[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               COL. TOM PARKER'S 85TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED

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                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 1994

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join Americans everywhere 
in congratulating Col. Tom Parker today on his 85th birthday.
  An individual remembered as the manager for Elvis Presley, Colonel 
Parker has long been associated with the music industry. Prior to his 
association with Elvis, Colonel Parker promoted many country acts and 
managed the careers of such distinguished artists as Eddy Arnold and 
Hank Snow.
  During one of Hank Snow's tours, Colonel Parker booked an unknown who 
would one day thrill the world: Elvis Presley. From that day forward, 
Colonel Parker and Elvis had a friendship and professional relationship 
that would see both scale the heights of musical celebrity.
  An interesting personal note is that while Colonel Parker is a West 
Virginia native, his honorary title comes through his membership in the 
Tennessee militia. It was my father, Frank G. Clement, Governor of 
Tennessee, who bestowed that honor in 1954. And Harlan Mathews, one of 
our State's U.S. Senators, was then a young assistant on my father's 
staff. And best of all, I remember when both Colonel Parker and Elvis 
visited my family at the Governor's residence. Few, I would dare say, 
have had the thrill that my brothers, a few neighborhood friends, and I 
had that night of having Elvis perform for such a small audience.
  This week, grand celebrations will take place in Las Vegas 
commemorating Colonel Parker and honoring him for his contribution to 
American music. I am proud to join in those festivities by extending 
heartfelt birthday wishes to Colonel Parker.

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