Lot # 3274: February 6, 1955 Elvis Presley Original Concert Poster - The Date Elvis Met Colonel Tom Parker - Newly Discovered!

In the eyes of many advanced music historians and Elvis collectors, this is the single most significant and historic of all early Elvis Presley concert posters. This is a rare and an incredibly early Presley concert poster. In fact, this is the second earliest of all known Elvis posters. It dates from the very beginning of his career as a performer, long before Elvis achieved great fame. But the special historical significance of this poster lies in the fact that it was at this very concert that Elvis first met Colonel Tom Parker, his legendary manager and partner, who guided his career to future stardom. The 14 x 22-inch cardboard poster heralds a concert on February 6, 1955 at Ellis Auditorium in Memphis, Tennessee. Although he had been touring regularly for the past year, Elvis was not yet a headline act, a fact reflected by his bottom billing. Beneath the names of Faron Young, Martha Carlson, Ferlin Huskey, and even the Wilburn Brothers is the final entry on the program list: "Plus...Memphis' Own Elvis Presley - Scotty and Bill - He'll Sing 'Heartbreaker' - 'Milk Cow Boogie.'" The seeds of the future of rock 'n' roll are represented here. This is a relic that tells the story of how Elvis Presley (and rock 'n' roll) came to explode onto the music scene and into the national consciousness, forever changing music and popular culture in America and the entire world. Without this concert date, and what transpired on that date, the world would be a very different place. As the broadside notes, this concert stop featured both a 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. show. During the intermission, Elvis was introduced to Colonel Parker by local booking agent/manager Bob Neal. Although Parker had never met Elvis prior to this date, he had previously seen him perform. Colonel Parker had a plan and a vision. He wanted to manage Elvis' career. Following this meeting, Parker took the lead in becoming Elvis' exclusive manager. The change in management quickly paid dividends. Parker helped negotiate a new record deal with RCA and also booked Elvis on a number of nationwide television appearances. Colonel Parker recognized Elvis' magic, and as a manager, provided a different kind of magic of his own.

Less than 10 examples of this rare poster are known to exist, and this is the second example we have offered in the past 22 years. (The first example we offered realized $34,800 in 2006.) All early Elvis posters are extremely desirable. This poster is especially significant as the second earliest printed concert poster that makes reference to Elvis (the earliest was from just weeks before in January of 1955). But it is the great significance of his meeting with Colonel Tom Parker on this day that gives this broadside a historical significance that is unrivaled by any other Elvis poster, and, in the eyes of some, any other rock 'n' roll broadside of any kind. The multicolored broadside, printed on cardboard stock, shows handling wear, including some minor staining, heavy creases, light abrasions, small edge tears, and two corner chips. The blank reverse has glue residue throughout from long ago being mounted to a backing. There is vintage tape affixed along the edges and in the center to help preserve the poster. While technically in Fair condition, the integrity of the sign remains completely intact. Today it is common practice for rare posters to undergo professional restoration to enhance visual appeal. This poster is in all-original condition, with no restoration whatsoever. It can, of course, always be restored if desired, but this historic piece displays beautifully exactly as is. In its original unrestored condition, this poster best communicates its pivotal role in Elvis Presley's career and rock 'n' roll history. In the world of rock 'n' roll posters, this is one of the few "holy grails." This is a museum-quality piece which resonates with historical and cultural significance. This poster was recently discovered during a house cleanout in the Northeast and has never before been publicly offered. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.