Observer review: The Colonel by Alanna Nash At the time of Presley's death in 1977, it was suspected that Parker owed the Las Vegas Hilton over $30 million ($134,151,565 in 2021 dollars[11]) in gambling losses. What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? [44] These live performances, as well as being financially satisfying, also allowed Parker to fulfill Presley's recording contract with RCA Victor. Elvis Presley: Where did the millions go? - Medium [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. [41], On January 2, 1967, Parker re-negotiated his managerial/agent contract with Presley, persuading him to increase Parker's share from 25% to 50% on certain transactions. 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". Following this, Neal chose not to renew his management contract with Presley, leaving Parker as the singer's sole manager. "[60], In 1994, a Golden Palm Star on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs, California, was dedicated to him. As a reward, Davis gave him the honorary rank of "colonel" in the Louisiana State Militia.[2][3]. [60] Part of this role resulted in Parker keeping the same fourth-floor suite he occupied when Presley was alive. [16] Remembering his previous experience with Sands, Sholes dismissed Sands as a viable replacement for Presley.[16]. The Wanted singer Tom Parker has died from a brain tumour at the age of 33. Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and music businessman. [14] Parker decided against registering, possibly to prevent his previous Army record from becoming public. Good Guy Tom Hanks Steps Into the Shadows with 'Elvis' . [15] RCA made it clear it were unwilling to go above $25,000 for a practically unknown singer,[15] but Parker persuaded them that Presley was no ordinary unknown singer. [26] Parker, with his 25% share of profits, found ways to make money from his artist that other managers before him had never thought of. [16] In the drama, the role of Sands was portrayed as a "twisted psychopath". He also reportedly had as much as $30 million worth of gambling debts at various times in his life. In 1955, Parker and Memphis radio personality Bob Neal began promoting the young up-and-coming singer Elvis Presley. Following this, Presley's career declined drastically as he became increasingly reliant on prescription drugs. [64] In 1993, in one of his last media appearances, Parker appeared in a television interview with Dutch TV director Jorrit van der Kooi where they spoke to each other in Dutch about the Netherlands and about Elvis Presley's life and career. Colonel Tom Parker - Wikipedia We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. Elvis was given a spot in the Louisiana Hayride, a radio show, and Colonel Parker knew that this young lad could prove to be a dark horse. [33] I said, 'Yeah, you rubbed my head.' 21 Jan 1997 (aged 87) Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, USA. The contract, dated July 12, 1954, eight days after their first recording session, was signed by Presley and his parents. [39] When Presley complained to him that he wanted better scripts, Parker reminded him of his lavish lifestyle and that risking $1 million a year for doing practically no work was dangerous. ETERNAL REVENUE : Elvis' Millions Were - Los Angeles Times He suggested to Parker that, as Presley had recorded and was still performing the song "I'll Remember You" written by Kui Lee, the donations could go to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund that had been set up following the death of the songwriter in 1966. "Last Train to Memphis". His death certificate lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his country of birth as . 'Elvis' Ending, Explained: Was Tom Parker Responsible For The - DMT "A Diabolical Genius In Every Way" - Tom Hanks On Colonel Tom Parker According to several people who knew Presley at the time, the talks with Hulett got so far along that it seemed almost inevitable the deal would be done. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too . ", "Photos: Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker", https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/a-new-light-on-colonel-tom-parker.shtml, "A Larger-Than-Life Look at a Larger-Than-Life Star", "Meet the Fifth (Jewish) Beatle Manager Brian Epstein", "The All American Boy: Enter Elvis and the rock-a-billies", Tom Parker collection and interviews with co workers, ED Bonja Interview Elvis Photographer - the Elvis Information Network exclusive. [12] Despite having sold over 86 million records since 1924 and earning over $17 million, Austin's career was at a low point. Who Owns Elvis Presley's Rights? Royalties, Estate, and More Picture: Getty Parker managed the Presley estate for the rest of his life, but he had also sold the rights to Presley's early recordings. I said 'Yeah'. Colonel Tom Parkerthe title was awarded to him by Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis in 1948 for political services renderedclaimed until 1982 to have been born in West Virginia. [5] During a second, more detailed investigation, Tual discovered that all earnings were paid directly to the Trust instead of Parker. 