How Elvis Presley Died Nearly Broke Then Became One Of The Richest Dead Celebrities Of All Time. [55] As with all the talk about Presley touring overseas, Parker never followed through with the deal. [53] Streisand's production company, First Artists, offered Presley a salary of $500,000 ($2,517,934 in 2021 dollars[11]) and 10% of the profits. [60] Part of this role resulted in Parker keeping the same fourth-floor suite he occupied when Presley was alive. [5] During a second, more detailed investigation, Tual discovered that all earnings were paid directly to the Trust instead of Parker. [44], During a closing night performance on September 3, 1973, following news that a Hilton staff member whom Presley was fond of had been fired, Presley attacked Hilton Hotels chairman Barron Hilton in a verbal rage on stage. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. Lisa Marie inherited Elvis' whole estate on her 25th birthday on February 1, 1993. During the 1960s, after many years of ill health, Marie began to display signs of dementia. Following this, he entered the music industry as a music promoter. Between 1969 and his death on Aug. 16, 1977, Presley played over 600 shows at the Hilton. Later, Davis says "He remembered me, and he said 'I told you you were going to be a star.' I said, 'Yeah, you rubbed my head.' [53] According to Parker himself, he did privately attempt to talk to his client a number of times about the matter, but allegedly every time Parker casually told Presley to quit or at least tone it down with the pill popping and binge eating, Presley would respond by telling Parker to stay out of his personal business. In 1980, a judge ordered an investigation into Parker's management practices and found that Parker's management had been unethical. Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and musical entrepreneur who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death in 1997. [44] At the time, Presley's back catalog was not considered very important and RCA initially calculated it at being worth much less, but in later years it would become one of the most valuable record catalogs in the music business. Elvis Presley shot to stardom as a rock 'n roll legend, a legacy that still continues almost 50 years after the King's death. [26], In April 1956, Parker made his first mistake with Presley's career. [15], A young singer, Tommy Sands, caught Parker's eye in 1952, and Parker immediately set about promoting him. [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. [13] Within a year, he had the opportunity to become a legal citizen of the United States a new law allowed illegal aliens the chance to become citizens in return for their promise to fight for the country during World War II, if required. Colonel Tom Parker made more than $100 million in his lifetime, but when he died, he was reportedly worth less than $1 million. [4][5] Parker's final years were spent living in Las Vegas, in increasingly poor health before his death in 1997. Answering Presley's desire to appear in films, Parker was able to secure him a seven-picture contract with Paramount Pictures. According to Priscilla, Elvis was happy to pay 50% to Parker to manage him.[73]. 3. 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. Colonel Tom Parker's Lack of Money. Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis's manager from 1955 to his death in 1977, earned an estimated $50 million from the singer's estate. [15] RCA made it clear it were unwilling to go above $25,000 for a practically unknown singer,[15] but Parker persuaded them that Presley was no ordinary unknown singer. Parker held another press conference on September 4, 1972, in Las Vegas to confirm that the concert, now titled Aloha from Hawaii, would be broadcast on January 14, 1973. In 1955, Parker and Memphis radio personality Bob Neal began promoting the young up-and-coming singer Elvis Presley. Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and music businessman. He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. His death certificate lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his country of birth as . Parker's net worth was estimated to be $50 million as of 1977. The 30th Anniversary of the revelation to Elvis' estate that Colonel Parker was still fleecing his client. Parker then returned to the Netherlands before going back to the US when he was 19, again illegally. Compare Colonel Tom Parker's Net Worth. When he was 15, Parker moved to Rotterdam, where he worked on boats. [59] Experts in the field at the time estimated that it had potentially cost Presley millions of dollars[59] and worse for Parker, it had also potentially cost him those millions of dollars. [41] In Houston alone in one afternoon, 40,000 people paid to see it, with one woman offering to have sex with the tour manager if he would allow her to sit in it. The first major artist with whom he worked was popular crooner Gene Austin. Colonel Tom Parker passed away on January 21, 1997 at 87 years old.Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth. [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. During this part of Presley's career, Parker and Presley agreed to a 50/50 "partnership", which, with Parker controlling merchandising and other non-music related items, resulted in Parker earning more than his client. Memorial ID. The show, titled "Welcome Home, Elvis", was Presley's first national television appearance since The Ed Sullivan Show in January 1957. [26] He had even come up with the idea to market "I Hate Elvis" badges. "[24], With his first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", in 1956,[25] Presley became a recording star. Parker appeared to be in complete control during Presley's time away, but he was worried about the outside influence that Presley might encounter in West Germany. [37] He envisioned him as an entertainment machine, pumping out three films and soundtracks a year, until the end of the decade. In the early 80s, an investigation was launched into Parker's management of Presley. Following an investigation in the early 80s, a judge ruled that Parker's management of Presley had been unethical. Luhrmann hasn't really . For all intents and purposes, this should have made Elvis Presley a very wealthy man, yet when he passed away in 1977, the King was down to his last $1million and prior to his death The Colonel . Tom Parker. [12] Despite having sold over 86 million records since 1924 and earning over $17 million, Austin's career was at a low point. 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]. By his final public appearances in 1994, Parker was suffering from a number of health problems such as gout and diabetes. [16], Eddy Arnold fired Parker in 1953 over Parker's growing involvement with the singer Hank Snow. [5] Parker countersued. . "There would have been no Elvis without Colonel Tom Parker; there would have been no Colonel Tom Parker without Elvis. In 1958, Presley received his draft notice from the US Army. [4] At age 17, he first displayed signs of wanting to run away to the United States to "make his fortune". With no touring or public appearances to be made, Parker was able to keep costs to a minimum. "[70], Songwriter Mac Davis recounted a similar experience where Parker rubbed his head and declared "You're going to be a star. [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]. By this time, Parker was aware that Presley needed a rest from touring and the chance to deal with his prescription drug addictions. He was one of the most influential voices in the industry. He married his secretary in 1990 (she'd worked for him since 1972). Parker was also afraid that any attempt to block Presley from being drafted would result in a more detailed look into his own service record. and he was hired as a hotel consultant for $50,000 per year (323,906 in 2021 dollars). Parker had unknowingly backed himself into a financial corner. After all the money he took from Elvis???? [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. 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. [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. In 1956, Presley was launched to superstardom with the release of his first single for RCA Victor, "Heartbreak Hotel." [53] Hulett's company had managed tours for Presley, and he had worked with artists such as Led Zeppelin. But Col Thomas Andrew Parker - the all-American father figure - wasn't the first to discover Elvis. She said she was at home with him when he had his stroke. [citation needed] After a cold reception during his first few shows,[30] Parker cut Presley's appearance to two weeks. 4. After a heated argument between the two, Presley told Parker he was fired. In addition to its considerable value, the estate of Elvis . Despite the shady financial dealings Parker maintained with Presley, his net worth when he died was much less than that of Elvis, who died with a net worth of $5 million - around $20 million when adjusted for inflation. [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. [4] During his first visit there, he traveled with a Chautauqua educational tent show, before returning briefly to the Netherlands. At the time of his death in 1997, he was worth $1 million. On March 26, 1956, after Presley's management contract with Neal expired, Presley signed a contract with Parker that made him his exclusive representative. The premises had been ransacked in search of money. [4] He would often spend 1214 hours at a time gambling in the casinos, betting large sums. Asked by a journalist what he would do now, Parker responded: "Why, I'll just go right on managing him! That number is down significantly from an estimated $100 million . [7] As a boy, he worked as a barker at carnivals in his hometown, learning many of the skills that he would require later while working in the entertainment industry. LOANNE PARKER Loanne Miller Parker, long-time resident of Las Vegas and widow of Elvis Presley manager Colonel Tom Parker, Dies at 84. [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. 