[6] He was the son of Maria Elisabeth (Ponsie) and Adam van Kuijk. [53] Yet, despite Presley's eagerness to do the shows, Parker again turned them down. Parker enlisted in the US Army shortly after his return to America. [14] The job not only offered him a secure wage, it also offered a rent-free apartment above the Humane Society in a remote part of West Tampa for him and his family. He then re-enlisted at Fort Barrancas in Florida. [4] From about 1931 until 1938, he worked as a "carny" with Royal American Shows. [53] Streisand's production company, First Artists, offered Presley a salary of $500,000 ($2,517,934 in 2021 dollars[11]) and 10% of the profits. Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and music businessman. [69] In October 1990, Parker married Loanne Miller, his secretary since 1972. He is also said to have had gambling debts of up to $30 million at different times. There were no witnesses and almost no evidence, except that the killer spread pepper on and around the body before fleeing in hopes that police dogs would not pick up the scent. Colonel Tom Parker died at the age of 87 years. In 1977, Elvis died of a heart attack at only 42. A suit between Parker and the Presley estate was settled out of court in 1983. Parker appeared at posthumous events honoring Presley, such as the 1993 issuing of a U.S. postage stamp with Presley's likeness. [50] Author Alanna Nash suggests that one of the reasons Parker didn't do more is because he may have just not known how to handle the situation. [43] A breakfast reception was arranged, taking place after the media got their photographs of the couple. Having previously sold the rights to Presley's early recordings to RCA Records, he struggled to secure a steady income, and his financial situation worsened after he sustained significant gambling losses. [44], During a closing night performance on September 3, 1973, following news that a Hilton staff member whom Presley was fond of had been fired, Presley attacked Hilton Hotels chairman Barron Hilton in a verbal rage on stage. However, when Presley signed a recording contract with Phillips, Moore and Black were excluded. Let's find out. He cared about making sure that his boy didn't just have a million dollars worth of talent . His Dutch birthplace and immigrant status were not revealed for many years. Frank Sinatra, who had declared Presley a rock and roll disgrace in the 1950s, was keen to have him appear on his show. At the time, many people predicted that he would have a long and lucrative career . Elvis had just as many white influences and announced as early as seventh grade that he was going to sing at the Grand Ole Opry . Parker managed his career with an iron fist. Guralnick, Peter (1994). [26], In April 1956, Parker made his first mistake with Presley's career. This is because Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had previously arranged a deal to sell those to RCA for $5.4 million, out of which only $1.35 million went to Elvis after Parker's 50% fee and income taxes. [15], A young singer, Tommy Sands, caught Parker's eye in 1952, and Parker immediately set about promoting him. [15] Both Mercury Records and Columbia Records showed interest, although their initial offers were nowhere near the $40,000 requirement. He was punished with solitary confinement, from which he emerged with a psychosis that led to him spending two months in a mental hospital,[4] and he was discharged from the Army because of his mental condition. [5] Parker countersued. It was producer Steve Binder who put forward the idea of Presley singing his old hits and even the staged section with his old band, Scotty Moore and D. J. Fontana, the latter inspired by a post-rehearsal informal jam in Presley's dressing room. [5] During a second, more detailed investigation, Tual discovered that all earnings were paid directly to the Trust instead of Parker. Parker's main role during these tours was to plan the logistics and make sure tickets were sold. 4. Tom Hanks took on the role of the so-called villain. Part biography, part murder mystery and perhaps the most thoroughly researched . [55] According to Presley's friend, Larry Geller, Parker secretly wanted the book to be published, hoping that it would help Presley realize the severity of his situation and persuade him to do something about it. Parker's net worth was estimated to be $50 million as of 1977. [4], Parker had worked as a "consultant" for Hilton Hotels since Presley's death,[60] with some believing he was working to pay off debts owed to the casino from his gambling during Presley's performances there. While Presley was serving in West Germany, Parker was hard at work keeping Presley's name known to the public. For his part, Parker himself died with a net worth of $1 million, or roughly . [4] Fans and biographers alike believe that one of the main reasons Parker signed Presley to a Vegas hotel in 1969 for his live comeback was to help cover losses he experienced in their casino. [5] The case against Parker was settled out of court in 