Death. [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. [16] Parker had intended to mold Sands into the next Roy Rogers, but Sands had no interest in such a plan. But he had less than $750,000 in his savings account when he died, and his estate was valued at less than $10 million. Profession: Elvis' manager. Parker was looking ahead when he persuaded Presley to sign up as a Soldier. Colonel Tom Parker Net in death: Despite earning more than $ 100 million during his lifetime, at the time of his death Colonel Tom Parker was worth less than $ 1 million. He died on 21 January 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He also assisted Jimmie Davis' campaign to become Governor of Louisiana. Colonel Tom Parker was born in Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands in June 1909 and passed away in January 1997. 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. Colonel Tom Parker used to earn a good amount of money while he was working for US army. He wasn't a colonel and he wasn't even born in America. June 30, 2022. Allegedly $1 Million, more or less. There, he worked at carnivals. The pair worked together at carnivals early on before Parker's career in management took off. 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. He completed basic training at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia.[4]. p. 258. 21 Jan 1997 (aged 87) Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, USA. 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. He married his secretary in 1990 (she'd worked for him since 1972). [41] Frank Sinatra had married Mia Farrow in 1966, and it had produced enough publicity for Parker to sit up and take notice. [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? They struggled to survive during the Great Depression, working short cons and traveling across the country in search of work. [4] From about 1931 until 1938, he worked as a "carny" with Royal American Shows. By the time Elvis died, the "Can't Help Falling In Love" singer's estate was in poor condition with only about $5 million. [67] Author Alanna Nash has suggested that the couple may have simply placed their hands on a Bible and given themselves a "carny wedding".[67]. [15] Both Mercury Records and Columbia Records showed interest, although their initial offers were nowhere near the $40,000 requirement. Soon, he secured Presley a record deal with RCA Victor. Lisa Marie inherited Elvis' whole estate on her 25th birthday on February 1, 1993. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Colonel_Tom_Parker&oldid=1141644408, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 02:32. [29] Some viewed him as a clown-like figure, wiggling his hips for screams, while others found him vulgar and more suitable for late-night gentleman's clubs. [49] The album was released simultaneously around the world, and went to number 1 on the US charts, the first Presley album to do so since the Roustabout soundtrack, in 1964. A carnival worker by background, Parker moved into music promotion in 1938, working with one of the first popular crooners, Gene Austin, and then country music singers Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, and Tommy Sands in his early career. After the special, Parker managed Presley's return to live performance, including a set of brief U.S. tours and many engagements in Las Vegas. [37] For the first few years Presley's films were somewhat successful, his albums topped the charts, and any singles that were released were mostly hits. Later, Davis says "He remembered me, and he said 'I told you you were going to be a star.' The singer was raking in cash hand over fist from these engagements, but he found them artistically . Who Owns Elvis Presley's Rights? Royalties, Estate, and More [46] Parker had also decided that it was time for Presley to return to New York, and had arranged for him to perform at Madison Square Garden in June. In Elvis biopic, Tom Hanks plays the Tampa dogcatcher who managed the King It took a probate court to remove Parker and his 50% fee from future dealings. [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. [26] With over 78 different possibilities, from charm bracelets to record players, Presley merchandise brought in $22 million by the end of 1956. Into his late 80s, Colonel Tom Parker began to struggle with various illnesses including diabetes and gout. Tom Parker caught a glimpse of the singer backstage. [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. Parker returned to the U.S . In early 1997, he passed away from a stroke in Las Vegas at the age of 87. Answer (1 of 2): In addition to what is noted in the other answer, he had legal disputes with the Presley estate but ultimately continued to earn money from Elvis's legacy. The show, titled "Welcome Home, Elvis", was Presley's first national television appearance since The Ed Sullivan Show in January 1957. 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. "[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. Then she was hired on as Elvis' tour secretary and traveled . At that time Parker believed Elvis to be black. He was best known for being the manager of Elvis Presley. [72], His funeral was held at the Hilton Hotel and was attended by a handful of friends and former associates, including Eddy Arnold and Sam Phillips. His Dutch birthplace and immigrant status were not revealed for many years. [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. 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. In 1973, Parker had one of his greatest coups with Presley's "Aloha from Hawaii" concert, which was broadcast worldwide from Hawaii. What happened to Colonel Tom Parker after Elvis Presley died? [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. Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and music businessman. He also reportedly had as much as $30 million worth of gambling debts at various times in his life. [45], By 1972, Parker had managed to increase Presley's weekly wage in Las Vegas to $150,000 ($971,718 in 2021 dollars[11]), and secured $50,000 a year ($323,906 in 2021 dollars[11]) for himself as a "consultant to the hotel chain". [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. [60], The disputes with the Presley estate did not terminate Parker's association with Presley. 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. Nor did he ever suggest onstage that he knew of the colonel's immigration issues. "Every entertainer should go to bed at night and pray he . Colonel Tom Parker was best known as Elvis Presley 's manager. [68] Marie died on November 25, 1986, of a chronic brain syndrome at age 78. [37] Parker signed long-term contracts with the film studios,[39] possibly to guarantee work and income for both him and Presley. Net Worth: $1 Million; Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) What is Colonel Tom Parker worth? How did Lisa Marie Presley lose all the Elvis millions? 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 . 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. Answer (1 of 2): The gravy train for Col. Parker ended after Elvis died, and the executor that was appointed for Lisa Marie Presley's interests began to go over Parker's deals with Elvis, was appalled, and the estate threatened to take Parker to court, and paid him 2 million dollars to end his as. 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' [9] He began to build up a list of contacts that would prove valuable in later years. The King supposedly earned $100 million during his limelighted lifetime, which ended 10 years ago today. Who was Colonel Tom Parker? Elvis Presley's manager played by - Smooth According to Presley's friend, Jerry Schilling, Presley was excited about the opportunity to take on a new challenge. The claim of Parker's Dutch heritage was publicly confirmed when Parker unsuccessfully tried to avert a lawsuit brought against him in 1982 by asserting in open court that he was a Dutch citizen. And there certainly would've been no Elvis without Colonel Tom Parker.' And when he said that, I said, 'Oh . The first major artist with whom he worked was popular crooner Gene Austin. Meanwhile, his career began stagnating as the British Invasion took over the United States. [29], Despite this setback, Presley was still going from strength to strength. Tom Hanks describes the larger-than-life character he portrays in the new Baz Luhrmann film, "Elvis," which opens in theaters next Friday. [67] As Parker's management career began to take off, Marie became more of a housewife, although she would occasionally travel with him to various parts of the country. [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. [15] Eventually, Parker began getting more involved in music promotion again, this time for himself rather than the Society. [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". He . [12] He was a successful promoter, but he wanted to move into management.[12]. Blues," "Wild in the Country," "Blue Hawaii," "Viva Las Vegas," "Paradise, Hawaiian Style," "Clambake," and "Change of Habit." For the rest of his life, Parker managed the Presley estate. What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? [15] RCA Victor, Hank Snow's current label, also showed an interest, but they were put off by the cost of the contract. [4] By this time, with the IRS demanding almost $15 million in taxes, the estate was facing bankruptcy. . Presley went on to star in 27 films during the decade, including "G.I. Breda, Breda Municipality, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. [16] Sholes showed little interest in Sands, but promised that he would attempt to find songs Sands might be able to record. I wanted to punch him in the face. You're going to be a star.'"[71]. [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. He became Presley's manager in 1955 just as . Later in 1975, the government of Saudi Arabia offered Parker $5 million for Presley to perform there. "[42] Parker used the argument that Presley was his only client and he was thus earning only one fee.[42]. He influenced Presley's personal life, including Presley's decisions to accept military service in 1958 and to marry Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967. Growing up, he worked as a carnival barker in his hometown. For two years he served in the 64th Coast Artillery at Fort Shafter in Hawaii. He died on Aug. 16, 1977, of a heart attack. Tom Hanks took on the role of the so-called villain. After the Sinatra special, Parker decided that Presley's future lay in Hollywood. 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%. "[72] She reiterated her positive opinion to Tom Hanks in 2022 when the actor prepared to play Parker for Elvis (2022). Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) Place of Birth: Breda, Netherlands. Who was Colonel Tom Parker? The story of Elvis Presley's - Gold As a reward, Davis gave him the honorary rank of "colonel" in the Louisiana State Militia.