Elvis’ Manager Was a Marketing Genius: The Story Behind His ‘Walking Billboard’ Jackets
Get a look at Colonel Tom Parker's iconic promotional jackets, on view at Graceland
Singing your heart out and charismatically rocking out on stage only gets you so far, even for the best musicians, Elvis Presley included. Despite his incredible talent and good looks, Elvis still needed a bit of help in the promotional aspect of his career and that was something his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, knew just how to do.
The talent manager began wearing custom-made promotional trench coats to inform the public of Elvis’ newest project, whether that be his upcoming record or a new film. The jackets were designed as wearable advertisements to promote the project, sharing the logos, the film title and Elvis’ co-stars’ names.
They were responsible for “turning Parker into a walking billboard for Elvis’s movie career,” according to the Graceland archives, as he flaunted them on film sets and public appearances. Parker’s advertisement style was often caught on camera and by fans, ushering them into Elvis’ latest project.
Two of these iconic jackets will be available for viewing at Graceland in the Colonel Parker and His World of Show Business exhibit, opening later this month. The announcement was made in the video series, Elvis: Up Close, an exclusive video series that offers insight and a “rare look at the king’s most memorable artifacts and the stories behind them.”
What jackets can you see in the exhibit?
Both jackets that will be on display were created to promote two of Elvis’ upcoming films at the time. The first jacket advertised the 1964 musical/romance, Roustabout, which starred Elvis and Barbara Stanwyck. The cream colored coat features the film name, along with Elvis and Stanwyck’s names in bright colored letters, as well as Paramount Pictures branding.
The other coat that you can catch a glimpse of is for the 1964 musical/comedy, Kissin’ Cousins. The film starred Glenda Farrell alongside Elvis. This jacket was similar to the other, except it featured the film name on the pocket, along with the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer lion logo.
Despite Parker’s unorthodox way of promoting Elvis’ career, it clearly did what it was meant to do as it helped solidify Elvis’ title as the King of Rock n’ Roll and arguably one of the most famous singers in the world.
“Flashy, eccentric, and completely unique, these jackets reflect Parker’s bold marketing style and tireless dedication to keeping Elvis in the spotlight,” adds the Graceland website.
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