The Memphis Mafia Discuss How Vegas Killed Elvis Presley

Elvis's downfall begun and ended during his time playing in Vegas. Due to his manager's greed as well as being stuck in contracts, Elvis was forced to play in Vegas over and over, every day.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:30 The Comeback Tour
00:59 The International Hotel Deal
02:25 Elvis' Best Years
02:50 Being Overworked
03:50 Wanting to Perform Overseas
05:47 Outro
#elvis #elvispresley #austinbutler #tomhanks #documentary #minidocumentary #minidoc #minidocs #tomparker #vegas #lasvegas #storytime #exclusivestory #exclusivestories

[@rebelvgan4579]

Parker worked Elvis like a mule and didn't care if Elvis needed a break or rest. He also deprived fans around the world of one of the greatest live shows ever, from a true legend. I heard that Elvis was making plans to do something different with his career and start looking after his health, but tragically it was too late. Totally agree with Lamar here.

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

👍🏼👈🇺🇲

[@jasonpetty944]

Elvis was a grown ass man. He could have handled his business.

[@michaelmapes4119]

What made that even worse was Elvis Father Vernon was taken in by that sleaze bag Parker and insisted that Elvis stay with him, which in turn made Vernon a sleaze bag as well.

[@amateur_football9751]

Elvis was 42 years old, an adult, not a kid, he was responsible for himself, even Sonny West acknowledges this

[@lunablue499]

Col Parker destroyed Elvis!

[@aussieblonde8429]

Amen!!

[@b.a.k.2683]

Elivis, himself , also contributed to his demise .

[@lillyd2246]

Elvis' divorce didn't help either

[@MohawkHalfBreedTheShredder]

Wrong. He's Mother's Death and pricella destroyed him

[@That_AMC_Guy]

I disagree. With proper counselling and a little help from his friends; Elvis could have moved on from both his mothers' death and Priscilla leaving him. Well, Glady's death was inevitable. Yes, Elvis was a momma's boy but how many of us have lost a parent? It's a fact of life. Yes, it hurts, but we don't let it destroy us. Now as for Priscilla, well, in my mind.... in a more perfect world - they'd have stayed together. If Elvis could have stood up for himself, he could have arranged for time off, he didn't need to be working 29 days out of 30.... he could have been home every couple of weeks - I mean, shit.... the man NEEDED some down-time anyway. If the Colonel hadn't been such a slave-driver, Elvis and Priscilla would've stayed together and worked their problems out. Because I strongly believe that, had Elvis actually fired the Colonel in '68.... we'd probably still have Elvis with us today. Without the gruelling schedule the Colonel had cooked up for Elvis, his dependency on pills would've waned and he may have actually sought help for his addictions. I had a stray thought today and I truly wish Elvis could have starred in "A Star is Born". Elvis was the perfect choice! But instead of depicting Elvis as a drunk like Kristofferson did.... have Elvis' character mirror Elvis in that the character was "lost"..... didn't feel his stardom was deserved or questioned why he was chosen to be thrust into that lifestyle? This would've given the movie some real spiritual overtones and really brought a more emotional impact to the audience. Also, the movie then couldn't end with the "John Howard" character getting drunk and crashing his car - no - I think there should've been a sub-plot how he would dress up like a bum just to blend in with society. On one of these outings, he gets caught up in a convenience store holdup and in trying to dissuade the robber from going through with the robbery and/or shooting somebody, the robber kills him anyway. So rather than dying by his own stupidity like Kristoffersons' character did, Elvis' character unfortunately loses his life by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time and appealing to the wrong person. Way more of a gut-punch. But sadly.... not to be.

[@martyduncan2636]

Lamar is EXACTLY correct here. Colonel Tom Parker was neither a “Colonel” nor was he “Tom Parker” 🙄

[@frostpond]

Also: Illegal Alien

[@gailcalderone5229]

That is correct...

[@liamodriscoll3739]

PARKER WAS A CONMAN LIAR USER AND AN ILLEGAL IN TH U S A

[@boogitybear2283]

He should have been deported.

[@benignasiak3465]

Yup and took half his money plus Elvis had work for free in Vegas to cover his debts

[@gailcalderone5229]

If Elvis could have been able to tour other countries I think he would have lived a longer life or at least enjoyed his life much better... Elvis should have spoken up to Parker about traveling n never allowed him to get fifty percent... Gladys was correct when she told Elvis she didn't trust Parker....

[@miradassimples7362]

Lamar is the only one that confronted Parker...my respects

[@guyhillock4860]

I DON'T Believe Him. Lamar Fike was The FIRST to Sell Him Out.

[@82566]

​@Guy Hillock do u mean the book Lamar Co wrote ? I can't remember the name of it 🤔

[@richardeidemiller6739]

@@guyhillock4860 I don't either. It's easy to talk after the fact. They all sold their stories and had no quams about telling all, the minute the man died ( and as we know some prior to his death) These men as well as his x wife needed to continue to capitalize off his name because without him most couldn't make it on their own. Everyone spoke out of both sides of their mouths to the point its hard to know the truth. Vicki

[@guyhillock4860]

@@richardeidemiller6739 Said Well Vicki!!!!! That was said perfect and I absolutely agree with you!!!

