Elvis and the Colonel
Elvis and the Colonel

Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick’s latest book, “The Colonel and the King,” is the story of a partnership that rocked popular culture, and how Colonel Parker’s marketing savvy and enduring loyalty helped the King get his crown.
Read the full article on CBS Entertainment
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate in its general portrayal of the relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker, particularly highlighting Parker's role in Elvis's success. However, the snippet leans towards a positive portrayal of Parker, potentially downplaying some of the criticisms surrounding their business relationship. The provided sources generally support the claims made in the snippet, although they also offer more nuanced perspectives.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Peter Guralnick's book 'The Colonel and the King' is about the partnership between Elvis and Colonel Parker.
- Verification Source #4: Confirms the book is a dual portrait of the relationship between Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: Colonel Parker's marketing savvy helped Elvis get his crown.
- Verification Source #1: States that Parker became Elvis's manager in 1956.
- Verification Source #2: Describes the book as a biography of Parker with a corrective point of view.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: Colonel Parker's enduring loyalty helped Elvis get his crown.
- Verification Source #3: Suggests that Elvis knew Parker was taking advantage of him.
- Assessment: Potentially biased. While Parker's long-term management is factual, the term 'enduring loyalty' is debatable given criticisms of their financial arrangements. Source 3 suggests Elvis felt taken advantage of.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 4 confirms the book's subject matter.
- Source 1 establishes Parker's role as Elvis's manager.
- Source 3 provides a contrasting view, suggesting Elvis was aware of potential exploitation by Parker, which challenges the notion of 'enduring loyalty'.
