But he had less than $750,000 in his savings account when he died, and his estate was valued at less than $10 million. and he was hired as a hotel consultant for $50,000 per year (323,906 in 2021 dollars). [56] Shortly afterward, he traveled to Memphis for Presley's funeral. [48], Aloha from Hawaii proved to be the last great moment in Presley's career. [18] A one-year management contract with Presley provided Moore with a 10-percent commission, which Moore said he never took. By 1980, the cost of running the estate was estimated to be as much as $500,000 a year. [26] He had even come up with the idea to market "I Hate Elvis" badges. 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. [15] Parker and Snow eventually formed Hank Snow Enterprises and Jamboree Attractions, a successful promotional outfit for up-and-coming country singers. 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. [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]. Death. 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. In 1973, Parker had one of his greatest coups with Presley's "Aloha from Hawaii" concert, which was broadcast worldwide from Hawaii. [48] Two weeks after the Las Vegas press conference Parker received a letter from Honolulu Advertiser columnist Eddie Sherman. [15] As Presley was still a minor, his parents had to sign the contract with Parker on his behalf. While working in the circus in 1935, Parker wed Marie Francis Mott. [14] Parker decided against registering, possibly to prevent his previous Army record from becoming public. 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. [33] Inc.[4] However, because Parker was still entitled to 50% of all Presley's income, and after taxes were taken off, the overall amount going towards the upkeep of the estate was less than $1 million a year.[4]. He also became friendly with the estate again, attending special ceremonies and events in Memphis, invited by Priscilla. James L. Dickerson's book "Colonel Tom Parker: The . In the 1950s, he helped Elvis Presley become a big star. [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's home (former), 409 Park Ridge Avenue, Temple Terrace, Fl. Having previously sold the rights to Presley's early recordings to RCA Records, he struggled to secure a steady income, and his financial situation worsened after he sustained significant gambling losses. [18] According to Moore, Presley agreed to take 50 percent, with Moore and Black splitting the other 50 percent. [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. The singer was raking in cash hand over fist from these engagements, but he found them artistically . [41] Frank Sinatra had married Mia Farrow in 1966, and it had produced enough publicity for Parker to sit up and take notice. 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. But the Colonel quickly got to work, starting as Elvis' advisor before they signed a contract giving him sole rights . Memorial ID. 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. He was mysterious and colorful, and, under his guidance, his one and only client -- Elvis -- reached unimaginable heights. [4] After a lifetime that saw him earn in excess of $100 million, Parker's estate was worth barely $1 million when he died. Colonel Tom Parker made more than $100 million in his lifetime, but when he died, he was reportedly worth less than $1 million. A few actors have tackled Parker on screen, most notably Beau Bridges in 1993s "Elvis and the Colonel: The Untold Story" and Randy Quaid in the 2005 miniseries "Elvis." He was subsequently in "Loving You," "Jailhouse Rock," and "King Creole." [16] Critics were very positive in their reviews of both the drama and Sands, leading to Capitol Records signing Sands within a week. That's $35 million (28m) today and considerably less than what they were actually worth. [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. Burial. None of the rules of the relationship was operative any longer, yet neither had the courage to walk away, for a variety of reasons." [16] In the drama, the role of Sands was portrayed as a "twisted psychopath". Tom Hanks describes the larger-than-life character he portrays in the new Baz Luhrmann film, "Elvis," which opens in theaters next Friday. [26], In April 1956, Parker made his first mistake with Presley's career. A symbiotic relationship," Hanks added. Colonel Tom Parker Salary Detail. Parker was looking ahead when he persuaded Presley to sign up as a Soldier. 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. [16] Remembering his previous experience with Sands, Sholes dismissed Sands as a viable replacement for Presley.[16]. What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? But Col Thomas Andrew Parker - the all-American father figure - wasn't the first to discover Elvis. [33] Presley had wanted to join Special Services, allowing him the opportunity to perform while at the same time getting an easier ride than other soldiers. In 1956, Presley was launched to superstardom with the release of his first single for RCA Victor, "Heartbreak Hotel." [50] In later years, several of Presley's inner circle would tell of how difficult it was to persuade Presley to quit the drugs. Nearly as legendary as his famous client was Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager. [61], As Presley's fame grew, people became interested in Parker as well. [72] By this point, he was stricken with diabetes, gout, and other health problems such that he could barely leave his own house. In the 1950s, he helped Elvis Presley become a big star. Tom Hanks took on the role of the so-called villain. Col. Tom Parker, the former carnival barker who helped guide Elvis Presley to stardom, died Tuesday of complications from a . Colonel Tom Parker's House. [26] Presley said of Parker: "I don't think I would have ever been very big if it wasn't for him. By this time, Parker was aware that Presley needed a rest from touring and the chance to deal with his prescription drug addictions. [8] This may have motivated Parker to avoid seeking a passport, as the Netherlands has an active extradition treaty with the United States, and he may have wanted to avoid criminal arrest by Dutch authorities. According to Presley's biographer Peter Guralnick, Presley and Parker "were really like, in a sense, a married couple, who started out with great love, loyalty, respect that lasted for a considerable period of time, and went through a number of stages until, towards the end of Presley's life, they should have walked away. [1][4], At age 15, Van Kuijk moved to Rotterdam, gaining employment on boats in the port town. His immigration status wasn't revealed for years. [53] Yet, despite Presley's eagerness to do the shows, Parker again turned them down. 