[@nenabunena]

@Guy Hillock he said gold man was nice and sympathetic when he talked to him, he didn't know he would write such a hateful book and regretted it. Same with red. It is priscilla that has destroyed Elvis with her book full of lies and she's proud of it too

[@wesleygambill8259]

Lamar knows the truth here.

[@wallymarcel1]

Absolutely. But Elvis should have had the courage to override Parker and find another manager if necessary. But he couldn’t break the trauma bond. That’s the heartache for all Elvis fans.

[@BleedBNG]

It's amazing that Elvis didn't perform a concert in NYC until 1972. He should have performed in England way before he passed away. He was their number 1 idol before all the '60's groups got together.

[@PLem573]

So sad they expected so much out of him~. Love you to the moon and back Elvis~ Always!

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

👍🏼👈

[@Awaywrdson]

Never saw him in Vegas, His 68 Comeback Special was Great !! That was my Elvis !! 🤴 ☝️

[@dorothycastaneda8760]

Elvis was not stupid, if given the chance to tour out of the country he wouldn't have brought guns and drugs because he knew they wouldn't allow it at the airport. As far as his medications he would've found a doctor where ever he was playing to prescribe him what he needed.The colonel was just looking out for himself and his gambling debts which Elvis paid for by being overworked .

[@mauriciofragapoltronieri6315]

Infelizmente não meu caro. Ele era um artista extraordinário; mas um completo leigo e fora da realidade do que estavam fazendo com sua carreira. Seu maior erro, foi ter confiado suas finanças ao seu pai; um homem semi-analfeto, mesquinho, pão duro, só sabia calcular aquele dia e mais nada. Deu no que deu.

[@jessiem276]

​@@mauriciofragapoltronieri6315 You don't know what you're talking about!

[@bonniebrown6960]

Obviously Vernon didn't do too bad. He saved everything Graceland had and now they have a huge museum across the street to prove it. He may not of had a lot of schooling, but he did have common sense about things. Plus Elvis could trust his daddy more than he could a stranger.

[@mauriciofragapoltronieri6315]

@@jessiem276 você não sabe escrever em português?

[@mauriciofragapoltronieri6315]

@@bonniebrown6960 você não sabe escrever em português?

[@richardeidemiller6739]

Some people say Parker made Elvis. Silliness. Elvis needed someone to jump start him, after that he was an albatross around his neck. Elvis had the talent and looks...Parker did not create that...he merely knew how to sell it but when your product is Elvis that wouldn't be hard to do. Parker witnessed the crowd reaction and knew he struck gold. He had zero understanding of him or his talent. He knew Elvis wanted to keep his family from ever returning to poverty again and he knew Elvis weaknesses. I think the combination of these two pieces of knowledge is how he kept him under his control. Vicki

[@JohnDoe-pp7kx]

Elvis made himself, Parker took care of money business...

[@LoanShoppingExpert]

Tom Parker was well known for turning fledgling singers into stars. Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, Tommy Sands, etc. were all managed by Parker and became household names under his management. It's debatable whether Elvis could have achieved such stratospheric success without the expertise of Tom Parker. Parker was a tireless promoter who was devoted to making Elvis shine, and put in the hard work to do it. Nonetheless, Parker was a leech and a scoundrel. According to several insiders, Elvis was making plans in 1977 to fire Parker and hire a new manager (but I forget his name).

[@richardeidemiller6739]

@@LoanShoppingExpert He needed someone who knew the business and could introduce him to a bigger audience. Parker did not create him nor the frenzy that followed him. The girls weren't losing their minds over Parkers promoting skills. He wrote up contracts on napkins and made ridiculous demands that people acquiesced to so they could get Elvis on their stage. Had it been anyone but Elvis I think they would have laughed him right out of business and some have said as much. He did alot of work no doubt but he also took 8 years and wasted the talent on mindless movies. They made alot of money but they stifled Elvis and could have cost him his career. The Beatles were on the scene. Some of his best music was made when he went against Parkers wishes and 68 Comeback was not ultimately what Parker wanted. That show was Steve Binder and Elvis talent. Yes he was great for him in the beginning but as I said Elvis on stage was Elvis and that created the cult like following that still exists today. Vicki

[@LoanShoppingExpert]

@@richardeidemiller6739 Well, Vicki, Steve Binder said when the Comeback wrapped, he never saw or heard from Elvis again. What does that tell you?

[@richardeidemiller6739]

@@LoanShoppingExpert Elvis was loyal to Parker and went on to Vegas that's not my point. Elvis talent didn't hinge on Parkers deals or his connections was my point. Elvis created himself. His looks, charisma, voice, dance moves, stage presence, costumes, band members were his not Parkers. We will never know if someone else would have taken him to even greater heights because the minute Parker saw him he went to work on signing him. He allowed no one to talk business to Elvis which tells me alot. Hank Snow and Eddie Arnold and Tommy Sands were certainly not going to make Parker the money Elvis did. I'm not disagreeing that he didn't need someone like him for a time but I won't give Parker credit for what Elvis became. How big would he have been if Parker would have had him tour outside the US also. Vicki

[@suspiciousminds1750]

I've said for years Elvis needed challenges. Whenever he had a challenge he met it: The sullivan shows, acting, restarting his career after the army, the '68 Special, Vegas, MSG, Aloha. After "Aloha" there were no more challenges and he faded away.

