Wife of famed promoter Col. Tom Parker to write biography

Monday, May 12, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Parker represented numerous stars over the years but gained international fame by guiding the meteoric career of Elvis Presley.

"We plan to detail the true story behind the incredible relationship between the colonel and Elvis," she said in a statement Monday.

Parker died here Jan. 21, 1997.

Mrs. Parker said the book would be the only authorized biography approved by the Parker estate and will be the only one done with access to the colonel's massive collection of photos, memorabilia and records.

The biography will be co-written by Bruce Banke, a long-time friend of the colonel and former director of publicity and advertising at the Las Vegas Hilton, where Presley appeared from 1969 until his death.

The book will tell the story of the colonel's career from his early years in the carnival business through his Grand Ol' Opry days to the signing of a contract with Presley's parents. Presley was 20 at the time and not legal age.

Presley died Aug. 16, 1977.

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