Netflix’s new documentary Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley We revisit a crossroads in Presley’s career. Presley, who had been transformed from singer to movie star seven years earlier by his influential manager, Colonel Tom Parker, was dissatisfied and restless. Elvis found his film roles increasingly unfulfilling and longed to sing again. So in 1968, Parker risked his life by creating a television special to reintroduce Elvis to the public.
Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley Revisiting the events leading up to the event and the tension between Elvis Presley and Tom Parker. As depicted in other media focused on Elvis’ life, Their relationship was often stormy.. Nevertheless, both men had a deep influence on each other.
Explaining the partnership between Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley after their 1968 comeback
Parker and Presley’s relationship deteriorates
Despite putting his stage career on hold due to Parker’s influence, Presley had a lot to be thankful for to the Colonel, and he knew it. “I was completely unknown until Colonel Parker began managing me.” he says The Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley. Parker deftly managed Presley’s two-year hiatus from military activities.had him record a large amount of music before leaving for Germany, and then released single after single, resulting in Presley producing over 40 Top 10 hits during that period. Upon his return, it was Parker who negotiated a lucrative film contract that guaranteed Presley wealth and fame.
However, the ’68 special marked the beginning of a decline in their relationship. Although Presley rediscovered himself as a singer, Parker wanted him to remain on the big screen. Parker negotiated Presley’s stay in Las Vegas for $125,000 a week while retaining 50% of his manager’s fee.this would later become a matter of controversy. As part of the contract, Parker was paid $50,000 annually.consultantAs Presley’s health deteriorated under the weight of prescription drugs, the two became estranged. After a concert in Las Vegas in September 1973, the two got into an argument over Presley’s Hilton hotel contract, and Presley promptly fired Parker on the spot.
What happened to Colonel Parker after Elvis’ death?
Parker was sued by Presley’s estate
As depicted in Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presleythe two later reconciled, but their relationship was irreparably broken. After Elvis’ death in 1977, it was rumored that Parker was acting as if nothing had happened., And when he showed up at Presley’s funeral wearing a Hawaiian shirt and baseball cap, Presley’s estate has begun taking a closer look at Parker’s management contract. Elvis Presley Enterprises closed in 1981 after it was discovered that Parker had missed out on millions of dollars by poorly negotiating with RCA and missing out on huge royalties by failing to sign contracts with BMI and ASCAP. Parker was sued for mismanagement.
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Nevertheless, Parker continued to consult with Hilton Hotels until his death. He lived in the same fourth-floor suite that Elvis lived in during his stay, but was eventually evicted after racking up large gambling debts. Despite legal issues regarding Presley’s estate, he remained involved in Presley’s estateorganized the 10th anniversary fan convention event in 1987, and attended some of the many posthumous events honoring the singer. At age 87 and suffering from diabetes, gout, and various other health problems, he died of a stroke in a Las Vegas hospital on January 27, 1997, an episode that was never reported. Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley.
