Who Is Colonel Tom Parker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Colonel Tom Parker, born on June 26, 1909, was a prominent talent manager and the mastermind behind the remarkable rise of Elvis Presley. With a life spanning nearly nine decades, Parker passed away in 1997, leaving behind a rich history in the entertainment industry. His managerial skills not only propelled Elvis to superstardom but also established a brand within the music and film sectors. Despite his passing, Parker’s influence continues to echo in the industry, and his legacy remains a subject of interest for historians and fans alike.
| Occupation | Talent Manager |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1909 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Breda, Netherlands |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Date of death | 21 January, 1997 |
| Died Place | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Popularity
Colonel Tom Parker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific body measurements for Colonel Tom Parker are not as widely documented, he was known to have a stout build typical of people of his era. His height was approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm), and his weight fluctuated throughout his life, particularly during peak career moments. His distinctive appearance—often characterized by his attire, including his trademark cowboy hat—made him a memorable figure in entertainment.
From 1974 onward, Presley's weight gain and prescription drug abuse became too much to be controlled. In Las Vegas, he was starting to appear drugged on stage, slurring his words and forgetting song lyrics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Colonel Tom Parker was married to Marie Frances Mott from 1935 until her death in 1980. The couple had one son, known as Steve Parker, who followed in his father's footsteps within the entertainment industry. While Parker had various professional relationships throughout his life, he remained dedicated to his family, and his deep bond with Elvis Presley often overshadowed his personal life.
In terms of romantic relationships beyond his marriage, there is limited information available, with the focus being primarily on his professional endeavors and familial connections.
After his father's death, Parker moved to the port city of Rotterdam and lived with an aunt and uncle. His uncle was a skipper by profession who sailed from Breda to Rotterdam. At the age of 17, Parker expressed a desire to run away to the United States to "make his fortune", and he entered the US illegally.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific net worth estimates from Colonel Tom Parker’s peak years as a manager are challenging to pinpoint, he is believed to have amassed considerable wealth through his dealings with Elvis Presley and other ventures. Reports suggest that his net worth at the time of his death was around $100 million. His salary varied widely depending on contractual negotiations, but it was widely acknowledged that Parker secured significant portions of Presley’s earnings, establishing him as one of the highest-paid managers in the music industry.
Parker encountered Presley in 1955 and by 1956 had become his manager. With Parker's help, Presley signed a recording contract with RCA Victor, which led to a commercial breakthrough in 1956 with his sixth single "Heartbreak Hotel" and a career as one of the most commercially successful entertainers in the world.
Parker received more than half of the income from the enterprise, an unprecedented figure for a music manager. He negotiated Presley's lucrative merchandising deals and media appearances and is said to have influenced Presley's personal life, including his decision to accept military service in 1958 and his marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967.
Parker encouraged Presley to make musical films, and they became the focus of his career during his commercial decline in the 1960s until his 1968 comeback and return to touring. Parker's influence waned in later years, but he continued in his management role until Presley died in 1977.
Career, Business and Investments
Colonel Parker’s career began in the carnival circuit before he transitioned to talent management. In the 1950s, he became significantly involved in Elvis Presley’s career, ultimately negotiating record deals, film contracts, and concert bookings that skyrocketed Presley to international fame. Parker’s business acumen was evident in his strategic planning, including the successful marketing of Elvis’s brand, which resulted in lucrative merchandise and film deals.
Apart from managing Elvis, Parker also engaged in various entertainment projects, including overseeing the careers of other artists and exploring investment opportunities in the entertainment sector. His ability to recognize and nurture talent contributed to a lasting legacy in the world of talent management.
He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. With a background working in carnivals, Parker moved into music promotion in 1938, working with one of the first popular crooners, Gene Austin, and country music singers Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, and Tommy Sands.
He also assisted Jimmie Davis's campaign to become governor of Louisiana, for which he was awarded the honorary rank of "colonel" in the Louisiana State Guard.
Social Network
Though Colonel Tom Parker was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, he was not known for his presence on social media, as these platforms emerged long after his time. However, his influence can still be seen today through various fan pages, tribute sites, and discussions dedicated to his role in shaping musical history.
Parker signed a deal with Beverly Hills film merchandiser Hank Saperstein for nearly $40,000 to turn Presley into a brand name. With over 78 different products for sale, from charm bracelets to record players, Presley merchandise brought in $22 million by the end of 1956.
Parker, with his 25% share of profits, found ways to make money from his artist that other managers had never thought of, such as simultaneously selling "I Love Elvis" and "I Hate Elvis" buttons.
Education
While specific details about Colonel Tom Parker's formal education are not extensively documented, it is known that he was a keen observer of the entertainment landscape. His intuitive understanding of the industry, paired with his experiences in the carnival environment, gave him practical insights that he later applied in his career as a talent manager.