[@inescece4707]

I agree with Lamar 💯 based of what I know and read about elvis he probably needed to tour overseas so he would not be bored with the same tours ! Rip elvis u r so loved and missed !❤

[@pattiekelly3742]

Has anyone forgot about the satellite concert he did that reached thousands of countries and millions of fans. That was his our of country tour.

[@hermanbradford-fw4pt]

I think the Col used and abused Elvis. The only reason Elvis had to play Vegas was because of his gambling debts I think Elvis would still be alive IF HE had the challenges like touring outside the US Elvis had fans world wide and they would have died IF Elvis played live for them Col Parker held Elvis back from a lot of aspiring things, from tours to big production movies I don’t think would have cared if he was top billing or not

[@gailcalderone5229]

Yes! That was terrible that Parker got him into those movies...No less not being honest with Elvis about all the singing in them .We all know the type of movies Elvis wanted to do..He definitely would have been awesome in serious movies...He was great in what he did but not happy...Miss this man so much...

[@gregclark3268]

Parker also kept Elvis away from talented people who wanted to help him. People like Steve Binder, Chips Moman, etc. He didnt want Elvis talking to Tom Jones because Tom kept trying to get Elvis to tour England and Europe. Parker wanted Elvis where he could control him. Lamar hit the nail on the head when he said Fuck the Colonel. Disgusting excuse for a human being

[@sarahboller5912]

parker was nothing but a carny....

[@sandyt7225]

And at what point does E. .take responsibility for his own actions and career.

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

Elvis holds the record as the most successful artist Las Vegas has ever had. His residency at the Hotel International there consisted of about 660 shows - every single one of them sold out.

[@jamesklatt]

Meanwhile the Beatles were touring the globe along with the stones and zeppelin

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

@@jamesklatt I accept that, and damn `Col` Parker that Elvis wasn`t doing the same.

[@jshiner7298]

​@@jamesklatt All because of Parker, couldn't leave america so couldn't control the king, so sad

[@leeprier6503]

I believe what Sonny said. It was bc of the guns and the drugs. Elvis was addicted ppl. The Col was NOT an illegal alien. During the years col first came to America, passports weren’t needed. Besides that col was married for many years to an American citizen which made him legal.

[@hirdy6]

I share Lamar's opinion of Parker, you can see the genuine emotion in Lamar's face and hear it in his voice. Lamar always called it as he saw it.

[@marthaashley2211]

I agree with lamer

[@christophertyler6863]

Lamar's correct!!!

[@RobertNorthrop]

Elvis went COLD TURKEY on the pills prior to the Aloha show in Honolulu. It was the only way he could focus himself to get into shape. Properly motivated by an impending European tour, he would have done the same thing. He wanted this so desperately wanted to quit the pills and clean up but kept getting talked out of his dreams by Parker so he turned to them in despair. What could have been for this wonderful, talented man..... 💔

[@thomasdonohue1833]

During the rehearsal Elvis was stoned out of his mind

[@mumbles215]

What was Parker his old man and Elvis a kid? He had his own mind

[@sharonroxy8586]

ELVIS WAS ANGELIC CASE CLOSED❤️❤️

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

👍🏼😇👈

[@hamhocksandflipflopsfarms]

Elvis definitely needed a challenge. He was bored to death. And the fans didn't help either by accepting however Elvis presented himself.

[@bonniebrown6960]

I don't think it's fair to blame the fans. They didn't know what was going on with Elvis. They just loved him. But the people in his life knew. Priscilla knew what was going on with Elvis. They tried to help him, but he wouldn't listen. Only Elvis could have saved Elvis.

[@Elizabeth-dw6lc]

Priscilla was off in LA. She had zero interest in Elvis or helping him. The MM stated by 1968 Elvis was a full blown addict.

[@harleyalderson3533]

​@Bonnie Brown I wouldn't have listened to Priscilla or anyone else either they only cared about themselves and what they could get out of him he knew it too they all did him dirty. If they didn't he'd still be here because he would have listened to them like he did with Steve Binder in 1968, and Marty Passeta in late 1972 for the aloha special in 73

[@grantorino2009]

Blaming the fans is pure ignorance. No fan overworked Elvis, no fan stole from Elvis, and no fan poisoned Elvis. All the fans did was to love him unconditionally. If not for the love of the fans, he would've died even sooner. Your comment is inappropriate & uninformed.

[@tlo3571]

It has been said that Elvis could sing the phone book and people would have thought it was wonderful. Is that a blessing or a curse? That’s the question.

[@angeliqueivanica975]

Got respect for what Lamar did. He wasn’t afraid to speak the truth.