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. [53] Parker turned the offer down, and Presley was overjoyed when they replied with another offer of $10 million. Profession: Elvis' manager. [15] Over the next few years, he helped Arnold secure hit songs, television appearances, and live tours. [56] At the funeral, he persuaded Presley's father to sign over control of Presley's career in death to him. Meanwhile, his career began stagnating as the British Invasion took over the United States. [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. I wanted to punch him in the face. ", "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. "[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. While Neal was originally the singer's official manager, Parker was the one most involved in running Presley's career. Presley's acting career was originally intended to be a serious one, but after seeing a chance to cross-promote singles and albums with the films, Parker persuaded Presley to sing in his films. 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. . Despite earning over $100 million during his lifetime, at the time of his death Colonel Tom Parker was reportedly worth less than $1 million. Additional Crew: Spinout. [34] He was upset about the possibility that would affect his career, but Parker was secretly overjoyed. Later, in 1983, Parker admitted during an interview that after 1966, the income from Presley films and soundtracks was dramatically reduced. . When he came out, he suffered from a psychosis that led to a brief stay at a mental ward, causing him to be discharged from the Army. He also influenced his decisions to join the military and marry Priscilla, among other . [72] By this point, he was stricken with diabetes, gout, and other health problems such that he could barely leave his own house. His mother was giving him a pep talk to calm his nerves. [4] From about 1931 until 1938, he worked as a "carny" with Royal American Shows. Parker believed that serving in the Army would help cure Presley of his increasing waywardness and convinced him to follow through with his draft as a normal citizen. Guralnick, Peter (1994). [43] A breakfast reception was arranged, taking place after the media got their photographs of the couple. Returning to music, he began managing such singers as Eddy Arnold and Tommy Sands. [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. 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. Alanna Nash's biography of Parker, The Colonel, claims he may have been trying to avoid passport scrutiny because he might have been a suspect in a murder in Breda. Parker's net worth when he died was $1 million. Colonel Tom Parker was born in Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands in June 1909 and passed away in January 1997. Colonel Tom Parker was best known for being the manager of Elvis Presley. [50] Presley's main doctor, George C. Nichopoulos, would often replace Presley's medication with placebos in an attempt to wean him off the drugs. After Presley passed away, Parker established a licensing deal with Factors Etc. This proved very lucrative, especially when the single for Presley's first film, Love Me Tender, sold over one million copies in advance sales. [16] Sholes showed little interest in Sands, but promised that he would attempt to find songs Sands might be able to record. A suit between Parker and the Presley estate was settled out of court in 1983. However, that was not the case since Elvis was still under contract to Bob Neal. Following his discharge, Parker worked at a number of jobs, including food concessions and gaming carnivals. During this time, Parker secured him long-term deals with film studios. 21 Jan 1997 (aged 87) Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, USA. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. Colonel Tom Parker was astonished to hear that Elvis Presley was a white man. [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's home (former), 409 Park Ridge Avenue, Temple Terrace, Fl. Even Tom Hanks thought he was an odd choice to play Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker in . Snow attended the signing, thinking that Elvis had signed a management contract with Jamboree Attractions, which he owned with Parker. Parker encouraged Presley to make film musicals which became the focus of his career during his commercial decline in the 1960s until his 1968 comeback and return to touring. Upon his return from the Army, Presley appeared on Frank Sinatra's television show. Following this, Presley's career declined drastically as he became increasingly reliant on prescription drugs. [50] They hired private detectives to find out where the drugs were coming from and were successful in stopping any more from reaching Presley. He died on 21 January 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Austin had spent much of his fortune on partying, cars, mansions, and women, and his popularity had been eclipsed by other singers, such as Bing Crosby. [52] After nearly two weeks of trading insults back and forth, Parker and Presley decided to continue to work together. After being discharged, Parker returned to carnival work, working as a carnie with Royal American Shows from 1931 to 1938. Submit a correction suggestion and help us fix it! In 1994, following the marriage of Lisa Marie and Michael Jackson, Parker stated that Presley would not have approved. He is also said to have had gambling debts of up to $30 million at different times. [52] Parker was furious, and he stormed into Presley's dressing room after the show to confront him. You're going to be a star.'"