Spa Guy Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look at the Most Legendary Partnership in Show Business

[@michaelmiller6848]

The way the colonial handled the 68 special tells me everything I need to know about him to pass judgment

[@SpaGuy]

What are you basing how he handled it on? the movie?

[@neildarealdeal7129]

Cool information! Yes, Elvis had a self-destructive personality. What is fact is that Andreas Cornelius van Kuijk was an illegal alien. In my opinion, after the 73' Aloha Special, Elvis should've drop him and hired a promoter that would book Elvis over seas. He would've lived many more years I think... Darealdeal

[@GlobetrottingWithTrey]

The problem with that is why would Elvis and the band have to travel overseas when they were selling out arenas in America? It’s all about business and making money and they didn’t need to do that. Think about Travel expenses..I’m sure if Elvis made it to the 80s he would have gone overseas at some point but in the 70s the time was not right.

[@neildarealdeal7129]

@@nancylorenzo7029 Yes, I agree!

[@neildarealdeal7129]

@@GlobetrottingWithTrey Trey, your entitled to your opinion. In my opinion, Elvis would've been more motivated to perform for a new audience... Darealdeal

[@neildarealdeal7129]

@@nancylorenzo7029 Yes, on point!

[@SpaGuy]

I always appreciate your comments but He was not an never was an illegal alien.. When he came to the US in 1928-29 he was not required to have a passport and he served in the US military..

[@rwieber79]

Merry Christmas Billy, caught this episode on the podcast channel already but gave you a like here too for the heck of it. Can't wait for what's next and yes sir I am with you on the hopefulness of 2024 as well.

[@marthacantrell6953]

BL's movie of Elvis was great. I would love a series.

[@silvo-sings]

The most amazing thing about that movie was .. it twisted from the truth like a stick of licorice.. and I was around I. 77.

[@VegasVixen]

Ahhh! I can’t wait to read it ! I never have time to sit down and read . I’m hoping audio book version comes out so I can listen while working . The postcard has not been popping up in my feed . Excited to catch up listening ❤

[@brothbart]

Here is my review of “Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look at the Most Legendary Partnership in Show Business” by Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill.. It is long so I needed to upload it to Google Docs. drive.google.com/file/d/1VLYYmCiGT-ha5smqu16wXNtY3__WK_6a/view?usp=sharing Here is the start of the review. See link above for more information. Apologies for this is a lot longer than I had anticipated. I’m not sure if what I have written is considered “spoilers”, but I will let the reader decide that. It will save you the cost of buying the book. So, you are welcome. First, let me say that when I first heard about this book and read the description, I did not have high hopes. Since I had never heard of Greg McDonald, I was a little skeptical in exactly what he was aware of other than what the Colonel told him. Also, since he had such a close relationship with the Colonel (the Colonel supposedly allowed him to stay at his home so he could finish school) I wasn’t sure we would get an honest look and instead get a one sided, glorification of the Colonel. My initial thoughts were correct. McDonald is an unreliable narrator who gives no sources to back up his claims. He doesn’t even give the year when he first met Elvis and the Colonel, and as we will see there is an issue with what he says. However, there are lots of errors or “stories” that are hard to believe that ever happened as retold in the book, but we will get to those later. I was hoping that the book would contain at least pictures and copies of contracts, letters, etc. However, there are only two photos, three if you count the photo on the cover. One is of Elvis and the Colonel. The second is of the author, his wife, and the Colonel dressed as Santa. There are no copies of letters that he mentions in the book or copies of the contracts, etc. The book can be divided into two parts. Chapters one through 12, which is more of a biography of the Colonel’s life, stories that I assume came directly from what Colonel told the author. We all know how unreliable the Colonel can be in his stories and claims. He also says that the Dutch “are extremely private people.”(p. 31) so why would the Colonel tell him these things? Chapters 13 through 24 are during the time when the author first met Elvis and the Colonel and could therefore have firsthand knowledge of what happened during that time. Although, McDonald says that he didn’t work for the Colonel during Elvis concert tours of the 70s. Also, I’m never quite sure what he did for the Colonel other than drive him between Palm Spring and LA. The first half of the book is very schmaltzy and sappy in the telling of the Colonel’s early life. It is not well written and feels clunky and geared toward young adults. For example, he says “his only pair of shoes had huge holes in the soles. He wrapped his feet in newspaper, and stuffed them in his shoes to keep them warm.” (p.29) He also tells two other tales that seem far-fetched that are described below. In the second half of the book there are a few interesting things. One is the meeting with the Beatles. The second is regarding the Colonel and how he marketed Elvis’ Vegas and tours. I don’t think the narrative that the Colonel was the “devil” is quite accurate. He did a lot of great things for Elvis’ career in the early days and Elvis and Colonel both helped to change the world. The Colonel couldn’t have accomplished the things he did without having a client as talented and special as Elvis. Elvis, on the other hand, might not have been propelled as quickly as he was without the help from the one of the greatest promoters in history. And the Colonel’s marketing and merchandising of Elvis was genius. However, this rosy picture is not based on reality. The Colonel also did some questionable things and was a much better promoter than manager. His number one goal was money. Of course, Elvis had the power to take on the Colonel and sometimes he did. However, the Colonel knew how to manipulate Elvis, and Vernon, and play into their fears regarding money and fame. But, like Elvis, the Colonel was loyal. He might have thought since money is the most important thing, he was really doing what was in Elvis’ best interest. The Colonel might have thought he did a lot for Elvis and Elvis owed him more than he deserved. He was not necessarily evil (unless he was a murderer), but he was no saint by any means. This book is described as “An Insider’s Look at the Most Legendary Partnership in the Show Business.” However, that is far from the truth. You get very little insight, unreliable stories, and numerous factual errors. Here is a list of things that McDonald doesn’t discuss or mention, address adequately, or dubious statements or events in the book:

[@christ_1512]

Your description is exactly what I expect from the book after reading some of the first pages.

[@neildarealdeal7129]

It's actually review of passed literature, not research! I hold a Ph.D. Don't want to me an A******, yes, I get the point, it's lots of hard work either way... Darealdeal

[@robertmorra8603]

Thank you for all your work. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You're right about Jesus. I heard Elvis early in his career around 1956 say 'Jesus Christ was the perfect man and he was crucified.'. Therefore, no matter how terrible you were treated by jealous misguided folks, like Elvis said - none of us are exempt because our eternal King Jesus took the cross for us all

[@t.cathel7129]

I absolutely love you guys. Follow you faithfully. I understand you follow and report the facts in “All Elvis” but have you though about interview Mary Yancey Wheat. I read her book “ Saving Elvis” three times. In spite of the Kings history and truth, this sci-fi fiction is a wonderful way to think “what if?” I hated the Netflix Elvis cartoon, the Baz Luhrmann movie and don’t get me going on the Priscilla story, but this storyline brought me as a lifelong Elvis fan some peace of what could have been with a respectful ending. I really think Mary would be a very interesting interview. It’s just a suggestion.

[@LauraMariposa]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!☃️🎁

[@holly_405]

Merry Christmas to you & Trey 💗🙏

[@effortlesschoice]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Happy New Year - Spa Guy & family 🎊🎈

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

Merry Christmas Billy and Trey

[@Sam-cg6rv]

They definitely had perks.

[@michaelmiller6848]

Folks. Don't let me these guys blow you smoke. Without the parker there would still be Elvis and much better version. To think so little of Elvis's talent that you believe no parker no Elvis??!!! 😂. Ridiculous. Parker is a con man. His whole life was conning others. Elvis was parkers cash cow. He sold millions of dollars worth of talent for pennies

[@GlobetrottingWithTrey]

Colonel Parker got Elvis on Ed Sullivan and tv… come on man. That was a big deal for Elvis and made him a superstar

[@Jennafur70]

@@GlobetrottingWithTrey He may have got Elvis foot in the door but the rest was all Elvis doing.