[@rex432m.5]

i think the two shows a day was not the problem he wanted that but when the body was no longer able to rest, it should have been allowed to rest and not forced to continue uninterruptedly because of money or anything else, I'm sure elvis would have said in 1973 at the latest that his health was suffering greatly from the live style and he should have recovered because he was trying to become healthier

[@gailcalderone5229]

Elvis sometimes he would do three shows a day...I also feel he was getting tired n bored with doing those shows..He needed a change n Parker was no help to him in that area or allowing Elvis to rest... Elvis was everyone's cash cow... Elvis had all these ppl working for him n some living with him that had to be such a strain on him physically n mentally....

[@gregclark3268]

Right, it was not being able to rest and also not having people around him he could talk and share music with. Elvis needed people around him who could help him grow creatively. Parker had too much say in what music Elvis recorded. I wish Elvis had kicked this fat greedy pig to the curb

[@Memow-pk1ng]

He had to fulfill his Vegas engagements till Dec 76( was his last, tho not 2 a nite) AND started touring Sept 70 . He toured long & hard, but had 3mos rest( like Aug 72 Madison Sq Garden-- in blue suit.. till next Jan. 73Hawaii)

[@TeresaRay-qo5qt]

I've never understood why that old money hungry man got 50% of Elvis's money. He thought he actually invented Elvis. Elvis was destined from birth to be who he was. The greatest performer of all time. Im so glad I lived in his lifetime and got to see him in Charlotte NC ...greatest night of my life

[@marilyntababa7468]

He was the most handsome man in the world

[@modickens1272]

.....until I came along

[@Patracat]

@@modickens1272 LOL! Let us see a photo of you to justify that comment!!!

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

@@modickens1272 👍🏼👈 i am the king

[@timkis64]

elvis is partially the blame.he could've fired the col.& had any management he chose.but he let the col. work him to death for 50% of elvis earnings.if you ALLOW someone to work you to death.its partially your responsability for allowing it.

[@marlene4465]

This care of stuff would ever happen now, Elvis didn't need Dumb ass Parker. Maybe that's why he couldn't sleep 3 shows a night. Rest in peace with your daughter. Thank you for what you did.

[@alexcarratu5554]

Terminal apathy is what killed Elvis, the routine of doing the same thing over and over would take its toll on anyone. Parker's greed deprived the world of one of the biggest opportunities in music history. Elvis would have been magnificent in Europe. *Sigh. One can only dream*. If only Elvis had done shows around the world, he would have been a happier man. He even said in an interview in 1959 that he would have liked to go to Europe and perform. A major lost opportunity in music history is Elvis not playing around the world.

[@carolbartee127]

It wasn't just the coronal it was all of them Elvis was to big for Vegas they wanted his money even the Memphis. .Mafia betrayed Elvis this disheartened Elvis and he didn't care no longer he always stayed loyal to his fans that was the important part of Elvis 😎🎯💯💙🎯🎶

[@kevinr8431]

I have to disagree with blaming the colonel. First, performing overseas. If it was so important, Elvis could have gotten someone else to organize the tour. I don't buy that Elvis was such a slave to the colonel - doesn't make sense. Any business person knows there are ways to get out of contracts. If Elvis hated Vegas so much, he could have changed that - after all, he is Elvis Presley. Unfortunately, Elvis declined in many ways over those last years for many different reasons. It's too conveniant to blame the colonel.

[@gailcalderone5229]

It wasn't until Elvis was firing Parker that he first knew how much he owed Parker and he didn't have the money to even buy his way out...Someone should have been looking over Parkers shoulder...It would have been great if Vernon had that job because he was great with the finance's...

[@southerngirl9941]

Kevin, only Elvis wasn't a business person at all, he was an artist through and through. He had more than enough on his plate as such and would have needed a manager who was aware of that. Parker was a carny, a promoter without feel for Elvis' art. Parker cannot be blamed for everything, but your view might be too simplified ... I think it was much more complicated.

[@gregclark3268]

@@gailcalderone5229 Elvis was led to believe he owed Parker money when the truth was Parker robbed him blind. And made horrible business decisions. Yes Elvis could have fired him and gone his own way but he felt like too many people relied on him to support them. Look how many of his so called friends sold their story after he died

[@Patracat]

Kevin R, I tend to agree with you. I think Parker has been demonised over the years because Elvis didn't always do what the fans wanted him to do, so they blamed Parker or the Memphis mafia. The film studios kept putting Elvis in musicals because they made more money than serious movies. Other famous movie stars have been treated the same way over the years - they get typecast in a certain genre which is successful, so the studio bosses keep them there, regardless of what the actors wanted to do themselves. I get tired of hearing the old story about Elvis not touring overseas because Parker wouldn't be allowed back into America if he left the country. He was in the army, for goodness sake, and he was Elvis' manager - what government is going to refuse to let him back home???? It was more about security - the logistics of keeping Elvis safe if he left America would have been a nightmare. There would have been thousands of people at every airport he landed in; the venues back then weren't big enough for Elvis. Our biggest indoors venue at that time only held 1700 people - the MCG was big, but Elvis hated doing outside venues, and again, security would have been impossible.