'Life with you was never dull' More on The Wanted During this part of Presley's career, Parker and Presley agreed to a 50/50 "partnership", which, with Parker controlling merchandising and other non-music related items, resulted in Parker earning more than his client. [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. In later years, Parker's influence waned, but he continued in his management role until Presley's death in 1977. After being discharged, Parker returned to carnival work, working as a carnie with Royal American Shows from 1931 to 1938. Parker managed his career with an iron fist. [18] According to Moore, Presley agreed to take 50 percent, with Moore and Black splitting the other 50 percent. Alanna Nash's biography of Parker, The Colonel, claims he may have been trying to avoid passport scrutiny because he might have been a suspect in a murder in Breda. With 1956 coming to a close, Parker had made Presley one of the most well-known, well-paid entertainers in the world. In any case, Parker remained Presley's manager without a break until Presley's death in 1977. The Amazing Comeback Of Colonel Tom Parker - Elvis History Blog But this guy is like eighty years old too old to be taught the limits of racism He probably doesn't realize how horrible a thing that was to do. However, when Presley signed a recording contract with Phillips, Moore and Black were excluded. . He was previously married to Loanne Miller and Marie Frances Mott. In 1973, Colonel Parker sold the master tapes for 700 of Presley's songs to RCA for $5.4 million. [53] According to Parker himself, he did privately attempt to talk to his client a number of times about the matter, but allegedly every time Parker casually told Presley to quit or at least tone it down with the pill popping and binge eating, Presley would respond by telling Parker to stay out of his personal business. [61], As Presley's fame grew, people became interested in Parker as well. Mourners recall being surprised at his wearing a Hawaiian shirt and baseball cap, smoking his trademark cigar, and purposely avoiding the casket. Tom Parker - IMDb [4] At age 17, he first displayed signs of wanting to run away to the United States to "make his fortune". 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. He also assisted Jimmie Davis' campaign to become Governor of Louisiana. His death certificate lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his country of birth as the Netherlands, and his citizenship as American. [41] With Priscilla's father dropping heavy hints, and fear that their relationship might become public beforehand, Parker persuaded Presley that he should make an "honest woman" of her in the very near future. Did Elvis Really Fire Colonel Tom Parker on Stage? In 1977, Elvis died of a heart attack at only 42. What Was Colonel Tom Parker's Net Worth When He Died? - Grunge.com During the week-long visit, Parker was informed by Adam van Kuijk that their mother had died three years earlier in 1958, never knowing what happened to her son after he left the Netherlands for good in 1929. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. And the value of his estate at the time of his death in 1997? The pair worked together at carnivals early on before Parker's career in management took off. And now I need to locate my wallet, because I noticed there was no ticket booth on the way in here, but I'm sure that the Colonel must have arranged for some toll on the way out. 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 1956, Presley was launched to superstardom with the release of his first single for RCA Victor, "Heartbreak Hotel." You tell everybody the Colonel touched your head." Many Parker biographers, including Dirk Vellenga and Alanna Nash, have stated that Parker's gambling habit began to get out of control in the mid-1960s. By Alanna Nash. [43], It took the energetic 1968 television special Elvis, which the Singer Company sponsored, and a subsequent series of acclaimed recording sessions in Memphis, Tennessee, that included songs such as "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto", to restore Presley's musical reputation. Colonel Tom Parker's House. In the 1950s, he helped Elvis Presley become a big star. He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. Col. Tom Parker dies. And there certainly would've been no Elvis without Colonel Tom Parker.' And when he said that, I said, 'Oh . [44] He offered RCA Records the opportunity to buy Presley's entire back catalog for $5.4 million. [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? [16] Soon after, Sands' song "Teen-Age Crush" reached number 2 on the pop charts, eventually selling 800,000 copies. Tom discovered Elvis in 1955 when he was 20, but their partnership wasn't . He was best known for being the manager of Elvis Presley. [29], Despite this setback, Presley was still going from strength to strength. What Was Colonel Tom Parker's Net Worth When He Died? Tom was born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in the Netherlands on June 26, 1909, but emigrated illegally to the United States when he was 20. [10] Parker later said that at times they had had to live on as little as $1 a week (US$20 in 2021 dollars). "[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. [23] Later, when Hank Snow asked Parker about the status of their contract with Presley, Parker told him: "You don't have any contract with Elvis Presley. Blues," "Wild in the Country," "Blue Hawaii," "Viva Las Vegas," "Paradise, Hawaiian Style," "Clambake," and "Change of Habit." [50] In later years, several of Presley's inner circle would tell of how difficult it was to persuade Presley to quit the drugs. Published Jan. 22, 1997 | Updated Sep. 30, 2005. 