[@SpaGuy]

I disagree!!

[@balser77]

@@Jennafur70 Amen. Anyone could have done what Parker did but no has replicated what Elvis did. Without Elvis NO ONE would remember the name Colonel Parker.

[@silvo-sings]

Elvis despite his talent was driven.. by himself but needed management.. he was a handful but wonderful at the same time. Those last 10 years he was kept alive by Colonel ( career wise) and the close knit good people around him. And here’s another thing - Dr Nick saved his life numerous times and deserves more credit. Elvis was a rule unto himself.

[@neildarealdeal7129]

It is my understanding, he also got 50% of all of the memorabilia after Elvis passed until Priscilla sued him... Darealdeal

[@neildarealdeal7129]

@@NikkySix Interesting!

[@neildarealdeal7129]

@@Elvisgirl1977 Awesome, Happy New Year! Darealdeal

[@SpaGuy]

So they paid the Colonel for fraudulent behavior? They settled by paying the Colonel 2 million dollars!! I would call that a buy out not a settlement..

[@Jennafur70]

This video makes no sense. In all the videos I’ve seen the Memphis mafia members interview they all said what a piece of poo he was. Sorry I think you guys are wrong on this.

[@Sam-cg6rv]

Great interview

[@mauiswift6391]

Thank you !

[@applevalleyhillbillygarden1093]

Merry Christmas to you-all !

[@christopherallen9580]

Keep up the good work Billy and Trey!

[@helenludlow2331]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Elvis fans 🎄☃🎅🎁

[@Patracat]

And to you Helen🥰

[@user-linn-girl]

Amen Merry Christmas 🎄

[@aunt_b3365]

Merry Christmas Spa Guy and Family and Globetrotting with Trey and family!! Thank you for all you have dont to get the truth out and entertain us along the way. God bless you. Jesus is the reason. I too am grateful and thankful for Jesus in my life. Amen!!

[@debbiep4647]

Merry Christmas to you and your family!! 🎄🕊🎁🕯🎅⛄❄

[@lionelhollywood7275]

252 says hey Billy Merry Christmas my friend and tell Trey to tighten up! Great words about Parker …love the podcast setting

[@SpaGuy]

Great to hear from 252!!

[@johnkaufman5474]

I read the book on The Colonel and enjoyed it. I think Colonel could've done two things differently. He could've let Elvis do more challenging movies along with the money making musicals. He should've let Elvis tour Europe, Asia and Australia. As it was, I think Elvis felt trapped "in a revolving door." He lacked fresh inspiration. The resulting boredom possibly was a major factor in the over medication. Despite these qualms, Colonel was a brilliant manager. He gave Elvis an amazing start, kept his career alive while Elvis was in the Army, and arranged the Vegas residencies, Comeback and Hawaii specials. "Without Colonel, there wouldn't have been Elvis" is an over simplification. Yet without Colonel, I don't believe Elvis would've had the spectacular career he did.

[@lynnelovett8999]

Thank you Mr. Spa Guy and Mr. Trey. Merry Christmas and may you and yours have a blessed healthy Happy New Year. Absolutely about Jesus. God bless you and yours Mr. Spa Guy and Mr. Trey.

[@LuanneHarris-rk9ei]

Merry Christmas billy and to yr family and trey thank you so much for all your top vedios that I could sit back and learn so enjoy the vedios . I only started own'ing a mobile as yours call them cell phones ,I had my phone since 2015 glade I discovered your channel "Billy" hope you'll be back in 2024 and I hope I continue on your channel Billy" Thank you again billy "Again Merry Christmas and a happy new year for 2024 and thinking of Elvis to,🪅💝 from Sydney Australia 26Th December 2023 Tuesday here in Sydney💝🎄

[@janreynolds3794]

Great show!

[@C.M.S.recordingsstudio]

Merry Christmas Billy and all the best for 2024!