[71]. "He fully believed the colonel's story that Parker hailed from Huntington, West Virginia; Elvis died not knowing the truth," she says. As a reward, Davis gave him the honorary rank of "colonel" in the Louisiana State Militia.[2][3]. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. [35] Parker had declined to travel to Europe, denying that he spoke any language other than English. By 1980, the cost of running the estate was estimated to be as much as $500,000 a year. Colonel Tom Parker acted as Presley's promoter and, then manager and promoter, for most of his career. Presley had been living with Priscilla Beaulieu, ten years his junior, for the past four years, but it had not been public knowledge. Colonel Tom Parker was a music entrepreneur, well-known for being Elvis' manager. [4] It is believed that Parker lost at least $1 million a year from gambling. As per reports, Colonel Tom Parker's Cause of Death was revealed that he died of stroke . He said 'Well then there ain't no doubt about it. [67] According to interviews given by Parker to the Associated Press many years later, he and Marie were married in Tampa, Florida, during the winter of 1932,[67] but the Florida Office of Vital Statistics had no record of such a marriage any time between 1927 and 1946. Parker decided that Las Vegas was the perfect place to do it,[41] and on May 1, 1967, the couple were married in a ceremony that lasted only eight minutes and had a handful of guests. Parker, 33, died in March, surrounded by his family and bandmates, 17 months after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. [61], As Presley's fame grew, people became interested in Parker as well. [16] Parker had intended to mold Sands into the next Roy Rogers, but Sands had no interest in such a plan. 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. 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 . [16] Soon after, Sands' song "Teen-Age Crush" reached number 2 on the pop charts, eventually selling 800,000 copies. After the Sinatra special, Parker decided that Presley's future lay in Hollywood. Parker began 1956 intending to bring his new star to the national stage. Colonel Tom Parker was Elvis Presley's manager for more than 20 years, and was with him when he died on August 16, 1977. . [11][10], Parker first became involved in the music industry as a music promoter in 1938, working with the popular singer Gene Austin. In the 60s, Mott started showing signs of dementia, causing Parker to distance himself from her and find refuge in gambling. Colonel Parker died of a stroke on January 22, 1997, aged 87. . [9] He began to build up a list of contacts that would prove valuable in later years. The Colonel was involved in Elvis' music career from very early on. 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. [55] Worried about the impact such details might have on his career, Presley, through his father, asked Parker to stop the publication. Meanwhile, his gambling habit increasingly eroded the huge fortune he had built up, and he died worth only US$1,000,000. [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. 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. The singer was raking in cash hand over fist from these engagements, but he found them artistically . The opposing counsel responded by presenting into evidence a copy of Parker's U.S. Army enlistment form which stated, through a legal loophole, that because Parker signed his enlistment papers under his alias "Thomas Andrew Parker" and once he took the oath by swearing allegiance to the United States of America, he unofficially renounced his Dutch citizenship, although it is claimed that he died a Dutch citizen. Parker managed his career with an iron fist. [18] Neal was struggling at the time to accommodate his new client's success, and in February 1955, following a meeting with Parker, Presley agreed to let Parker take some control of future bookings and promotions. [4] A year later at 18, with enough money to sustain him for a short period, he entered America illegally by jumping ship from his employer's vessel. [29] While Presley was a hit among the youth of America, the middle-aged audiences found him an oddity. In 1980, a judge ordered an investigation into Parker's management practices, finding that Parker's management had been unethical. Nearly as legendary as his famous client was Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager. Growing up, he worked as a carnival barker in his hometown. [44] He would usually fly ahead to the venues and prepare the way for Presley's entourage to follow so that he and Presley rarely saw each other, and, as time progressed, it became even more difficult for Parker to get in contact with Presley. In 1969, she was an employee of the International Hotel when Elvis made his record-breaking performances there. 