Colonel Tom Parker, the controversial manager of Elvis, had previously worked as a carnival barker

Elvis's future manager, Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, who was born in the Netherlands in 1909, emigrated to America as a young man without authorization. There, he assumed the identity of Tom Parker and claimed to be from West Virginia. He began his career as a salesman for touring carnivals before working as a dog catcher and founding a pet cemetery, among other jobs. He then took charge of the careers of several country music performers. Parker obtained the honorary rank of colonel from the Louisiana governor in 1948 and insisted on using it going forward.

Parker first met Elvis Presley in 1955, and by 1956 and by 1956 had become his sole manager. Within a short period of time, he had helped him earn a recording deal with RCA Victor. Presley's first single, "Heartbreak Hotel," which was released in 1956 as a result of this contract, helped him break through commercially and propel him to stardom as one of the most well-known and financially successful entertainers in the world.

Parker was able to receive more than half of the company's profits, which is unusual for a music manager. He arranged for Presley's lucrative endorsement deals, TV shows, and acting roles. He had an impact on Elvis Presley's personal choices, such as his acceptance of military service in 1958 and his marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967.