Elvis and The Colonel

Elvis and the Colonel reveals the untold story of Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s famously controversial manager, from insider Greg McDonald. Through unheard stories, McDonald showcases Parker’s pioneering strategies that shaped Elvis into a commercial sensation. Despite the lore that Parker exploited Elvis, this book argues that Elvis was business-savvy and partnered closely with Parker. From creative merchandising like "I Love Elvis" and "I Hate Elvis" buttons to licensing, Vegas residencies, and iconic TV specials, Parker’s carnival background influenced his groundbreaking methods, many of which remain industry standards today. At its core, Elvis and the Colonel captures the complex, enduring relationship between these two showbiz icons.