[@Nablusof5]

The so called col. is the one that killed Elvis. He stripped the man of his energy and excitement and to keep doing something different. RIP Elvis

[@geraldmurasky]

Red and Sunny threw him under the bus

[@vernwallen4246]

The"kernel"kept on using him till he used him up.😜😜😜

[@Take.It.Easy.7]

I agree with Lamar. it makes me so mad to think about the colonel and how he killed him. And yes. He killed him!!!😭😭😭

[@mechtechmechanical1571]

The Col did not have to travel with him abroad he could have got a manager to deal with that part of business. Elvis was not a baby if he wanted to travel out of the country with his men he would have done it, he did not travel everywhere with the Col.

[@MohawkHalfBreedTheShredder]

Elvis was a very poor very shy Country boy who was nade the most famous person on the planet. In a very short amount of time. No one can handle that much pressure. It must have felt weird being Elvis. Giros screaming at you whereever you go guys trying to punch you everyone wanting to be your friend. And much more . So Elvis one fame killed him

[@mumbles215]

Don’t get it twisted, Elvis loved the fame.

[@lunallena5594]

Elvis died of excess. He was extremely talented.

[@MohawkHalfBreedTheShredder]

@@lunallena5594 that maybe true

[@taylorpresley4604]

Playing Vegas 2 to 3 times a day, that would have been daunting for any entertainer, Parker used EP up.

[@precbsfender]

Elvis's POLY-PHARMA addiction killed him..period.

[@jaber4life]

Unfortunately this is the real truth

[@Wowvis-lc9us]

Only thing the Colonal understood about rock n roll was percentages on how much he could make on each song Elvis sung

[@badgumby9544]

His entourage of leaches killed him.

[@joemurdoch4138]

Elvis's problems started way before Vegas. It was a shame that he had taken to substances at such a young age. When he got out of the movie business, it was the perfect time to clean up. He looked good, his voice was still in great shape, and he was an absolute showman onstage. At 42 he had accomplished more than most people could in three lifetimes, and its sad to think of what else could have come next. Luckily he left behind hundreds of recordings, along with the movies - Yeah, they can be silly, but still fun to watch.

[@Timbermannetje]

Change of Habit was interesting to watch, it wasn’t as bad as I feared it to be. Wanna see Charro as well. Elvis could have been so much bigger with proper management.. 😢

[@mumbles215]

COH is a decent movie. Totally watchable. The one where he is the Irish boxer ain’t half bad either. That’s about it for me tho I’ve only seen maybe 10.

[@joemurdoch4138]

@@Timbermannetje Charro was, allegedly, his favorite role and film, and its easy to see why. It tried to be a more traditional western, with him playing a more believable character. It also was not a musical. The title song, also entitled Charro (which is a great song), just plays over the opening credits without showing him singing it. I think a couple of more films like that and his entire movie career would have gone in a completely different direction.

[@eamonngaynor5762]

Col tom Parker could've and should've been replaced years before elvis passed about1970 anew manager,anew perspective a whole new routine and outlook and I am convinced elvis would very lived a few more years I think I speak for everybody elvis turned to drugs cos he felt trapped and despondant

[@markpallotto3164]

If you have no belief or confidence in yourself, others will use this to their advantage. Elvis was an incredible entertainer. But all his power and passion was on stage. Once he left the stage, he was a very insecure person. Who had no ability to fight for himself. He had no support system, not even his father. He was used because he allowed it. Like so many rock and roll artists. But he was “The King” on that very big stage. What a shame.

[@kennethstark9383]

Parker was to blame simple . Elvis should have went abroad anyway so Elvis has to take some of the blame in my opinion it’s history now unfortunately 👑👑👑👑👑👍

[@Key-ho3qi]

The latest he should have left and toured other countries was right after Aloha from Hawaii. No one seemed to have liked or trusted Andreas, back to Scotty Moore. The man was scum! No manager runs anyone the way he ran Elvis, especially their personal life. He was a carnival guy and treated EP like an act in his damn carnival. It may not have happened as fast as it did however, Elvis Presley would have been huge no matter what. The man was a natural born star! He had no training in anything yet did it all to perfection. That crook did everything that was good for himself, it just so happened to have occasionally benefited Elvis as well. He was a selfish, manipulative and evil person. No one deserves someone like that in their lives let alone "managing" them. He knew Elvis weaknesses and he took advantage of him, disgusting! Only if there was a way to rest time and save him from the destruction of that vile man. A simple conversation between 1954 Elvis and 1971 Elvis would go a long way.

[@greggardner2122]

Parker was all about control at all costs. Yet never held accountable

[@davemcclure9685]

Elvis did play out of the US …. Canada …..Toronto. Did he also not play Mexico?

[@GETole]

"Vegas" didn't destroy Elvis. His drug addiction, overwork, and enabling by sycophant "friends" did.

[@stevenanderson101]

ELVIS DESTROYED ELVIS!!!!!!!!!!

[@Little_Man152]

Elvis was so popular and loved. He could have got on stage and made google eyed faces and people would still love it. He was something special. Sadly something that special doesn't last long though.😢

[@monatoney3474]

I SO AGREE 👍

[@rayshelld791]

Vegas did nothing to elvis. Elvis did it to himself, and helped by those he chose to surround himself with.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

The colonel made Elvis and the colonel destroyed Elvis and Elvis allowed the colonel to destroy him.