[@ramonatepel1701]

Merry christmas to your family 🎄🎅🙏

[@Sam-cg6rv]

Merry Christmas

[@Coolhand7]

I believe there are always two sides (at least) to a story. The real truth is likely somewhere in the middle of it all.

[@KL-cc2bs]

Love this. Merry Christmas!!!

[@brcisna]

SG,, Nice interview, with Marshall Terrill. In regards to your story way back on going to Scotty Moore's apartment. Always wonder if Scotty would have told Sam Phillips, that Elvis wasn't all that great in his eyes, if Elvis' career would have taken off like it did? That was one of those "luck" moments maybe. That was really a pivital point in music history the way I see it,,and you found the very spot this happened. Thanks again

[@justdea5757]

MERRY CHRISTMAS SPAGUY!!!!

[@loriej4504]

Greetings Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I found the movie version of Elvis and the Cornell did you spa guy ever see it?

[@MichaelSmith-990]

I'm gonna have to get this book. I've read so much negativity about the Tom Parker through the years this would be very interesting and refreshing. Just subscribed to the podcast. Thank you Billy and Trey for everything you do for the Elvis world 🌍.👍 TCB ⚡⚡

[@loriej4504]

I just finished reading the book Me and a Guy Named Elvis by Jerry Schilling. It's a great read. If you haven't read it I recommend it.

[@chuckmadden2251]

Merry Christmas Billy! Thanks for all you do.

[@DebraBehrens-sn4bi]

Merry Christmas Billy! Am reading the Elvis and the Colonel book today and find it very informative! Loved your videos and WCWAM with Trey plus your bus tours and the Graceland BBQ at the imitation mansion this year! Thanks for all your work on your channels and appreciate all your videos! They are great for people that don’t get around much especially to all Elvis Locations and everything surrounding his history! Will see you next year for more Elvis Videos in 2024! You and Trey are the BEST!👍🎄

[@DSP6877]

Billy and Trey I hope you have a Happy New Year !!! and many more to come.

[@beehappy3209]

Happy Xmas to ya both just what I needed on Boxing day 🎉❤

[@debragarner4884]

Very nice!

[@SpaGuy]

Merry Christmas Debra!!

[@Rita_654]

Hello Spa Guy and Trey, I watched this podcast with interest. It's Interesting to hear about the catalog deal. It makes me think was Priscilla asking too much? Joe Esposito always said The Colonel was the only one who could have handled Elvis, I believe that's true, he had a great business instinct, after all he was Dutch😂 , but very interesting man, and Priscilla liked him, he was very amicable she said. I think any other person would have been in awe of Elvis and would have been intimidated by Elvis and could not have made Elvis such a big star. The 50 procent is not true. I read that many times, there's no prove of that what so ever.

[@READYTEDDYBEAR]

Great video Spa Guy and Trey! Can I ask a question? Do you or KZbin control where adverts appear? It's really annoying, adverts starting in the middle of people speaking!

[@SpaGuy]

It is automated..

[@bonniekaye]

Loved the interview!

[@marshiamckeehan2682]

I enjoy you. Hope you had a Merry Christmas. And hope you have a wonderful New Year. Without Christ we would not have Christmas. Please keep up the good work you do. 🤗🤗🤗

[@braddarnell2498]

The movie was just that, a movie. They didn’t claim to be a documentary, they was trying to be entertaining.

[@SpaGuy]

Then they should have used someone else's name not ELVIS.. There is no point to a movie about a real person that is not true..

[@roberthellner1313]

Great video and tell all spaguy and trey and Marshall, keep them coming spa guy

[@deboisblanc]

Great book, and I ordered it by mistake, thinking it was Alana’s. Pleasant surprise

[@anthonymcauliffe860]

Spy guy iam your number 1 fan I like all your videos

[@SpaGuy]

Thank You for watching Anthony!!

[@frankvattelana6728]

Always Great Content from You & Trey! Your Videos are the gifts that keep on giving....Just Like Elvis! Merry Christmas!

