Besides his father and a few close friends, only one other person was by Elvis’ side for almost his entire career—his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. If Elvis stood at the front of the stage, “The Colonel” was a mysterious figure lurking somewhere off to the side. The relationship between Elvis and the Colonel is a focus of the new movie Elvis from director and screenwriter Baz Luhrmann. Starring two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as Parker and Austin Butler as Elvis, the film explores the relationship between these two iconic figures more deeply than any other Elvis biopic ever produced. This special collector's edition magazine tells the story of what really happened.
Editor’s Note
THIS IS ELVIS • Who was the King, exactly, and what drove his ambitions?
1 SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL • When Elvis exploded onto the national scene in 1956, it was the big bang of rock ’n’ roll
2 SUSPICIOUS MINDS • As a performer, Elvis enjoyed a richer life than he ever dreamed possible—but he never shook the fear that it all might go away
3 BIG BOSS MAN • The Colonel never hesitated to hustle, cheat and stretch the truth—skills he put to use to win over Elvis
4 TOO MUCH • By the end of 1956, Elvis was the world’s biggest star—and the most controversial
5 DON’T BE CRUEL • Having climbed so high so fast, Elvis faced a challenge: Where do you go after reaching the top?
6 G.I. BLUES • When Elvis received his draft notice, he thought it was the end of his career
7 IT’S NOW OR NEVER • Elvis’ return from the Army marked the beginning of the next phase of his career.
8 VIVA LAS VEGAS • For most of the 1960s. Elvis spent his time filming movies and recording soundtracks.
9 IF I CAN DREAM • In 1968, Elvis revitalized his career
10 FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY • In 1969, Elvis returned to live performing with vigor—only to have the feeling fade
11 MY WAY • Elvis’ death did not stop the Colonel from carrying out the business of Elvis Presley.
Elvis and The Colonel
PHOTO CREDITS