[@jessicamaliszewski5204]

Elvis did plan a factor in his own demise, so did Parker. Dr Nick And his "group" there many enablers but ultimately it was HIS choice. However, i remember something Elvis said himself. "You have Elvis the person and Elvis the entertainer. It is hard to live up to the image." He was Iconic however he never saw himself that way. It is Mind-blowing

[@mariaevans5793]

Elvis was a one off ,so magical so talented but he was a grown man his so called manager please 50% of Elvis earning he was given ,Elvis would have made it he also should never never have allowed his father to be his business manager it's all over with now but it has to be said that Elvis was a grown man and made poor choices in some ways ,but then don't we all !!!!!!😑🇬🇧

[@irmajeannava]

Plain and simple Tom Parker had too much influence over Elvis...

[@jayson1979]

Parker helped him early but also finished him off. For getting him stuck in multi movie contacts and vegas deals. Parker run him into the ground

[@jonb351]

I think Elvis was close to performing out of the country. Parker had been developing a relationship with Jerry Weintraub, who was putting on the tours in later years. Parker knew he couldn't leave the US and needed someone he could trust to be his eyes and ears. The interviews with Jerry are interesting. Parker splitting the money from concessions with Jerry is telling to me. It was not agreed upon, and Jerry expected nothing from them. The fact that Parker would give up that kind of money tells me he was trying to get Jerry into his pocket so to speak.

[@morriscox1571]

Parker was in deaths in the Casino's while Elvis was killing himself on stage even when Elvis was sick, The time he should of got out of the contract wish he could have

[@tomjones8830]

Colonel Tom Parker can 🔥In HELL for using The KING 👑 OF ROCK AND ROLL ✨⚡ TA Pay 4 His Gambling Detes and over Working THE KING 👑 OF ROCK AND ROLL ✨⚡⚜️ Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 🙌 HIS LEGACY WILL PREVAIL 4 EVER AMEN ⚜️💫⚜️⚡ GOD 🙏🏻 BLESS THE WHOLE PRESLEY FAMILY MEMBERS 💫💖 THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@gailcalderone5229]

Is this THE. SIR ( TOM JONES ???)

[@Memow-pk1ng]

That interview in blue suit is from Aug 72, Madison Sq Garden, he gave one th best shows, energetic, electrifying.. ! By Jan 73, Aloha Hawaii , was not as exciting, animated, & started his decline shortly after, & yea her into th drugs

[@richardsoderkvist6383]

Lamar Fike is right. The Col was looking out for himself. It's a combination of things. Like LarryvGellar and others have said. If Elvis could have gotten some help and got off maybe not all but at least most or a fair amount of those pills drugs and eaten a little healthier for to Hawaii for a real nice vacation rest and relaxation a few times and got to perform in other countries in Europe and other places that would have helped a lot. And not doing shows7 daysvaweek cut down to five times a week and just one show a night in Las Vegas and gotten back to making more serious dramatic movies all these things would have helped him greatly and gotten rid of Tom Parker all would have helped a lot.

[@peter61967]

If Elvis didn’t blow sooooo much money he wouldn’t have had to work so hard, he should have also pissed Parker off he also blew a shit load of money on gambling. RIP Elvis

[@chriskinkead9045]

If. Parker. Had. Let. Elvis. Go. Where. He. Wanted. To. Go. Parker. Was bad !!! Rotten. To. The. Bone.

[@ricosuave8123]

Elvis really, really wanted to do the male lead in a Star is Born, with Streisand as the female lead. Colonel Parker _ruined_ that opportunity for Elvis. I believe that had Elvis got that part, it could have easily lead to more dramatic roles being offered to him in the future. It might have even extended his life and his merger into him wanting to do more acting. What a shame that Colonel Parker’s interests and decisions were mostly based on how much money it would make for him personally, given the high percentage take he commanded from his contract with Elvis.

[@angelitaweis4216]

2 Jun 2023. Poor Elvis. He tolerate because he don’t know how to say no. Tsk tsk 😞

[@waynejohanson1083]

It was not Vegas it was the Colonel He overworked Elvis etc.

[@maxine7088]

Do y'all have any idea why Elvis kept Parker? I've wondered this many times. I can't think of one reason why he kept him. As Elvis became more famous, he could easily have replaced him. Looking back, I wish he had. He would've at least been able to tour around the world and make serious movies. Elvis had the talent, good looks, and personality to be a successful entertainer. Tom Parker didn't make Elvis famous. He marketed Elvis like any good carnie running a side show to line his own pockets. He used Elvis to get rich. I agree with Lamar regarding Tom Parker. If Elvis was going on an over seas tour, he would've ditched the pills, guns, and anything else for that opportunity, in my opinion.

[@AS-wj1du]

As a crutch maybe because he worked elvis and elvis could have fired him for using him. Maybe elvis felt he needed him

[@ghines798]

Elvis was performing so much all he had on his mind was preparing for the next show and what songs to play, practicing the songs so he can remember the lyrics, also he like the concerts to be interesting and entertaining, he loved the audience and the audience loved him, he wanted the audience and the concert to be one.

[@ghines798]

When it came to being dependent on the scrip drugs that took his mind away from Parker and on the concerts he had to do.