[@johnkaufman5474]

One more thing: If you can, buy books from independent booksellers, rather than the big chains.

[@braddarnell2498]

Linda’s brother sold his guitar for practically nothing.

[@jenniferboht7240]

Are you going to review the Priscilla movie?

[@SpaGuy]

I don't know.. Might not watch.. All of these movies make me so mad..

[@jenniferboht7240]

@@SpaGuy It definitely does not help his image

[@wazupuass]

Spa guy do you know where I can get Dick Grob’s book Safe and Sound Thanks

[@wazupuass]

It’s a question

[@christ_1512]

I just started reading this book but I came only to 1 % of the pages. Then the writer states 'I' ve always contended that the colonel was a much better actor than Elvis Presley ever was.' This statement is enough to tell me on which side the writer is on. Who he takes sides with. I already regret having bought this book because I am sure that as an Elvis fan I will have to read it with caution.

[@SpaGuy]

So the writer cannot have an educated opinion.. At least he was willing to learn what really happened something it sounds like you are unwilling to do..

[@MrMid1969]

Merry Christmas 🎄 greetings from holland

[@Sergio54321]

Great show today Billy and Trey! Because of this show, I will purchase this new Elvis and the Colonel book on Kindle. I also did not know about your Wishing cotton was a monkey podcast. I love listening to good podcasts and now will probably listen to yours daily. Thanks again for all of your and Trey’s hard work. It is very much appreciated!

[@angelaneilson4364]

Merry Christmas to you Spa Guy ,Trey and your Families. Great discussion, in my opinion I compare Colonel Parkers to a strict teacher whom does the job to get the students prepared for life and succeed in their future , later be remembered as a mean person and blessed at the end with great accomplishment,miss understood from most of the parents. (A Metaphor) The Colonel knew exactly how to go with the times in the music world in a clever way! From the mid fifties style of music to the popular 68 comeback to the seventies American concerts Broadcast all over the world. Also the seventies music was very involved in Disco toons that every one loved. However,The Colonel with his management and Elvis with his Unique dressing style and love for the country “the elaborate beaded suits,the cape with the American Eagle and of course a voice that no one’s ever had in the Rock and roll world “ this combination of Masterpiece Were able to break record over Most Popular Disco. Elvis still was Number One! Of course Continues to Be! Thank you for the Podcast,we will be waiting for the next year episode Happy New Year! Arrivederci!

[@michellevolkmann5675]

Hi, cool

[@Isawapuddycat]

Nice shirt...😎

[@lonaeriksen7116]

Well , this conversation certainly puts the "Colonel" in a different light! Much different than what we were told in the Movies, I agree , in that probably without the Colonel Elvis might never have made it that big, no info here about the Colonel's Criminal (alledgedly) past in Holland?

[@SpaGuy]

The Colonel was NEVER a suspect in the murder in Breda that is a fact.. It should not have been included in the Nash book.. It was in my opinion to sell books..

[@lonaeriksen7116]

@@SpaGuy WOW, so sad that such damaging FAKE info has been put out , just to make money and "enhance" the story, Thank You Spa Guy , I always love your video's!♥

[@Sheriffstofko_erlc]

First

[@bonniekaye]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@silvo-sings]

Hi all, I agree with quite a few people - Parker was essential to Elvis.. two sides of the same “ coin” to success. I do prefer Alana Nash’s amazing book which contains meetings with Parker. I HATE that new movie on Elvis because they are just trying to polish away all the interesting and human elements to create an “ over the top illusion”… truth take a background seat.. the sad thing is new generations will start believing the “ new” produced Elvis. I do prefer Alana Nash.. she’s already written one of the greatest books with the Memphis Mafia. Why another book on Colonel Parker?!

[@silvo-sings]

Also Billy, why don’t you contact Tod Slaughter in the UK.. he was instrumental in the Alhoa concert and worked closely with Parker. Tod has up until recently ran the largest Elvis fan club in the world for decades. The UK and European extension. That would make a great “ special” episode. Tod was interviewed and shown meeting Elvis in the 77 special TV show. 🎸👍

[@SpaGuy]

Great Idea!!

