This is a very important piece of memorabilia, sold at auction in June 2010 for a staggering USD $25,000 against an original estimate of USD $4,000- $6,000. Hard to imagine a more significant contract between artist and manager in the history of popular music, save for Brian Epstein's link up with the Beatles.
Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker's original 1956 Management Contract. Enjoy !
The contract reads:
March 26, 1956
Col. Thomas A. Parker
Box 417
Madison, Tennessee
Dear Sir:
In consideration of the sum of One Dollar and other good and valuable consideration, each of us to the other in hand paid, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. Under date of November 21, 1955, the undersigned, ELVIS PRESLEY (together with his parents MR. AND MRS. VERNON PRESLEY) entered into an agreement with you, under which you were engaged by ELVIS PRESLEY as his sole and exclusive Advisor and Personal Representative, upon the terms and provisions contained in said agreement, and except only as modified and expanded in this agreement, said agreement dated November 21, 1955 is hereby ratified and confirmed.
2. The undersigned, ELVIS PRESLEY, having since reached the age of 21 years, hereby represents, undertakes and agrees as follows:
(a) ELVIS PRESLEY hereby represents that, other than said agreement with you dated November 21, 1955, he has no other agreements or commitments of any kind with any other person, firm or corporation under which any other person may act as his Advisor, Personal Representative or Manager,
(b) To the extent that said agreement does not already so provide, ELVIS PRESLEY hereby engages you as his sole and exclusive Advisor, Personal Representative and Manager in any and all fields of public and private entertainment, and embracing any and all branches thereof now known or hereafter coming into existence, upon all of the terms and provisions which are contained in said agreement dated November 21, 1955; and said agreement is hereby amended accordingly,
(c) During the term of said agreement dated November 21, 1955, ELVIS PRESLEY agrees that only you shall act as his Advisor, Personal Representative and Manager in any and all fields of public and private entertainment now known or hereafter coming into existence, to the full extent as covered by said agreement dated November 21, 1955 and this amendment thereof; and said agreement dated November 21, 1955 is hereby amended accordingly.
Very truly yours,
/s/Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
AGREED TO:
/s/Col. Thomas A. Parker
Col. Thomas A. Parker