[@stevencalhoun8723]

Someone mentioned Morrison in the same sentence is a poor contrast-comparing these two♥️ “Light My Fire!” “Break On Through!” “When The Musics Over” and “LA Woman ‼️” Are classics for 60-70s Rock and Roll Elvis was the ULTIMATE ENTERTAINER 🌺♥️‼️ It’s like saying JOHNNY CASH IS BETTER THAN PAUL McCARTNEY⁉️

[@charlesbronson4282]

Kung Fu - Elvis. Imagine ELVIS invading Japan and China. He would have been HUGE in Japan. Now....what really destroyed Elvis was that book.

[@marcelburger2436]

Lamar is right Because of Parker he don't go

[@davedee4382]

I had Elvis’ windbreaker. It was one of his last ones. It came through Lamar (who I feel isn’t always totally factual with the recollections he had). I had a letter which was signed and told the story of the windbreaker. I sold it for 1K.

[@SteveBueche1027]

I heard Col.Parker thought he (Parker) would be arrested for some past event in Europe. The arrest event was never an arrest able thing so They both missed out on lots of money. Parker wouldn’t be separated from Elvis. That’s why Parker never aloud Elvis to leave the country.

[@ellacrous9978]

Always on my mind and in my heart Please let him rest now Our true fans will keep him alive fore ever more Please let him rest in peace Please stop Listen to the lyrics Peace in the valley Elvis voice 0k ❤❤❤

[@OctPSfever]

Why Elvis let Parker overpower him? Parker,Parker, everytime..

[@theelvisguru9490]

There was no reason why Elvis couldn’t have done 2 seasons in vegas and toured abroad. Lots of acts do that! Parker and Todd Slaughter both said that a UK concert was planned in 1978. The venue was Windsor Safari park which is now Legoland. There are letters to confirm it.

[@paulvalentine1483]

Actually, the "Memphis Mafia" were equally as guilty as Parker and Dr. Nick.

[@TeresaRay-qo5qt]

That dang Colonel killed Elvis to pay his gambling debts off. I wish Elvis would have got his family on his jet and flew away from that old money hog. He certainly had Elvis caught in a terrible spot.

[@adrienebailey9010]

Elvis being a poor guy from the deep south couldn't handle life in the fast lane. He was treated as an outsider and was to good for likes of the a place called Hollywood.

[@MohawkHalfBreedTheShredder]

There was Far to much pressure put on Elvis to be Elvis. Thats what killed him

[@gregclark3268]

Exactly. Too many people were getting rich off of him and exploited him for their own gain. Elvis felt liked he would be letting people down if he changed or slowed down

[@MohawkHalfBreedTheShredder]

@@gregclark3268 yes most of Elvis s so called friends weren't even true friends they just hung around him because he was Elvis. And towards the end I think Elvis knew this

[@lindareece370]

Tom Parker did not want to go out of the country because he was not legal and afraid he could not get back in the United States. Tom Parker was not good for Elvis. Wish Elvis found one better than him.

[@ChasityGlenn2014]

I am blind, can someone reading this comment tell me which members of the Memphis mafia are talking in this six minute clip? Thanks in advance. 6:00

[@theelvisyearschannel]

Lamar Fike is the first to speak then Sonny West comes in after him :)

[@krystynagorazdowska3746]

Elvis był tak wychowany, że nie potrafił się sprzeciwic Parkerowi przez tyle lat, był tak uczciwy, że nie dopuszczał myśli, że ktoś może, zwłaszcza bliskich mu osób zrobić mu krzywde

[@harleyalderson3533]

And once they did start hurting him it affected him psychological and he shut himself off to everyone around him he would not listen to the users and abusers. There's a reason he only listened to guys like Steve Binder in 1968 and Marty Passeta in 1972 and 1973 they were stand up guys it's part of the reason Parker would not work with NBC after 1973 and chose CBS for the last TV special they only cared about the ratings they'd get for Elvis's name alone, unlike NBC they cared about his health physical and mental and how he was feeling at any given time. If NBC did Elvis in concert they would have shut Elvis down the moment he signed that contract on June 2nd 1977 and would have given him time to clean up whether it took 2 months or longer. That probably would have saved his life because NBC weren't the yes men to Parker like CBS's people were

[@rosemarysoares6250]

POREM O ELVIS MACHUCOU SUA ESPOSA PRISCILLA COM SUA TRAICAO CONTINUA...

[@TOMCAT5.5149]

The Memphis Mafia and the colonel took him down.

[@ceb111481]

"F**k the Colonel!" No really, Lamar, tell us how you really feel. I love how Lamar has no filter and doesn't sugar coat.

[@frankgosselin7774]

All around elvis abuse him....

[@jessiem276]

The guns & drugs isn't the reason they didn't tour overseas. I don't know why he said that. It was because Tom Parker was here illegally.

[@gregclark3268]

Parker also wanted Elvis in the states where he could control him. Once Elvis went overseas and started talking to other artists and exploring the world, he would have realised Parker was using him and holding him back. I never wish ill will on anyone but i doubt too many people were crying when Parker finally died

[@Memow-pk1ng]

Illegal alien he was ., !!

