Elvis Presley Signed With Eccentric Manager Colonel Tom Parker in 1955

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On March 15, 1955, Elvis Presley signed with Colonel Tom Parker, a larger-than-life Dutchman with a colorful past who would go on to manage the King's career until his death in 1977. Parker had previously worked as a carnival promoter and even managed an act featuring dancing chickens before becoming a music manager, securing Presley a lucrative recording contract and arranging his breakout TV appearances.

Why it matters

Colonel Tom Parker's management of Elvis Presley was pivotal in the singer's rise to superstardom, but Parker's unorthodox business practices and high fees have long been a source of controversy and debate among music historians and fans.

The details

Parker, whose real name was Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, left his native Netherlands and entered the U.S. illegally, later serving in the Army under the assumed name Thomas Parker. After the Army, he and his wife traveled the country running 'confidence tricks' to get by during the Great Depression. Parker later founded the Great Parker Pony Circus, which featured an act with dancing chickens. He then became a music promoter, working with stars like Gene Austin and Eddy Arnold before hearing about the up-and-coming Elvis Presley in 1955 and taking over his management.

• On March 15, 1955, Elvis Presley signed with Colonel Tom Parker.
• Parker helped secure a $35,000 recording contract for Presley with RCA Victor.
• Parker arranged Presley's breakout TV appearances, including three on The Ed Sullivan Show.
• Colonel Thomas Parker remained Presley's manager until the singer's death in 1977.
• Parker died of complications from a stroke in Las Vegas on Jan. 20, 1997, at age 87.