians adviced him to rest for a while, he returned always to keep his engagements also with a very high temperature.The truth was that Parker was greedy for money, since he was a game addict and used to lose great amount of money at the casino.He didn't understand and care about music and in the last years there were a lot of quarrels between him and Elvis, When I was talking about Michael's taking care of show business , I was not referring only to the economical part. We know he used to spend a lot of money for himself,for Neverland,for charity.But he controlled all aspect of his activity, choosing the best singers the best dancers , the best sound engineers and so on. Shall we compare the great musician and producer Quincy Jones to Col .Parker^ or Frank Di Leo? I apologize for having taken much of your time.Regards.

[@annamariafacchiano1688]

***** Who Knows? Probably, someone happier!The real talent comes out in a way or in another.

[@thomasleon5659]

anna maria facchiano 7th

[@krystynagorazdowska3746]

Parkera wszyscy się bali i słuchali go, a on wykorzystywał Elvisa bez skrupułów, bo było.im to na rękę, nikt Elvisowi nie próbował otworzyć oczy do skutku

[@sandramiller9084]

The colonel saw a young man who was very insecure and had a million dollar face a million dollar voice and very different unique and he use Elvis disappointed him w his movies he made he knew Elvis wanted to be a more serious actor and did nothing to help him do it Elvis said in a interview that no amount of money could give me any self ratification inside to the movies I was doing Elvis said they made him physically and also he said twice it did not change col Parker and everybody that was around Elvis used him they didn't love him or appreciated him for himself not at all in my opinion they were alot of people Jelious of Elvis just like Ann Margret said on an interview on u tube Elvis also was very unhappy and felt the world was closing in on him he was sad a depressed alot a the drugs made him more depressed a nervous his marriage was over and he was getting more sicker a exhausted and the col didn't do nothing to help Elvis its really sad that a kind humble hearted man so sweet a spiritual was treated awful a betrayed all for money. The col had alot of pull he could have gotten Elvis some help for his problems its really awful what people will do for the love of money like the bible says the love of money is the Root of all evil and it so very true its also the price of blood. All I gotta say I guess Elvis was very grateful to the col for what he did for him at first and when Elvis signed his contract he signed his death warrent like everyone else does in Hollywood I truly believe when Elvis sung big boss man he was singing this to the col its really sad that Elvis gave so very much a got very little in return it was no wonder he did drugs he was so disappointed in his career I believe Elvis was just tired a fed up w it all. And wanted out its a shame how Elvis was treated also Elvis wanted to sing more gosple songs and I believe he was headed down the road to Redemption and prayed a read his bible a talked to God in the last 3years of his life elvis was a very spirtual man who never lost his love or faith in god it never wavered no matter what he did god knew that mans heart elvis was only human he was climbing a mountain and he sung about it on stage elvis left alot of messages behind him i understand elvis compleatly he felt the whole world was against him and he was tired a he surrender it all to god a god took him home. Now hes where hes got love peace a rest and hes w god his mom a lit brother Jesse Elvis had a death wish and God knew it and I believe Priscilla and jd Sumner a Charlie Hodge and Joe to knew it but he's happy and if any body deserves to be happy its Elvis Presley he was a good kind humble spiritual soul Elvis was love but he also was a little boy lost. Who was scared of reality. And the I con celeribity he became. Remember that song that says he use to sing. This verse really fit Elvis to a tee. It. Says the verse in. You don't have to say you love me. Left Alone Just A Memory Life SeemsDead and so Unreal All that's left is Loneliness there's Nothing Left to Feel. You see elvis lived his life in memories of yesterday loved very deeply he loved his wife alot more than she ever loved him. And everbody around elvis only used him a left hi alone. The only true friend Elvis really had then he felt was Jesus Christ. And Jesus is the one he turned to he also said when he was here that gosple songs is the only songs that ease my mind. Elvis was a very special spiritual seeker and thru all he was going through God was the one he was seeking all his life. He was the answer Elvis knew that really all along. Now he's in heaven he's at peace he's happy w those he l Loves. A long time fan I love Elvis when I first saw him in love me tenderi knew then he was spiritual a a special man. Sandra Miller

[@sandraweichbrodt9557]

i agree with what they were saying here.