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. He is portrayed by Tom . Published Jan. 22, 1997 | Updated Sep. 30, 2005. Due to his years of excessive spending and being bilked by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis' estate was . He died of complications from the stroke[72] the following morning at a hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, at age 87. Later, in 1990, Parker married his longtime secretary Loanne Miller. [53] Several members of Presley's band later stated that Parker had no idea just how bad the situation was getting. [15] Parker and Snow eventually formed Hank Snow Enterprises and Jamboree Attractions, a successful promotional outfit for up-and-coming country singers. He first met the future star in 1955, when Elvis was already being managed by the guitarist in his band. Parker then managed a series of highly successful tours for Presley. . 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. [33] Parker, on the other hand, was fully aware that any special treatment given to Presley would instantly be used against him in the media and by those who disliked his style of music. Tom Parker caught a glimpse of the singer backstage. For two years he served in the 64th Coast Artillery at Fort Shafter in Hawaii. Blues," "Wild in the Country," "Blue Hawaii," "Viva Las Vegas," "Paradise, Hawaiian Style," "Clambake," and "Change of Habit." [44] The tours were so popular and financially successful that they determined Presley's workload for the remainder of his life and career. "[52], Parker accepted that their working relationship was over, Parker telling them over the phone that Dr. Nick's services are no longer required, and demanded that Presley pay him $2 million to end their contract; money Parker claimed he was owed. What was Colonel Tom Parker's net worth when he died? [53] Yet, despite Presley's eagerness to do the shows, Parker again turned them down. [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. [41] The Cadillac tour proved to be somewhat more successful than the film itself. . Net Worth: $1 Million; Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) What is Colonel Tom Parker worth? Elvis Presley with manager Colonel Tom Parker as he is discharged from the Army in 1960. . But he had less than $750,000 in his savings account when he died, and his estate was valued at less than $10 million. However, he also continued to blow his fortune on his gambling addiction and he died heavily in debt. He was subsequently in "Loving You," "Jailhouse Rock," and "King Creole." The Tom Hanks Tom Parker portrayal was a shocking one. By the time Elvis died, the "Can't Help Falling In Love" singer's estate was in poor condition with only about $5 million. On January 20, 1997, Parker's wife heard a crashing sound from the living room, and when she heard no response to her calls, she went in to find him slumped over in his chair after suffering a stroke. [15] As Presley was still a minor, his parents had to sign the contract with Parker on his behalf. "[42] Parker used the argument that Presley was his only client and he was thus earning only one fee.[42]. Adam van Kuijk died from emphysema in 1992, never seeing or visiting Parker again.[63]. [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. Presley went on to star in 27 films during the decade, including "G.I. Just the opposite. Presley went on to star in "Love Me Tender," which spawned his eponymous hit single. Parker appeared at posthumous events honoring Presley, such as the 1993 issuing of a U.S. postage stamp with Presley's likeness. Colonel Tom Parker used to earn a good amount of money while he was working for US army. [15], In early 1955, Parker became aware of a young singer, Elvis Presley. The 32nd Anniversary of Elvis' final concert in Indianapolis. . [72] Priscilla Presley attended the funeral to represent the Elvis Presley Estate and gave a eulogy that, to many in the room, summed up Parker: "Elvis and the Colonel made history together, and the world is richer, better and far more interesting because of their collaboration. Instead, Parker sent demonstration recordings to record producer Steve Sholes at RCA Victor. No, Luhrmann has really framed this through a present-day lens. [37] After that, until 1968, Presley gave no live performances, and had very little contact with his fans. "Last Train to Memphis". During this time, Parker also served as a field agent for the Hillsborough County Humane Society, helping to raise funds and awareness for its work.