[@astragreen]

Can’t you people see Elvis wouldn’t go anywhere without his guns he even had a gun in his ankle holster ffs, he COULD NOT Get his hands on the drugs outside the states he didn’t want to go to Europe, He went into meet Nixon to get a badge to carry his guns across state lines are you kidding Elvis Wanted an needed Parker Elvis Got An Took What He Wanted, don’t listen to ‘fake’ he was a leach and another hanger! When Elvis didn’t want to do a Movie he TOLD Parker get me out of it, so Parker demanded star billing and a million dollars, then said he was otherwise engaged look it up before you make statements you ‘heard’ somewhere!…

[@chrishoyle650]

Everybody from the stall holder in India to the guy who once said hello to Elvis, his dentist, doctor etc, etc have ridden on the back of Elvis since 1977. Whenever cash or publicity was needed, the phone number of a local TV station or newspaper rang and another ex employee/friend/acquaintance/ex girlfriend/wife/daughter etc would be on the other end trying to flog another (dead horse) err sorry story to anyone who'd listen. Just imagine for 46yrs all these people have made a career and some a very good living giving their version of the "truth" writing thousands of books. The ONLY person who knows the TRUTH is lying in the meditation garden at Graceland. There probably are some genuine ex employees/friends who cared/still care but can't resist the urge to tell their side of the story, which can never be corroborated if it's a relatively unknown story. I stopped listening/buying books on Elvis's story simply because most of them were written purely with the goal of being as controversial, explosive or full of "new revelations". Everyone who worked for Elvis were well compensated over the years, it's time to stop the gossip and try to regain some dignity and pride. Let E.P. RIP Now.

[@pamelatipson1705]

Elvis didnt like playing the same place he want to travel to different places but his manage wouldn't let him go any where because could go out of the country 😢

[@allenhansford6872]

Col Parker destroyed Elvis presley

[@johnrider3749]

Parker worked Elvis into the ground and conned him out of millions of dollars in order to pay off his massive gambling debts And Parker was completely out of his depth in terms of the modern management of a super star like Elvis by the 1960s and Elvis should have fired him in 1968 after the the come back special was in the can,

[@wm4126]

the live of Elvis is the living and breathing Shakespeare tragedies of our time

[@TOMCAT5.5149]

Parker and the Memphis Mafia destroyed Elvis.

[@ata5855]

???? if he brings guns, they wouldn't let him disembark, or let him fly in the first place. that line of argument makes no sense

[@diankreczmer6595]

Drugs and guns? Please elvis was in Europe when he was in the army . He went to Germany and Paris and fit in fine. Elvis could fit in anywhere

[@dennydeckerful]

Today they would call Parker a migrant.

[@bonniebrown6960]

What year are they talking about, bc those last couple of years Elvis wasn't in any shape to be traveling over in another country to work. When I heard them talk about this awhile back I think we all pretty much figured that all three were the problem. I thought that was one of the reasons why Elvis went and got that narcotics badge, so if there was any trouble with the drugs and the guns ....he'd be cleared as long as he had the badge. 😏

[@gailcalderone5229]

That badge wouldn't protect him in another country...They were talking about if he would have started traveling in the later part of 1960 into early 70's...

[@robert2628]

at the end of the day, Elvis himself could have gotten rid of The Colonial if he wasn't satisfied with the way The Colonial was managing his career.

[@leemontoya8028]

He tried to! The Colonial gave Elvis a crazy bill if he was to be let go!

[@82566]

Couldn't Elvis had got a lawyer to look over that bill ? He could of ,should of but didn't ,I think out of loyalty & having so many ppl on his payroll .

[@robert2628]

@@82566 and not just any people but close friends & confidants which made your point hard for Elvis to do that.

[@richardeidemiller6739]

I believe Elvis was a bit naive when it came to business as well as Parker knowing too much . We saw what happened when the bodyguards were let go. Vicki

[@robert2628]

@@richardeidemiller6739 the other point is that Elvis was The 1st Rockstar so I guess that no one knew better.

[@mauriciofragapoltronieri6315]

Ele tinha um problema para dormir que vinha de longe. Uma insônia crônica que se agravou à partir de 1955,56, quando ele começou nesse ramo. Os músicos originais da primeira formação da banda, relataram que elvis ficava rodando com seu primeiro carro a noite inteira com todos eles à bordo, isso depois de terminarem um show. Ele simplesmente não conseguia dormir e ficava rodando com o carro por aquelas estradas americanas do sul e paravam as vezes para lanchar, e ele rodava até o cansaço dominar o corpo e o cérebro, e dai eles paravam num posto de gasolina em beira de estrada e dormiam. Nesse período ele praticamente não fazia uso de soníferos e nem de estimulantes. Foi à partir do exército é que sua vida iria mudar para sempre, quando um sargento o pegou dormindo em pé segurando um fuzil em seu pleno turno de vigília. Daí esse sargento deu um comprimido à ele dizendo que mesmo cansado ele não iria dormir. Pronto! A desgraça deu início aí. O resto vocês já sabem.

[@stevencalhoun8723]

It was a human e motion that has destroyed many great people GREED👺😈👿‼️