[@sandramiller9084]

I may have not known Elvis personally but I believe I did spiritually I use to pray for this man a lot I knew he was different a that a lot of people were jealous of him a thought they could change him but Elvis never forgot his roots his beliefs a his faith a love for God never wavered but even tho he was like a lost sheep that strayed God never stopped loving him Elvis got caught up in the wrong kind of people that only used him for their good times but when he lost ever thing earthy he loved as God was testing him as he was slowly returning to gospel songs more a more a talking praying to God in his alone meditating time w God people around Elvis didn't like his on going gospel side they knew they were loosing their good time party man watch Elvis w the boys in the viedo the light house. A lead me oh Lord viedo on u tube watch the way they look at Elvis. They knew Elvis was a deep down Christian a never forgot his faith they didn't like it. Elvis was be gaming to show where his heart was always at w God. Elvis was God chosen ones that's why he could touch people like he did Elvis was also a giver a nobody could sing like Elvis did his voice I believe was anointed by God. Elvis I believe got tired of all the mess a ask God to forgive him a said I have no need for all this. Just like that song the letter. Was written by Wayne Newton along w Elvis own private words a prayer to God back in. The 70 s that's a touching song a I believe that's how he really felt. Elvis is happy now he's where he always wanted to be w God his mom a baby brother Jesse. Elvis was destined for heaven he was one of God's chosen ones I'm happy for Elvis he's finally at rest peace. Rip Elvis I love a miss you brother you were my Mr SONGMAN. A brother in Christ I'll meet you someday. I my steps to are weary I have CLL LEAUKEMIA God's will will be done to for me I'm to am God's chosen ones a I knew u spiritually God knows his sheep a so does his sheep know other sheep gods redeem only knows for sure who their Shepard is a when he's calling them to come on home it won't be long until God comes a gathers all his sheep tell me are u one of God's sheep I know Elvis was a so am I are u. God bless u thank you for taking the time to read my post. May the good Lord be w you always. Sandra Miller 2016

[@elvicare35]

As far as his movies, they've done nothing but make me happy, so there has to be SOMETHING good about them!!!!!!!!

[@gt3505]

$40 back in the day to see Elvis imagine the cost in 2022 I reckon at least $800 - $1000 if not more

[@dmljm]

Thanx for Posting

[@depaola63]

As a 14 year old boy on 8/16/77 I said even then...FUCK TOM PARKER !! He ran Elvis in the ground !! But sadly Elvis LET HIM !! I am now 56 and have read and seen much about this man's life after I was blessed to see him at SAHARA TAHOE on October 13th, 1974 at a dinner show mind you for just $25 !! { I kept the tix stub} Elvis was #1 I love his tone and many classic's !!

[@ricosuave8123]

I hate interviewers who ask questions and then immediately interrupt and rudely cut off the person trying to answer the question.

[@jackrohde4709]

I really liked every Elvis movie except Franky and Johnny. Thanks ELVIS !

[@MJL3764]

quote "Elvis was a star in spite of the colonel not because of him".

[@ZeteticPlato]

Thank you, sincerely .....

[@rosanafag1948]

The guilty........its Parker

[@schen5425]

🦜Can anyone tell me, why did no one in EPs circle tell him about the Colonel and how he was using him ✨ was he naive?? Pls don't say yes. Did he really had a hypnotic hold on him? Sad 🥺

[@TheFarmerfitz]

you are right..Elvis created Elvis..Sam Phillips helped (bring out) who Elvis was, but E. always had it in 'im.(the "it" factor)..The Colonal just Cashed in on a big win, and did everything he could to keep cashing in...

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

Thats wat sickend me when i read Elvis's life story , Sam Phillips was only interested getting Elvis out there and seeing wat he could bring to the music scene , it wasn't all about the money for him but he sold cos he needed the money for other ventures. I wished he was his permanent manager Elvis signed a recording contract with Sam Phillips When the contract expired the Memphis radio personality Bob Neal stepped in and made a deal with Phillips to become Elvis's manager. Neal was struggling at the time to accommodate his new client's success & in February 1955 following a meeting with Parker Elvis agreed to let Parker take SOME control of future bookings and promotions. BIG MISTAKE !!! Parker and Neal worked together to promote Elvis although Neal remained Elvis's official manager Parker was becoming increasingly involved in the running of his career and by the summer of 1955 he had become Elvis's "special advisor." Parker knew he was on to a good thing , Gladys never trusted him and she had good reason to be

[@gracieg7601]

Elvis was a guy that made everyone money. He even made it fir himself. But it went through his hands too fast. He should have demanded the colonel not charge 50%. ThAts too much. The colonel stayed by Elvis side cause he was worried someone else would grab him away. Colonel should have stayed in his own office & had more than just Elvis so he could have had more than one person making his income. Instead he was terrified Elvis would get out of his havds. So he charged Elvis too much. Yes he handled stuff. But he over charged Elvis way over charged.

