Elvis biographer sets record straight about Colonel Tom Parker in hefty tome

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In my perspective, many people believe that Colonel Tom Parker exploited Elvis Presley financially, coerced him into making mediocre ’60s films, and orchestrated his commitment to Las Vegas, where both gambling addiction and a drug habit similar to Elvis’ own became prevalent. However, Peter Guralnick aims to present a different narrative in his extensive new work, “The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley, and the Partnership that Shook the World,” suggesting a more nuanced relationship between these two influential figures.

The book focuses extensively on the character referred to as “Colonel,” a nickname Parker adopted following his honorary bestowal of the title by the governor of Louisiana in 1948, while providing less detail about the King, who has been widely covered in numerous prior books. Notably, some of the most insightful works on this topic were penned by Guralnick, such as “Last Train to Memphis” and “Careless Whispers.” Few authors possess a deeper understanding or stronger enthusiasm for early rock ‘n’ roll and roots music than Guralnick; if you haven’t read his work, it’s well worth your time.

So, are you suggesting I should read “The Colonel and the King” if I’m interested in learning extensively about Elvis Presley’s long-term manager, who had an intriguing life filled with self-mythology and intentional deception? This book is written by Peter Guralnick, who knew Parker from 1988 until his death in 1997. It appears that the author saw his subject as more than just a subject, but also as a friend. However, this book isn’t a saintly portrayal (hagiography), because Guralnick conducts thorough research and reporting for every book he writes, making it impossible for him to create a one-sided account. Nevertheless, the book sometimes feels like a defense or attempt to clarify Parker’s actions (Parker apologia) or at least an effort to correct misconceptions about him.

Parker often refused to allow Elvis to go on international tours towards the end of his career because Parker wasn’t a U.S. citizen and thus didn’t have a passport. However, Guralnick points out that this was a topic of much speculation without solid evidence. He raises questions like: How could Elvis tour Japan with its strict drug laws? How could he clear all the customs checks in Europe for anything more than a small-country tour without his medication? And who would be responsible for carrying those medications for him?

The criticism often directed towards Parker, due to his past as a carnival worker, is frequently questioned. One might wonder how someone like him, a carny, could possibly understand the intricacies of the music industry or be fit to manage the icon of rock ‘n’ roll. However, it is during these early chapters in “The Colonel and the King” that we find the most engaging and insightful material. Guralnick skillfully portrays Parker as a relentless entrepreneur, yearning to transform himself.

Born as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in Breda, Holland, Parker has often asserted that he hails from West Virginia under the name Thomas Andrew Parker. Growing up, he was known as “Dries,” and his father, a retired soldier and liveryman, disowned him when he learned Dries had joined a circus family, teaching their horses tricks. Enraged by this, the father declared that Dries “was no son of mine, that he would never amount to anything,” and proceeded to beat him severely. Subsequently, Dries stowed away to America, only to be returned, before eventually managing to establish himself there permanently as Thomas Andrew Parker.

Over time, he frequently found himself informally welcomed into various families, only to vanish mysteriously, a trend that persisted even after he enlisted in the U.S. Army, deserted, and eventually received an honorable discharge with a disability certificate due to “Psychic Psychogenic Depression” (although Parker claimed it was due to a bad leg). Eventually, he wound up in Florida where he became a versatile carnival worker and honed a keen sense for effective publicity and promotion.

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As a follower, I didn’t start my journey with Parker managing his music clients; instead, I honed my skills under early pop sensation Gene Austin and country legend Hank Snow. However, when I encountered Elvis and the Elvis phenomenon at the Louisiana Hayride in 1955, I became resolute about managing him. From there, it was a matter of strategically and aggressively selling him to RCA, 20th Century Fox, and anyone else who could contribute to the rise of Elvis’s colossal empire.

In my opinion, “The Colonel and the King” is a substantial read, boasting a whopping 624 pages. Among these, roughly 250 pages are dedicated to annotated correspondence between the Colonel, which I feel could have been more effectively integrated within the main storyline for smoother reading. Additionally, the author’s reliance on Parker’s statements might have been influenced by a humorous comment made by Parker himself about penning an autobiography titled “The Benevolent Con Man.

One might appreciate Guralnick’s meticulous approach and dedication, yet yearn for more compact outcomes. I found Parker’s narrative to be captivating, albeit at times becoming slightly repetitive.

Vognar is a freelance culture writer.

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2025-08-03 13:32