In theaters now, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis explores Elvis Presley’s complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. But what happened to this person after the singer’s death in 1977?
As the singer’s manager, “Colonel” Tom Parker is one of the key figures in Elvis Presley’s life and thus has a starring role in the Elvis biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann and currently in theaters. Played on screen by Tom Hanks, the film portrays him as a con man willing to do anything to increase his financial fortune.
When the singer died in August 1977, Parker kept a low profile. He continues to touch, however, thanks to previous contracts during Elvis’ lifetime to make a good living off of his old job. After losing the exclusive star, he will never be anyone’s manager again.
Keep in mind that during Elvis’ lifetime, Parker would have equally received half of the amount earned by his artist. However, the percentage of agents in the profession ranges from 10 to 25% at most. In 1993, Parker told him television :
I only got 50% when Elvis wasn’t performing and I was making stuff, but when it came to movies, music and music, I got 25%.
The 2022 version of Elvis Presley and Tom Parker
However, this version was challenged in 1980 by Lisa Marie Presley (at the time the singer’s daughter and 11 years old), who through her representatives sued her father’s former manager on the grounds that he was really dealing with half of the singer’s income. generated after his death, which the heirs considered excessive. He was also accused of conspiring with RCA Records, which handled Elvis records, to steal millions from his heirs.
There will never be a trial, because in 1982 Tom Parker signs a contract before going to trial. The heirs are paying him $2 million to stay out of anything to do with Elvis for 5 years unless he gets sued.
The real “Colonel” Tom Parker in 1972
On the 10th anniversary of Elvis’ death in 1987, Parker appeared alongside Priscilla Presley, and on the surface, the relationship seemed to be going well, with both parties coming together to commemorate. In fact, in any case, Parker will never again be entrusted with any kind of business directly or indirectly related to the singer.
“Colonel” Parker died of a heart attack in 1997, twenty years after Elvis Presley. At his funeral, Priscilla read this eulogy:
“Elvis and the Colonel made history together, and thanks to them the world is richer, better and much more interesting. Now I have to find my wallet, because I noticed that there was no ticket office here, but I’m sure the Colonel planned a loss on the way out.”
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Source: allocine
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