Did Colonel Parker Continue to Earn After Elvis Died?
The death of Elvis Presley in August 1977 marked the end of an era, but was it also the end of Colonel Tom Parker's reign of financial control? It appears that even in death, Colonel Parker's influence persisted, primarily through a complex business deal that granted him exclusive rights to Elvis's image and likeness. This article delves into whether Colonel Parker's earnings continued after Elvis's passing.
Colonel Parker's Manipulative Tactics
Colonel Tom Parker, known for his carnival barker-style demeanor and reputation as a con man, managed Elvis's career and fortune with a mix of management and exploitation. During Elvis's lifetime, he took a significant 50% cut of his earnings. Following Elvis's death, the situation escalated, with Col. Parker allegedly deceiving Elvis's father, Vernon, into signing a document which ultimately gave Parker exclusive control over Elvis's image and likeness without the family's consent.
Elvis's death on August 16, 1977, led to a legal battle between the Presley family and Colonel Parker. The family won a settlement, but the financial implications of this were considerable. It's important to note that the family won the case in 1982, many years after Elvis's death, indicating the complexity and duration of the legal battle over Elvis's estate.
Col. Parker's Exclusionary Deals and Earnings
During Elvis's lifetime, Colonel Parker managed to earn and steal significantly from his client, accumulating over $100 million. In an interview in 1968,?Parker misleadingly claimed, "That’s not true at all. He takes fifty percent of everything I earn." This statement was a clear mischaracterization of the reality, suggesting Parker was taking a 50% cut from Elvis Presley's earnings rather than from his own.
The true reason for Elvis never touring outside the U.S. is more complex. According to documents and testimonies, Parker was an illegal alien who never applied for naturalization, lacked a passport, and was a "person of interest" in a decades-old murder investigation. This makes it difficult for Elvis to travel internationally, as would-be tour destinations would likely have been wary of accepting an undocumented worker.
Colonel Parker's Alleged Influence on Elvis's Drug Use
Many fans also believe that Colonel Parker did little to help Elvis break his drug habit, and in fact, used this knowledge to keep the singer under control. There is a widely accepted view that Elvis's drug use increased during his time in Hollywood under contract, where the pressure of performing in a series of often poorly-received films was likely a driving factor. The situation worsened upon his return to live performances in 1969, where he started an extensive series of tours where the release of films was no longer a primary concern.
Despite accusations of his role in Elvis's deteriorating health, Colonel Parker's actions remain a subject of debate. Parker's financial incentives may have somewhat rationalized his behavior, as he was more focused on his own financial gains than the health and welfare of his client.
The Legal Battle and Colonel Parker's Legacy
Six weeks after Elvis's death, the Colonel expressed relief at no longer having to manage such high-profile and controversial affairs. However, the legal battle continued for years. In 1982, the Presley family took Colonel Parker to court, and the settlement confirmed that Colonel Parker had always structured deals to benefit himself more than Elvis. This included an incredibly dubious contract that gave him the rights to Elvis's entire back catalogue, a decision subsequent to Elvis's death.
The allegations made against Colonel Parker highlight a stark contrast between the man who seemed to "leap from rags to riches" and the one who ended up living next to nothing. Colonel Parker died in Las Vegas on January 21, 1997, at the age of 87. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at less than $1 million, despite having earned over $100 million earlier in his life. Additionally, it was rumored that he owed gambling debts to the Las Vegas Hilton totaling $30 million.
The story of Colonel Tom Parker is a cautionary tale of the cost of financial greed and the long-term consequences of unethical business practices. His legacy is one of significant financial gain but ultimately less than expected in personal terms. While facing legal and financial repercussions, the Colonel's influence on Elvis's career cannot be easily dismissed, nor can that of the empire he built around his client.