'Elvis' Fact or Fiction: Colonel Tom Parker Biographer on What's Real To garner Presley new publicity and to help tame his wild impulses, Parker had him marry Priscilla Beaulieu, who had been living with Presley for four years already. "[42] Parker used the argument that Presley was his only client and he was thus earning only one fee.[42]. [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. [11][10], Parker first became involved in the music industry as a music promoter in 1938, working with the popular singer Gene Austin. For all intents and purposes, this should have made Elvis Presley a very wealthy man, yet when he passed away in 1977, the King was down to his last $1million and prior to his death The Colonel . At that point, Moore and Black had no contractual ties to either Phillips or Presley. Colonel Tom Parker passed away on January 21, 1997 at 87 years old.Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth. Attorney Blanchard E. Tual concluded that Parker's deal of taking 50% of the singer's profits was extortionate, as the industry standard was closer to 15-20%. [14] With the Society in need of funds, Parker set about using his promotional experience to raise money and awareness for the shelter. Colonel Tom Parker was astonished to hear that Elvis Presley was a white man. On January 20, 1997, Parker suffered a stroke, and died the following morning in a Las Vegas hospital. [60] In 1993, interest in Presley's enduring legend, interest that is sometimes notable for its obsessiveness, provoked Parker to remark: "I don't think I exploited Elvis as much as he's being exploited today. Cremated. None of the rules of the relationship was operative any longer, yet neither had the courage to walk away, for a variety of reasons." Austin offered Parker the opportunity to move to Nashville, Tennessee, where music was becoming a big business, but for reasons unknown Parker turned him down. As per reports, Colonel Tom Parker's Cause of Death was revealed that he died of stroke . What Was Colonel Tom Parker Worth When He Died - 5ws.wiki Colonel Tom Parker's home (former), 409 Park Ridge Avenue, Temple Terrace, Fl. Thomas Andrew Parker (born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk; June 26, 1909 January 21, 1997),[1] commonly known as Colonel Parker, was a Dutch musical entrepreneur, best known for being Elvis Presley's manager. Following the success of Presley's Las Vegas return, Parker signed a contract with the International Hotel to guarantee Presley would play a month-long engagement for $125,000 a week ($974,043 in 2021 dollars[11]), an unheard-of sum at the time. He also lost a large portion of Elvis' personal wealth. "That didn't come out in this country until 1981." By this time, Parker was aware that Presley needed a rest from touring and the chance to deal with his prescription drug addictions. Tom Parker was born on 26 June 1909 in Breda, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. [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. In 1935, while travelling with a circus, Parker met and married 27-year-old Marie Francis Mott. Nash said of Elvis' late manager: "The Colonel is a complicated character, and while he always took too much of Presley's money, he made some very sound decisions for him. While the film shows Elvis firing his manager during a show after realising he's being deceived by the Colonel, this is not what happened in real life. Colonel Tom Parker was best known for being the manager of Elvis Presley. His Dutch birthplace and immigrant status were not revealed for many years. He would call his flamboyant manager, Col. Tom Parker, and ask Parker to book another tour (Presley's average concert gross in the mid-'70s was $130,000 a night) or schedule another recording . Elvis: Priscilla Presley slams Colonel Parker horror stories 'Most [43] A breakfast reception was arranged, taking place after the media got their photographs of the couple. Subsequently, Parker managed the singer's successful return to live performing, with several dates set up in Las Vegas. Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth [13] Within a year, he had the opportunity to become a legal citizen of the United States a new law allowed illegal aliens the chance to become citizens in return for their promise to fight for the country during World War II, if required. No, he didn't. That's the kicker. [19][20] Part of Parker's role was to secure a new recording contract with a bigger label. [41] The Cadillac tour proved to be somewhat more successful than the film itself. [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]. Elvis Was Not Nearly As Rich As You Might Guess When He Died. Parker was the Tampa dogcatcher known as The Colonel, who managed Elvis Presley with a deal that controversially landed him 50% of the King of Rock and Roll's earnings. Parker decided that Las Vegas was the perfect place to do it,[41] and on May 1, 1967, the couple were married in a ceremony that lasted only eight minutes and had a handful of guests. [54] Vernon also threatened to find a new manager if Parker wouldn't continue to tour Presley. [15] Around the same time, realizing the deal for Presley might fall through due