PARKER, COLONEL TOM
(1909–1997)
PARKER, COLONEL TOM (b. Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, Breda, The Netherlands, June 26, 1909–January 21, 1997) One of country music's first great promoters, Parker did much to professionalize the management and promotion of country acts. He was also the notorious longtime manager of ELVIS PRESLEY , carefully controlling the singer's career. Parker's life has long been shrouded in rumor and mystery. Born in The Netherlands, he came to the United States in the late 1920s, settling here permanently…