[2][3]. Net Worth: $1 Million; Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) What happened to Tom Parker after Elvis died? In the 60s, Mott started showing signs of dementia, causing Parker to distance himself from her and find refuge in gambling. Parker managed his career with an iron fist. What was his net worth in 2022? ETERNAL REVENUE : Elvis' Millions Were - Los Angeles Times [67] It is also recorded that Marie did not divorce her second husband until 1936, and her brother, Bitsy, recalled no ceremony of marriage between Parker and Marie. Colonel Tom Parker's home (former), 409 Park Ridge Avenue, Temple Terrace, Fl. ", "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. Specifically: The services for Tom Parker were held at Palm Mortuary Downtown location, but his cremains were taken to Memphis, TN and the mortuary has no record of the exact location. Later, in 1990, Parker married his longtime secretary Loanne Miller. Elvis Presley shot to stardom as a rock 'n roll legend, a legacy that still continues almost 50 years after the King's death. [56] Shortly afterward, he traveled to Memphis for Presley's funeral. During the interview, Parker said that he was not aware that another one of his sisters, Adriana van Kuijk, had died in the Netherlands a few years before. [5] Parker countersued. 4. Colonel Tom Parker passed away on January 21, 1997 at 87 years old.Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth. The Wanted singer Tom Parker has died from a brain tumour at the age of 33. [65] However, there is no definite proof that anything other than romance led to their marriage. In May 1973, in an attempt to deal with Presley's growing dependence on prescription drugs, Presley's father, Vernon, and Parker attempted to cut off his supply. [4] During his first visit there, he traveled with a Chautauqua educational tent show, before returning briefly to the Netherlands. Did Elvis Really Fire Colonel Tom Parker on Stage? [1], Parker was born as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk on June 26, 1909, in Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands,[4] and was the seventh of eleven children. [1][4], At age 15, Van Kuijk moved to Rotterdam, gaining employment on boats in the port town. In 1973, Colonel Parker sold the master tapes for 700 of Presley's songs to RCA for $5.4 million. [16] In the drama, the role of Sands was portrayed as a "twisted psychopath". He was mysterious and colorful, and, under his guidance, his one and only client -- Elvis -- reached unimaginable heights. Their's was probably the most unique artist-manager relationship ever in show business, clearly one of the most successful. [16] NBC had originally wanted Presley for the role, but Parker had turned them down. [55] Worried about the impact such details might have on his career, Presley, through his father, asked Parker to stop the publication. The Tom Hanks Tom Parker portrayal was a shocking one. [48] The press were told that an audience of one billion was expected to tune in to see the "first entertainment special to be broadcast live around the world",[48] although Parker had not taken into account the fact that many countries, including parts of Europe and America, would not see the concert live due to the time of the broadcast. [15] The rank was honorary, since Louisiana had no organized militia, but Parker used the title throughout his life, becoming known simply as "the Colonel" to many acquaintances. Colonel Tom Parker made more than $100 million in his lifetime, but when he died, he was reportedly worth less than $1 million. "He fully believed the colonel's story that Parker hailed from Huntington, West Virginia; Elvis died not knowing the truth," she says. But he had less than $750,000 in his savings account when he died, and his estate was valued at less than $10 million. Elvis Presley Net Worth at Death: Who Inherited His Estate? Salary Little, Brown. 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. Tom Parker had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. [12] Despite having sold over 86 million records since 1924 and earning over $17 million, Austin's career was at a low point. [52], In February 1975, during his engagement in Las Vegas, Presley, along with Parker, met with Barbra Streisand and Jon Peters. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. Elvis is signed exclusively to the Colonel. [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. No, Elvis didn't fire the Colonel from the stage at Las Vegas in real life. Just the opposite. By his final public appearances in 1994, Parker was suffering from a number of health problems such as gout and diabetes. The talks had included details about European tours, and buying out Presley's contract would not have been a problem for Hulett and his company. "[27][28], Parker signed a deal with Beverly Hills film merchandiser Hank Saperstein for nearly $40,000 to turn Presley into a brand name. Parker was consequently sent to solitary confinement. After a lifetime of earning well over $100 million managing Elvis, The Colonel's estate was barely worth $1 million upon his death. "That didn't come out in this country until 1981." [15] Presley had been at Sun Records since the beginning of his career, but Sam Phillips, the owner of Presley's current label, was aware that to have any kind of a successful future Presley would need the backing of a much larger label. [68] Parker began to distance himself emotionally from her, heartbroken by her slow mental deterioration from the woman he once knew. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. In 1956, Presley was launched to superstardom with the release of his first single for RCA Victor, "Heartbreak Hotel." [16], Regardless of the success that Parker and Presley had achieved, Parker was still struggling to believe that Presley's career would last longer than a year or two. Col. Tom Parker dies. Additional Crew: Spinout. The Amazing Comeback Of Colonel Tom Parker - Elvis History Blog 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. Colonel Tom Parker passed away on January 21, 1997 at 87 years old.Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth. Parker, 33, died in March, surrounded by his family and bandmates, 17 months after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. How Elvis Presley Died Nearly Broke Then Became One Of The Richest Dead Celebrities Of All Time. [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]. 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. In 1977, Elvis died of a heart attack at only 42. He was previously married to Loanne Miller and Marie Frances Mott. However, that was not the case since Elvis was still under contract to Bob Neal. During this time, Parker secured him long-term deals with film studios. Subsequently, Parker managed the singer's successful return to live performing, with several dates set up in Las Vegas. [60] Part of this role resulted in Parker keeping the same fourth-floor suite he occupied when Presley was alive. [26] By the summer Presley had become one of the most famous new faces of the year, causing excitement among the new teenage audience and outrage among some older audiences and religious groups. [55] The book was published one year later on July 12, 1977, one month before Presley's death. [4] At age 17, he first displayed signs of wanting to run away to the United States to "make his fortune". Where is Colonel Tom Parker's grave and when did he die? The Truth About Elvis Presley's Relationship With His Manager, Colonel RCA was eager for Presley to record in West Germany, but Parker insisted that it would ruin his reputation as a regular soldier if he was able to go into a recording studio. In the 1950s, he helped Elvis Presley become a big star. But the Colonel quickly got to work, starting as Elvis' advisor before they signed a contract giving him sole rights . Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth 2023 On January 20, 1997, Parker suffered a stroke, and died the following morning in a Las Vegas hospital. In November, Parker and Snow persuaded RCA to buy Presley out from Sun for $40,000, and on November 21, Presley's contract was officially transferred from Sun Records to RCA Victor. Parker enlisted in the US Army shortly after his return to America. How Colonel Tom Parker built his net worth. 83 year old Colonel Tom Parker gambling in Las Vegas. This is from 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 . . During the 1960s, after many years of ill health, Marie began to display signs of dementia. His death certificate lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his country of birth as . According to Biography, Presley's father let Colonel Tom Parker have the run of things for two more years, but after the elder Presley also died in 1979, things got complicated for the manager. [37] He envisioned him as an entertainment machine, pumping out three films and soundtracks a year, until the end of the decade. Colonel Tom Parker was born as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk on June 26, 1909 in Breda, Netherlands as the seventh of eleven children of Adam and Maria. As per reports, Colonel Tom Parker's Cause of Death was revealed that he died of stroke . [17] In the beginning, Presley, Moore, and the bassist Bill Black were a trio, the Blue Moon Boys. He also worked to maintain Presley's estate, which was estimated to have cost around $500,000 a year in upkeep. Presley's first manager was Scotty Moore, the guitarist in his band, who was encouraged by Sun Records owner Sam Phillips to become Presley's manager to protect Elvis from unscrupulous music promoters. [16] He arranged live appearances and became something of a father figure to the then-15-year-old Sands. The Dark Side Of Colonel Parker - An EIN Spotlight According to Priscilla, Elvis was happy to pay 50% to Parker to manage him.[73]. Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth 2023, Bio & Cause of Death Parker appeared at posthumous events honoring Presley, such as the 1993 issuing of a U.S. postage stamp with Presley's likeness. [18] A one-year management contract with Presley provided Moore with a 10-percent commission, which Moore said he never took. [16] Soon after, Sands' song "Teen-Age Crush" reached number 2 on the pop charts, eventually selling 800,000 copies. In 1980, a judge ordered an investigation into Parker's management practices, finding that Parker's management had been unethical. [26] Presley said of Parker: "I don't think I would have ever been very big if it wasn't for him. [13] Instead, Parker decided to stay in Temple Terrace, Florida, with his family, perhaps to avoid having to submit paperwork that could expose his illegal status. After Presley showed signs of rebellion again in 1966 and because of his flagging career, Parker decided that it was time for a new approach: marriage. Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth - Classic Rock News [19][20] Part of Parker's role was to secure a new recording contract with a bigger label. In later years, Parker's influence waned, but he continued in his management role until Presley's death in 1977. 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. Obituary: Col Tom Parker | The Independent | The Independent After Presley passed away, Parker established a licensing deal with Factors Etc. For a time, Parker lied about his childhood, claiming to have been born in Huntington, West Virginia, in the early 1900s to explain his Dutch accent as being a Southern accent, and to have run away from home at an early age to join a circus owned by an uncle before serving in the U.S. Army prior to his involvement with being a music manager. By Alanna Nash. While Presley was serving in West Germany, Parker was hard at work keeping Presley's name known to the public. and he died worth only US$1,000,000. Colonel Tom Parker's Lack of Money. [40] These deals were sometimes so harsh on the studios that it led producer Hal Wallis to state: "I'd rather try and close a deal with the Devil.