[@ThomasClark-bi1zz]

Very,very,sad. R.I.P ELVIS. ❤

[@rosechris48]

You are right, he didn`t create Elvis, Elvis was a one off who Parker saw as $ signs, he did do some good stuff for Elvis but he worked him into the ground.

[@urfever]

Tom Parker agreed that he had NEVER touched Elvis' music issues. NEVER...

[@dabdella1460]

Jerry shillings book says Parker messed with it changed Indescribably blue From the way elvis wanted it and elvis didn't find out till he heard it on a record already out to the public Dd

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

YES IN THE BEGINNING When parker first started as Elvis's Manager 1955/56 he made a deal he said "you take care of the singing and i'll take care of the busineess and one will not interfere with the other"! and for a while it worked that way until the latter stages and parker started getting involved with everything till he was telling Elvis wat to do about everything he became a controll Freak. Once Parker had his claws in elvis he never let go he hated not having complete control over him, Elvis wanted to do other things and would tell Parker his ideas, but that was a near impossible as it only served him to shut it down Elvis always resented that, & he got very discouraged he had pretty much no say in anything anymore . he dreamed of going to the UK but he never got there because Parker was not an American citizen, he was an illegal Immigrant, a Dutchman even the name Colonel he took from somewhere. Everything was about money to Parker he always pushed deals to make more money he sacrificed Elvis's career & happiness for Money!.

[@CaptainSpalding72]

Elvis died of boredom. Thanks to the Col.

[@glendazentz4250]

Colonial obviously did Not do everything right......Come On! 🤬

[@jfoan4275]

Too bad Elvis didn't pay him a settlement, and get rid of him!

[@walkingtrails7776]

Elvis would have been Elvis with or without Parker ...prob would've lived longer without Parker.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

NO NO NO NO NO !! He WOULD have lived longer , amongst all the things elvis had wrong physically he was BURNT OUT!!

[@charliejohnson1810]

The Col. killed Elvis. Believe it.. Col. had a open tab on the tables and always owed the casino. that is why. Elvis doped up to do to shows. pills spastic colon all killed Elvis. He never wanted to make movies. Bet you didn't know that. oh yes that was Col Tom Parker's great idea . pict.this. someone says to you. Hey Kid. I'll make you a star. you can buy your mama anything you want. Elvis loved momma. and do anything for her. as he did. but hated the way he made his money. All THE KING WANTED TO-DO WAS Make Beautiful Music. And that he did. At my funeral thier will be all ELVIS Gospel playing softly in the background. In the garden will be playing for the world to here while I'm being laid to rest.

[@billboudreau6512]

Saphire Blue Your so right he did want serious roles. Bar Barbra strastran (? spelling) wanted Elvis to play in movie A STAR IS BORN . BUT COLONEL PARKER WOULDN'T LET HIM BECAUSE ELVIS WAS GONNA BE 2ND BILLING UNDER BARBRA. THE WORD WAS IT WOULD HAVE GAVE HIM REASON TO INTEREST HIM AND GIVE HIM THE WAKE UP HE NEEDED TO CHALLENGE HIM. IF YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THE MOVE IT'S ABOUT A WASHED UP SINGER HOOKED.

[@tallman4040]

Bill Boudreau Elvis decided the movie was not the right role. he told the colonel to tell them no, make up any excuse but decline it. This is documented in several books. Besides, the movie was a flop, and there would be no chemistry between barbara and elvis. Perhaps if it was ann margret, elvis would have done it. barbara was and is a difficult person to deal with.

[@elizabethf1591]

tall man If ELVIS had his health at that time, and went on to make a star is born, then I'm sure, Barbra would have been putty in ELVIS's arms

[@fafaflobie8449]

Elvis was a big boy ,he could of still been around ffs ..he was isolated ,had men around him that the Colonel influenced ,the drugs made my man weak ,tired,and easy to prey on. so sad ,i loved the man. still sad !

[@fafaflobie8449]

​@@billboudreau6512 if he did that role instead of Kristoferson, it would of changed everything for Elvis...

[@Patracat]

How do you know what the Colonel felt for Elvis? He worked his butt off for Elvis for 20 years and has been quoted as saying to people close to him " I love that boy. He is the son I never had". And the word boy is used affectionately, not patronisingly.

[@serpico56]

I saw Elvis at the Hilton in 1972 for $15.00 INCLUDED 3 COURSE MEAL. PLUS THOSE MONEY HUNGRY Maitre D's who you had to tip over $100.00 to get up front.

[@glendazentz4250]

The Colonial obviously did Not do Everything right. Come on!!