1983, with the estate paying him $2 million ($5,441,363 in 2021 dollars[11])[5] in exchange for all Presley audio recordings or visual images that he owned[4] and the termination of his involvement in any Presley related earnings for five years. [46], On July 8, 1972, inspired by the visit of President Richard Nixon to China a few months earlier,[47] Parker announced that there would be a worldwide satellite broadcast from Hawaii to allow the whole world the chance to see a Presley concert, "since it is impossible for us to play in every major city". The pair worked together at carnivals early on before Parker's career in management took off. [11][10], Parker first became involved in the music industry as a music promoter in 1938, working with the popular singer Gene Austin. [44] He would usually fly ahead to the venues and prepare the way for Presley's entourage to follow so that he and Presley rarely saw each other, and, as time progressed, it became even more difficult for Parker to get in contact with Presley. According to Priscilla, Elvis was happy to pay 50% to Parker to manage him.[73]. After being discharged, Parker returned to carnival work, working as a carnie with Royal American Shows from 1931 to 1938. "[56] Almost immediately, before even visiting Graceland, Parker traveled to New York City to meet with merchandising associates and executives with RCA Records, instructing them to prepare for a huge demand in Presley products. [4] He enlisted in the United States Army a few months later, taking the name "Tom Parker" from the same name of the officer who interviewed him, to disguise the fact he was an illegal alien. [68] From then on, he continued living in Las Vegas, mostly avoiding contact with the press. Colonel Tom Parker was astonished to hear that Elvis Presley was a white man. [59] Due to an ill-advised agreement between Parker and Presley that gave RCA sole ownership of all his recording royalties prior to 1973, the estate was relying heavily on the income from Factors Etc. Net Worth: $1 Million; Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) What happened to Tom Parker after Elvis died? [58], Following Presley's death, Parker set up a licensing operation with Factors Etc. He died of complications from the stroke[72] the following morning at a hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, at age 87. Parker appeared to be in complete control during Presley's time away, but he was worried about the outside influence that Presley might encounter in West Germany. [16] He arranged live appearances and became something of a father figure to the then-15-year-old Sands. [37] Parker signed long-term contracts with the film studios,[39] possibly to guarantee work and income for both him and Presley. He influenced Presley's personal life, including Presley's decisions to accept military service in 1958 and to marry Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967. He had expressed interest in making films when he first met Parker, and now Parker was working to make that happen. [50] As well as being their employer and paying their wages, he was also their main source of access to drugs for themselves. Presley's acting career was originally intended to be a serious one, but after seeing a chance to cross-promote singles and albums with the films, Parker persuaded Presley to sing in his films. [37] After that, until 1968, Presley gave no live performances, and had very little contact with his fans. In early 1929, a 23-year-old newlywed woman, Anna van den Enden, was found beaten to death in the living quarters behind a greengrocer store. [56] At the funeral, he persuaded Presley's father to sign over control of Presley's career in death to him. How Elvis Presley Died Nearly Broke Then Became One Of The Richest Dead Celebrities Of All Time. The Tom Hanks Tom Parker portrayal was a shocking one. It took a probate court to remove Parker and his 50% fee from future dealings. Profession: Elvis' manager. Inc, to control Presley merchandise and keep a steady income supporting his estate. Compare Colonel Tom Parker's Net Worth. [15] Despite this, Phillips was not keen to let him go easily, advising Parker that he would require $40,000 (US$404,621 in 2021 dollars[11]) to secure the release of Presley's contract, a completely unheard-of sum at the time. Colonel Parker died of a stroke on January 22, 1997, aged 87. . The Amazing ComebackOf Colonel Tom Parker. Snow attended the signing, thinking that Elvis had signed a management contract with Jamboree Attractions, which he owned with Parker. During this time, Parker also served as a field agent for the Hillsborough County Humane Society, helping to raise funds and awareness for its work. Growing up, he worked as a carnival barker in his hometown. ELVIS PRESLEY's ex-wife Priscilla Presley vehemently defended The King's manager Colonel Tom Parker to Elvis movie's Tom Hanks, shutting down rumours he was 'an evil puppet master like Rasputin'. The sale of the back catalog to RCA meant that after his death, Presley's estate would not