In another Elvis related story, yesterday was the day that Andreas Connelius Van Kiijk was born in Breda Netherlands. Andreas jumped ship into the United States when he was 18, changing his name to Tom Parker when he entered the US army. He later added the title Colonel himself, never reaching that rank while in service. He was an opportunist with an entrepreneurial spirit who entered the carnival world upon discharge picking up many of the sales tricks he would later use in big business while he hustled for an existence. He entered music promotion in 1938 working with Gene Austin who had been a big star in the late 20’s. Later managing big country stars like Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow often with a 25% share of all earnings, he spotted his big chance when Elvis was breaking through and becoming manager would go on to make his star the biggest name in entertainment history. This had a high cost for Elvis however with the Colonel often taking 50% share of revenue, he also pushed Elvis into all the silly Hollywood movies and moved him away from RnR. In America illegally and rumoured to be linked to a murder in his Dutch home town, he also stopped the king from touring outside the US for fear he would be deported or arrested. youtu.be/Djd2bmm6nWE
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 14:38:00 +0000
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