Tracks:
Promised Land - What'd I Say - Early Mornin' Rain - You've Lost That Loving Feeling - My Babe - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off Of It - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Help Me Make It Through The Night - Gentle On MyMind - Funny How Time Slips Away - Sweet Caroline - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Proud Mary - I Got A Woman - Words - Something - You Don't Know Me - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Danny Boy - My Way - Tomorrow Is A LongTime - Only The Strong Survive.
Elvis's contract with Colonel Parker to reach $25,000
Fans of Elvis will be all shook up to hear that the very first contract signed by the rock and roll star is to go under the hammer this week.
The agreement between Presley and his ruthless manager, Colonel Tom Parker, signed at Sun Records' studio in Memphis, Tennessee, came just before the singer rocketed to international superstardom.It was also the beginning of a relationship between the two men that was to last until Presley's death, and which was heavily criticised when investigations into the star's estate began. The sale of the document is being handled by Julien's Auctions of Los Angeles, California, but the auction itself will be held at the Hard Rock Café in New York City on Saturday, May 17. It's estimated to reach anything up to $25,000.
Presley's career began in 1954 when he joined Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, and recorded 24 songs.
Word started to spread throughout the industry of a talented young singer and in February 1955, Col Parker, who had already had some success in talent management since the late-1930s, made his approach. Presley initially agreed to let 'the Colonel', as he was known, organise some of his future bookings and promotions and gradually he became known as his 'special advisor.'
In November that year, Col Parker successfully persuaded RCA Victor to buy Presley's contract out from Sun Records for $40,000 - an almost unheard of sum in those days. Fatefully, it also guaranteed the Colonel a 25 per cent commission on the young star's gross income.
After Presley signed the official agreement his career went from strength to strength and it was with RCA Victor he released his most famous tracks, including Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and All Shook Up. The document has survived the last 59 years in pristine condition - just slightly yellowing - and features signatures by Elvis and his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley.
(Source: Amazon / UEPS)