Peter Guralnick Explores Elvis and Tom Parker’s Complex Legacy

Peter Guralnick, renowned for his in-depth biographies, is set to release his latest work, The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley and the Partnership That Rocked the World, on August 5, 2025. This book continues his exploration of the intricate relationship between Elvis Presley and his controversial manager, Tom Parker, offering fresh insights into their dynamic and the complexities of their lives.

At 81, Guralnick stands out among music writers of his generation. His contemporaries often emphasize myth and voice, while he adopts a more grounded approach, allowing the subjects of his biographies to take center stage. Guralnick first garnered attention with his acclaimed biography of Elvis, Last Train to Memphis, published in 1994, which aimed to demystify the rock icon by presenting him as a relatable figure rather than a larger-than-life legend.

In reflecting on his approach, Guralnick emphasizes the importance of authenticity. “I was determined to keep out of it completely,” he says about the process of writing the Elvis biography. He sought to strip away the myth surrounding Elvis, portraying him as a young man experiencing the everyday moments of life in South Memphis. A pivotal memory for Guralnick occurred in 1983 when he drove past a drugstore where Elvis once spent time. This realization shifted Guralnick’s perspective, leading him to focus on the more human aspects of Elvis’s life.

The upcoming book is the culmination of Guralnick’s trilogy on Elvis, following Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, published in 1999. In this latest installment, he delves into Parker’s life as an archetypal figure of the American Dream. Born as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in the Netherlands in 1909, Parker transformed himself into a successful talent manager in the United States, exemplifying the concept of self-invention.

Guralnick describes Parker’s journey as one of relentless pursuit of the American identity, saying, “He wanted to be American before he could even speak English.” He notes Parker’s keen understanding of the potential in Elvis, highlighting that Parker recognized Elvis’s talent and vision even when others did not.

The narrative of Parker as an enigmatic figure continues to evolve. While he has often been portrayed as a villain in popular culture, Guralnick reveals a more nuanced view. Parker, who was never directly involved in Elvis’s creative process, focused on business negotiations, allowing Elvis the freedom to express himself artistically. Guralnick believes that Parker’s reputation suffered due to a lack of understanding of his role, stating, “People like to mythologise. Elvis was, in many circles, considered sort of an idiot savant.”

Guralnick’s commitment to portraying both Elvis and Parker in a fair light is evident throughout the book. He emphasizes Parker’s refusal to interfere with Elvis’s creative decisions while also acknowledging the complexities of their relationship. “Colonel is stealing his money,” Guralnick explains, highlighting how public perception often shifts blame onto Parker during Elvis’s struggles.

The author’s deep immersion in his subjects can be both exhilarating and challenging. Guralnick draws inspiration from biographer Richard Holmes, who framed the pursuit of a subject as a journey filled with discovery and frustration. As he completed previous biographies, including one on Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records, Guralnick experienced a sense of total immersion that left him hesitant to continue.

The forthcoming book also sheds light on the personal struggles faced by both Elvis and Parker, particularly in the later years of their partnership. Guralnick reflects on the tragic decline of their relationship, noting that public scrutiny often led to blame being placed on Parker when Elvis’s career faltered.

A poignant moment captured in The Colonel and the King features a photograph of Elvis and Parker taken in Las Vegas in 1972, showcasing a stark contrast between their appearances during this period. Guralnick initially hesitated to include the image but ultimately recognized its significance in illustrating the depth of their struggles.

As Guralnick prepares for the release of his latest work, he remains committed to presenting a balanced narrative that honors the legacies of both Elvis Presley and Tom Parker. His exploration into their lives aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities behind their partnership and the impact they had on the music industry.