[@guitarguy6260]

Sometimes i geel ashamed for being dutch since the colonel also was dutch i am a very big elvis fan

[@ronniebishop2496]

But in the other hand only Parker could have handled Elvis as well. After he became a star you never saw him unless you went to the movies or s concert or that 68 TV show. That's genius. No Johnny Carson for him. That's Parker the old carnival barker. So don't best yourself up they were polar opposites .

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

Never feel ashamed you are not tarred with the same brush , i would never blame people of whom have nothing to do with something only thoes who do . you weren't the one to cheat Elvis , so don't worry

[@TheFarmerfitz]

what I don't get about the international touring thing, If he was an illegal and worried about not getting back in the country, why did the Colonal even have to go on any (out of country tours) He had enough people working for Elvis that they would have been just fine with Mr. Parker staying stateside!!!

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

He had to go with Elvis to keep a tight rein the skumbag, he wanted complete control over Elvis, he would never have had that if he didn't go , he could have let him go but that was never going to happen yes , Elvis would have been fine thefarmerfitz

[@deboisblanc]

Because Lamar co-wrote Goodman's book. Most of Goodman's dirty little secrets about Elvis were courtesy of Lamar.

[@marcelburger2436]

Parker is not even a corporal.. A Dutch guy who take it all

[@msr1116]

How can I see the docu in its entirety?

[@OctPSfever]

Even one show every night is too much...Colonel is a crook...Whole thing with damn Colonel was total rip off..

[@izzigogo]

Parker used him!

[@charliejohnson1810]

used him Killed him

[@suzannebenz8928]

The Col seemed to have taken great Advantage!

[@melmiller9507]

I want to see documentary!!!!! Where is it????

[@mapachehombre1581]

When Elvis first arrived on the scene Gordon Stoker said Elvis was just a flash in the pan "bet he never told you that

[@MsBonijoni]

The Colonel was a freak, an intelligent one but no less a total control freak-

[@ElvisFreak77]

The thing that made me dislike the Colonel was the fact that when Elvis died he told others that it was business as usual, and he showed up at his funeral wearing a hawaiian shirt and stood by the front door the whole funeral, I also disliked the way that he took 50% from Elvis, and Elvis' 50% had to go to his employees, and the band before he could get the remainder, the Colonel used Elvis for his gambling addiction, 50%? Crazy!

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

He would never have gone to the funeral , he went to get papers signed by Vernon , who does that !!!!!!

[@Savvage.875]

Look at it this way Elvis had a lot of people that loved him . Parker didn’t have anyone but Elvis

[@moekontze116]

apparently according to the gentleman that made his suits, he was going to Europe whether Parker likes it or not. he told him make his suit, he is going look weight, eat well and get ready for tour. if Parker doesn't have a passport to go to Europe, he gonna tell him to stay in America but he is going. sadly he died, and the idea of the laser suit was stolen by the guy who Elvis suitmaker hired to help, but stole the designs after Elvis died.

[@xenafletcher8442]

Col parker was a disgrace period elvis in the beginning was just rushed right in without any understanding of stardom yes as progressed he became more aware of what was going on but he was already deep into the business he truly had no one to guide him through the perils of show business not like today its a shame had he had better guidance and truly had a better manager he may still be with us today but you must keep in mind other factors that affected elvis the loss of his mother had a very profound effect on him emotionally thats when i believe the drugs took over him emotionally and the last straw was the divorce with Priscilla the girlfriend's were part of trying to fill a void

[@opencurtin]

@phyllisfiredwards1 They were in love ,Pricilla was jealous thats why she left him .

[@CooManTunes]

Mark David Chapman should've killed Colonel Tom Parker, not Lennon!

[@JAARNO88]

why has lamar fike got a poster of albert goldmans terrible book on his wall? is he proud of his contribution or what?

[@maryannemelenka9250]

I think Elvis may have known about Parker,s illegal immigrant status, that's why he never fired him, Elvis was compassionate man, was grateful to Parker, and did not want to disrupt Parker's life, if Parker had been American born , Elvis may have did world tour. I think to some extent Parker was a good and generouus man,he was a genius showman, but where I resent him, is the Vegas and possibly rest of Elvis,s touring years. Made Elvis work his ass of, so Parker could pay off his debts. And worked Elvis to death. I sure hope he had a crisis of concious after Elvis's death, but more likely still thought of money. So sad.

[@kjetin99]

Of course the boys knew what was going on! They were not stupid at all as many claims! All the best!

[@westnblu]

@ritter89 its not jus elvis who thought that . Prescription drugs r the most abused drugs in the western world yet the focus is mostly on the illicit stuff.

[@TomSmith-dt4tj]

Who is the woman speaking at the end?

[@TheDagdean]

i agree with valerie.