receive any royalties for any Presley recordings made prior to 1973. According to Presley's friend, Jerry Schilling, Presley was excited about the opportunity to take on a new challenge. [17] In the beginning, Presley, Moore, and the bassist Bill Black were a trio, the Blue Moon Boys. Col. Tom Parker, 87, a onetime carnival pitchman who shrewdly guided singer-actor Elvis Presley's career for 22 years, died here Jan. 21 after a stroke. [41], To make up for lack of earnings, Parker arranged for Presley's gold Cadillac to go on tour. Austin had spent much of his fortune on partying, cars, mansions, and women, and his popularity had been eclipsed by other singers, such as Bing Crosby. Following an investigation in the early 80s, a judge ruled that Parker's management of Presley had been unethical. [53] Despite this, however, the deal never materialized. With 1956 coming to a close, Parker had made Presley one of the most well-known, well-paid entertainers in the world. [44] These live performances, as well as being financially satisfying, also allowed Parker to fulfill Presley's recording contract with RCA Victor. The 30th Anniversary of the revelation to Elvis' estate that Colonel Parker was still fleecing his client. [16] Remembering his previous experience with Sands, Sholes dismissed Sands as a viable replacement for Presley.[16]. The majority of Elvis's reported net worth at the time of his death was comprised of royalties from record sales, publishing, film and concert tickets. For Presley's return in March 1960, Parker had arranged for a train to take him from Washington, D.C., to Memphis, with stops along the way for fans to see their idol in person. In 1973, Parker had one of his greatest coups with Presley's "Aloha from Hawaii" concert, which was broadcast worldwide from Hawaii. And the value of his estate at the time of his death in 1997? Adam van Kuijk died from emphysema in 1992, never seeing or visiting Parker again.[63]. [44] The tours were so popular and financially successful that they determined Presley's workload for the remainder of his life and career. Colonel Tom Parker acted as Presley's promoter and, then manager and promoter, for most of his career. He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. [46] Originally planned as three performances, demand was so high that Parker decided to add a fourth performance, making Presley the first performer to sell out the venue four consecutive times. Elvis' estate, on the other hand, reportedly owed the Las Vegas . To hide that he was an illegal immigrant, he adopted the name Tom Parker, which was the name of the officer who interviewed him. Later, Davis says "He remembered me, and he said 'I told you you were going to be a star.' The Colonel was involved in Elvis' music career from very early on. But the Colonel quickly got to work, starting as Elvis' advisor before they signed a contract giving him sole rights . Hanks said, "I was anticipating hearing horror stories about this venal, cheap crook. [54] Vernon also threatened to find a new manager if Parker wouldn't continue to tour Presley. While working in the circus in 1935, Parker wed Marie Francis Mott. What was his net worth in 2022? [54] He phoned Presley's father once to suggest taking time off, but Vernon Presley told him they couldn't afford to stop touring due to Presley's constant and lavish spending of money. [59] Experts in the field at the time estimated that it had potentially cost Presley millions of dollars[59] and worse for Parker, it had also potentially cost him those millions of dollars. [36] If Parker had had any doubts about his return, they were soon gone when he witnessed the turnout along the route. Presley went on to star in 27 films during the decade, including "G.I. This deed on the part of Vernon and Gladys Presley marked a permanent separation of Elvis from his mother, and as Elvis was a classic "mama's boy". [54], In July 1976, three of Presley's personal bodyguards and members of the "Memphis Mafia", Robert Gene "Red" West, his cousin Sonny West and David Hebler, were fired by Vernon Presley and decided to write a tell-all book about their life in his inner circle, Elvis: What Happened? [35] He sent Presley's friends to keep him company, arranged for business associates to watch over him while they were working in Europe, and kept in regular contact with him. [52], Although many around Presley were worried about his worsening drug dependency, Parker appeared to ignore the problem. Lisa Marie inherited Elvis' whole estate on her 25th birthday on February 1, 1993. Instead, he found employment as a field agent with a local animal shelter, the Hillsborough County Humane Society. Colonel Tom Parker was best known as Elvis Presley 's manager. Elvis Presley was only 42 years old when he died on August 16, 1977 (via History). Instead, Parker sent demonstration recordings to record producer Steve Sholes at RCA Victor. [14], Through the fundraising, Parker headed to Tennessee to find acts to perform at his charity events,[14] among them stars such as Minnie