[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             HONORING THE 85TH BIRTHDAY OF COL. TOM PARKER

  Mr. MATHEWS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
Tennessean, a man known as Col. Tom Parker who is remembered by most 
Americans for his work as manager for Elvis Presley. Colonel Parker 
celebrates his 85th birthday on June 29, and I join thousands of 
Tennesseans in sending him best wishes.
  This week a grand celebration is planned in Las Vegas to recognize 
the colonel's birthday and his remarkable career in the music industry.
  Prior to the well-known days of Elvis, Colonel Parker promoted many 
country acts and managed the careers of Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow. In 
fact, it was during one of Hank Snow's tours that Parker booked an 
obscure act that would one day fascinate the entire world: Elvis 
Presley.
  It was Colonel Parker who set up the original RCA contract and 
established Elvis Presley Music. And it was the colonel who helped 
``The King'' build a superstar career spanning more than two decades. 
For all the mystique of Elvis, Colonel Parker himself has become 
something of a legend.
  A native of West Virginia and a well-seasoned traveler of the South, 
Parker comes by the honorary title of colonel through his membership in 
the Tennessee Militia. That honor was bestowed in 1954 when Frank 
Clement was Governor of Tennessee and I was a young assistant on the 
Governor's staff.
  It is my pleasure to extend congratulations on this significant 
occasion of the 85th birthday of Col. Tom Parker.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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