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. [15] However, RCA Victor producer Steve Sholes was convinced that Presley's style of music would be a huge hit with the right label, and he began talks with Parker. At the time of his death in 1997, he was worth $1 million. By Alanna Nash. As per reports, Colonel Tom Parker's Cause of Death was revealed that he died of stroke . 3. Tom Parker was born on 26 June 1909 in Breda, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. His death certificate lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his country of birth as . Parker returned to the U.S . [12] Parker, with the task of promoting Austin, found the career transition smooth, using much of his "carny" experience to sell tickets and attract the crowds. [52] Parker was furious, and he stormed into Presley's dressing room after the show to confront him. I said, 'Yeah, you rubbed my head.' Presley went on to star in 27 films during the decade, including "G.I. This proved very lucrative, especially when the single for Presley's first film, Love Me Tender, sold over one million copies in advance sales. Although the films were profitable, Presley complained about the quality of the scripts. [5] During a second, more detailed investigation, Tual discovered that all earnings were paid directly to the Trust instead of Parker. [9] He began to build up a list of contacts that would prove valuable in later years. Parker, who was born in the Netherlands, entered the United States illegally when he was 20 years old. He completed basic training at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia.[4]. However, he also continued to blow his fortune on his gambling addiction and he died heavily in debt. In 1935, while travelling with a circus, Parker met and married 27-year-old Marie Francis Mott. [49] Seeing the chance to publicize Presley's charitable nature once again, Parker eagerly agreed. After Parker's death in 1997, the home was used as a law . Presley was never one to stand up against Parker, but he knew that this TV show was his one chance at a true comeback, and with Binder backing him, Presley told Parker he was doing it "Binder's way". "That didn't come out in this country until 1981." Later, Davis says "He remembered me, and he said 'I told you you were going to be a star.' 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. Between 1969 and 1972 alone, RCA released three albums of live material. Inc, to control Presley merchandise and keep a steady income supporting his estate. 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. "No, he never would have done that," Nash says. [14] Parker served in the peacetime army as a precondition for taking advantage of that stipulation, but he never subsequently applied to become a citizen. [26] With over 78 different possibilities, from charm bracelets to record players, Presley merchandise brought in $22 million by the end of 1956. The world's music and pop culture changed forever when the greatest performer of them all joined . What Tom Hanks Thinks Of His Tom Parker Role . These four shows alone grossed $730,000 ($4,729,029 in 2021 dollars[11]). Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 02:32, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Tom Parker Is Dead at 87; Controlled Presley's Career", "Colonel Parker Managed Elvis' Career, but Was He a Killer on the Lam? Colonel Tom Parker was Elvis Presley's manager for more than 20 years, and was with him when he died on August 16, 1977. . [12] Despite having sold over 86 million records since 1924 and earning over $17 million, Austin's career was at a low point. [68] Parker began to distance himself emotionally from her, heartbroken by her slow mental deterioration from the woman he once knew. Lisa Marie inherited Elvis' whole estate on her 25th birthday on February 1, 1993. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. [4] From about 1931 until 1938, he worked as a "carny" with Royal American Shows. Tom Parker had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. Cremated. Mott passed away in late 1986 at the age of 78. [16], Eddy Arnold fired Parker in 1953 over Parker's growing involvement with the singer Hank Snow. What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? When he was 15, Parker moved to Rotterdam, where he worked on boats. [55] Although Parker publicly denied these claims, he had been in talks with Peter Grant, the manager of Led Zeppelin, about the possibility of him overseeing a European tour for Presley. Returning to music, he began managing such singers as Eddy Arnold and Tommy Sands. He left the estate to his father, Vernon Presley, and Lisa Marie. Presley had been living with Priscilla Beaulieu, ten years his junior, for the past four years, but it had not been public knowledge. Additionally, Tual determined that Parker's handling of Presley's business affairs was unethical. [68] Marie died on November 25, 1986, of a chronic brain syndrome at age 78. [4] By this time, with the IRS demanding almost $15 million in taxes, the estate was facing bankruptcy. [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. According to Priscilla, Elvis was happy to pay 50% to Parker to manage him.[73]. Parker was consequently sent to solitary confinement. Elvis' estate, on the other hand, reportedly owed the Las Vegas . 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. Potomac, was going to be salvaged. [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. He also lost a big chunk of Elvis's own money. [65] Marie was one of six children,[65] had been married twice before, and had a son from her first marriage. By his final public appearances in 1994, Parker was suffering from a number of health problems such as gout and diabetes. . Colonel Tom Parker died on January 21, 1997 at the age of 87. After a lifetime of earning well over $100 million managing Elvis, The Colonel's estate was barely worth $1 million upon his death. Breda, Breda Municipality, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. The contract, dated July 12, 1954, eight days after their first recording session, was signed by Presley and his parents. In reality, Nash told USA Today that Presley would "never do that." Presley apparently never knew that Parker wasn't . [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.