Pearl and Eddy Arnold. [53], From 1974 onward, Presley's weight gain and prescription drug abuse became too much to be controlled. "Colonel Tom Parker managed Elvis Presley's career from 1955 to 1977. James L. Dickerson's book "Colonel Tom Parker: The . He died on Aug. 16, 1977, of a heart attack. . "[27][28], Parker signed a deal with Beverly Hills film merchandiser Hank Saperstein for nearly $40,000 to turn Presley into a brand name. To further boost his profile, Parker arranged for him to appear on such popular television programs as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Milton Berle Show." Nor did he ever suggest onstage that he knew of the colonel's immigration issues. [33] He also realized that it would be a great opportunity to promote Presley by having the media witness his induction day, including the Army haircut that would see the most famous hair style in the world destroyed.[33]. Tom Parker had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. "[40], Presley had to do no more than provide RCA Victor with three albums a year,[37] and his film soundtracks did that for him. However, that was not the case since Elvis was still under contract to Bob Neal. [15], In 1948, Parker received the honorary rank of colonel in the Louisiana State Militia from Jimmie Davis, the governor of Louisiana and a former country singer, in return for work Parker did on Davis's election campaign. However, other friends and members of Presley's entourage have stood by the suggestion that Parker didn't want to admit there was such a problem because he didn't know how to deal with it, and he was also worried about any negative publicity it would create. Net Worth: $1 Million; Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) What is Colonel Tom Parker worth? In addition to its considerable value, the estate of Elvis . Despite the shady financial dealings Parker maintained with Presley, his net worth when he died was much less than that of Elvis, who died with a net worth of $5 million - around $20 million when adjusted for inflation. 'Life with you was never dull' More on The Wanted He died on 21 January 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. [37] Parker, not one to forget harsh criticism, stated that the fee would be $125,000 (equivalent to about $1,145,000 in 2021) for two songs, a total of eight minutes on screen; Sinatra himself was receiving a lower sum for the whole show,[38] but he agreed. In 1963, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's audacious manager who had gotten his start selling candy apples in carnivals, read in the paper that Franklin Delano . No, he didn't. That's the kicker. On January 20, 1997, Parker's wife heard a crashing sound from the living room, and when she heard no response to her calls, she went in to find him slumped over in his chair after suffering a stroke. Family of Utah law student, 25, say they found out from NEWS REPORTS that he'd been shot dead by cops 'after becoming non-compliant during traffic stop because his BMW didn't have license plate' Parker held another press conference on September 4, 1972, in Las Vegas to confirm that the concert, now titled Aloha from Hawaii, would be broadcast on January 14, 1973. He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. However, after his re-enlistment, he went AWOL and was charged with desertion. Later, in 1983, Parker admitted during an interview that after 1966, the income from Presley films and soundtracks was dramatically reduced. [41] In Houston alone in one afternoon, 40,000 people paid to see it, with one woman offering to have sex with the tour manager if he would allow her to sit in it. [72] Priscilla Presley attended the funeral to represent the Elvis Presley Estate and gave a eulogy that, to many in the room, summed up Parker: "Elvis and the Colonel made history together, and the world is richer, better and far more interesting because of their collaboration. [8], In May 1929, Van Kuijk returned to the United States at age 19, finding work with carnivals due to his previous experience in the Netherlands. At the time of his death in 1997, he was worth $1 million. He also lost a large portion of Elvis' personal wealth. Parker was able to receive more than half of the income from the enterprise, an unprecedented figure for a music manager. [62], One of Parker's brothers, Adam "Ad" van Kuijk, visited Parker once in Los Angeles in April 1961. [4] By this time, with the IRS demanding almost $15 million in taxes, the estate was facing bankruptcy. Presley's star continued to rise as Parker signed a merchandising deal with Hank Saperstein to fully commoditize the young singer. [53] Parker, who had always dealt with Presley's film contracts and viewed the offer as a starting bid to earning more money, instead asked for a salary $1 million ($5,035,869 in 2021 dollars[11]), 50% of the profits, plus another $100,000 ($503,587 in 2021 dollars[11]) for expenses, and spoke of needing to arrange details of a soundtrack deal.
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