[@justdea5757]

WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO RUMBLE?

[@SpaGuy]

What is rumble?

[@trsdglobal]

:)

[@Patracat]

I have ordered this book and can't wait to read it. I have believed for a long time that Col Parker was demonised by fans and the media. From the time he took over management of Elvis, he worked his butt off, with Tom Diskin and as time went on other people to help him run the whole shebang. From what I have read (and I've read 123 books about Elvis, and I know that's not many!) Colonel took the rap for Elvis on many occasions, when Elvis didn't want to do something, or did something that would be seen in a bad light. And he refused to manage anybody else, effectively dedicating his working life to Elvis, and I think that is why Elvis didn't want to get rid of him. Nobody else would have been able to manage Elvis' career, he was just too big a star, and you would have to have been there from the beginning to understand what Elvis needed.

[@maxbluenose25]

Just got round to watching this video parker was good for elvis in his early years Elviss later years parker was vile no point beyin that book all true elvis fans no exactly what parker was a con man sorry billy and trey i have to disagree on this still love your channel tho happy new year to you both

[@SpaGuy]

Yes we will just have to agree to disagree!! I'll say Elvis is a Legend today because of the Colonel.. Tell me how much more of a Legend Elvis would be if the Colonel was not there?

[@SamSammy-i4b]

A few questions spa guy Pastor Bob Questions why did you disable the comments on your video ? did you know the Bob Joyce married Elvis Girlfriend from Germany 1959 in 1977 ? did you know the Bob Joyce is the same height like Elvis ? Did you know Bob Joyce has the exact laugh like Elvis ? Did you know Bob Joyce has the same Voice like Elvis ? Did you know Bob Joyce has the same facial Features as Elvis ? Did you know Bob Joyce has been at graceland and at Lisa Marie Private Funeral ? Elvis was not in the Casket or in your Ambulance , it was a waxed Dummy Everyone knows where Elvis is ask Precilla Bob Joyce is not 70 he is 88 same age like Elvis one day there will be a book and everyone will be shocked !!

[@neildarealdeal7129]

Interesting information! Darealdeal

[@Peart5220]

Now THAT'S Comedy !...

[@SpaGuy]

Sadly you are delusional.. None of what you say here is true!!

[@neildarealdeal7129]

@@SpaGuy Okay, well, I am not delusional and am well known for my work both Nationally and Internationally. Anyway, I was talking about Scientific soft and hard research. What your friend did, anyone can do (e.g., interviews) It's not proven (by the IRB), or refereed by real researchers. So, you have your opinion, and I have mine based on the literature. Happy Holidays! Darealdeal

[@SpaGuy]

@@neildarealdeal7129 I think you are confused I said that to the crazy person who posted about Bob Joyce..

[@user-rr3yw9dn1l]

Greg and charles stone did a gates of graceland episode together. Both deflected and really didn't answer tom brown's questions fully. Greg told a fib about parker not letting elvis perform live again until 68 special, because parker wanted elvis to wait until the beattles broke up and left a void for live music. The beattles announced their breakup in 1970. So, Greg's recollection is wrong or he's just making up lies to make parker look better and smarter than he was and to have stories for himself to tell. Greg's story about how he met elvis and started to work for parker makes no sense in that gates of graceland video. Billy i don't know why you're promoting this book like it's fact when greg can't even get his stories factual on a 15 minute gates of graceland episode.

[@SpaGuy]

I find it funny that so many fans are all about the "Elvis" Movie that is not even close to factual but try to destroy a book from someone who was there.. A person recollecting events in an interview from random questions and spending time collecting information and doing a book are two different things.. I can cite many times Elvis said things in interviews that were not true.. That doesn't make Elvis unreliable.. My question to you is why you send so much time trying to destroy the person who made Elvis?

[@roknrolbilly]

hello billy!!! merry christmas....

[@timburris3758]

Merry Christmas