Correcting The Record On Elvis's Manager

This episode of Fresh Air features an interview with Peter Guralnick, author of the new book "The Colonel and the King," about Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Guralnick discusses his preconceptions about Parker, the Colonel's role in defending Elvis's artistic choices, and Parker's background and character. They explore specific examples, such as the recording of "Heartbreak Hotel" and the movie "King Creole," and delve into Parker's gambling issues and the dynamic between Elvis, Parker, and Elvis's father. The conversation also touches on Elvis's drug addiction and the attempts to intervene, as well as Guralnick's personal interactions with Colonel Parker while researching his Elvis biography. The episode includes several Elvis songs to illustrate the points made during the interview.