to the cost of the contract, Parker attempted to sell Tommy Sands to RCA. Tt was this, rather than his entrance into the Army or the later death of Gladys, from which Presley never truly recovered and which ultimately killed him. [56] At the funeral, he persuaded Presley's father to sign over control of Presley's career in death to him. Elvis Presley manager had shady past, link to murder - New York Post Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) Place of Birth: Breda, Netherlands. "[24], With his first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", in 1956,[25] Presley became a recording star. [16] Critics were very positive in their reviews of both the drama and Sands, leading to Capitol Records signing Sands within a week. [41], To make up for lack of earnings, Parker arranged for Presley's gold Cadillac to go on tour. to control the singer's merchandise. [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. [18] Neal was struggling at the time to accommodate his new client's success, and in February 1955, following a meeting with Parker, Presley agreed to let Parker take some control of future bookings and promotions. "That didn't come out in this country until 1981." Stories appeared in the press regularly about Presley, including that he would do a live CCTV broadcast when he returned and that he had signed a deal for a series of annual television spectaculars to be broadcast across the country. [4] During his first visit there, he traveled with a Chautauqua educational tent show, before returning briefly to the Netherlands. "A couple times he set me up in the Elvis Presley suite on top of the Hilton, and I would go play Elvis for a week One night we were at the crap table together and he rubbed my head for luck. Parker made his last public appearances in 1994. [53] Seeing it as a chance to finally be taken seriously as an actor, Presley agreed to take the role if the contracts could be worked out. Parker was also afraid that any attempt to block Presley from being drafted would result in a more detailed look into his own service record. [65] Marie was one of six children,[65] had been married twice before, and had a son from her first marriage. [39], For the remainder of the 1960s, Presley made films that relied heavily on exotic locations and mundane songs, and he was tied into contracts that he could not escape. He also lost a big chunk of Elvis's own money. The truth about his early years was revealed in 1960 when one of Parker's sisters, Nel Dankers-van Kuijk, living in the Netherlands, recognized him in photographs standing next to Presley. That number is down significantly from an estimated $100 million . Colonel Tom Parker net worth: Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch American talent manager who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death in 1997. [26], In April 1956, Parker made his first mistake with Presley's career. Parker's net worth when he died was $1 million. Parker made several attempts to have it stopped, but failed to do so. Profession: Elvis' manager. [16] NBC had originally wanted Presley for the role, but Parker had turned them down. He's a very smart man. Following his discharge, Parker worked at a number of jobs, including food concessions and gaming carnivals. [15], Parker and Neal worked together to promote Presley, using their own Hank Snow Tour to book him and tour him. Soon, he secured Presley a record deal with RCA Victor. He negotiated Presley's lucrative merchandising deals, TV appearances, and acting roles in films. He realized that by keeping RCA Victor, and more importantly the public, hungry for more Presley material, he would be able to negotiate a better contract when Presley returned from active service. He also worked to maintain Presley's estate, which was estimated to have cost around $500,000 a year in upkeep. He is portrayed by Tom . The King of Rock 'n' Roll's only daughter inherited his iconic Graceland estate and was once married to Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage - but now she's reportedly US$16 million in debt Despite earning over $100 million during his lifetime, at the time of his death Colonel Tom Parker was reportedly worth less than $1 million. A few years after that, he illegally entered the United States by jumping ship from the boat of his employer. He died on 21 January 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. [52] In Las Vegas, he was starting to appear drugged on stage, slurring his words and forgetting song lyrics. [55] Worried about the impact such details might have on his career, Presley, through his father, asked Parker to stop the publication. [34] He was upset about the possibility that would affect his career, but Parker was secretly overjoyed. They struggled to survive during the Great Depression, working short cons and traveling across the country in search of work. [55] The book was published one year later on July 12, 1977, one month before Presley's death. He wasn't a colonel and he wasn't even born in America. Colonel Tom Parker was best known as Elvis Presley's manager. . "[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. Later, in 1990, Parker married his longtime secretary Loanne Miller. [57], Parker set out to protect his future income. The singer was raking in cash hand over fist from these engagements, but he found them artistically .