This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/14/2024
The offered Elvis Presley signed letter was plucked DIRECTLY FROM THE GRACELAND ARCHIVES for the 1999 Graceland Archives Auction--it was lot "C126" in the landmark auction at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The letter, dated March 23, 1971, is addressed to Col. Thomas A. Parker at MGM Studios in Culver City, California, and amazingly instructs Colonel to sign Elvis' name for him on an upcoming contract. It's a fascinating peek into the innerworkings of the relationship between Elvis and his manager. It reads:
Dear Col., Due to my present illness with eye infection, it may be a few days before I am able to return to the West Coast. Therefore, I will be unable to sign a contract on this one merchandising deal with RCA Victor. Therefore, I would like to authorize you to sign my name for me on this deal. The deal sounds fantastic. I hope to be up and back in the swing of things real soon. Sincerely, Elvis Presley.
The "merchandising deal" is likely a reference to the one the Colonel inks with RCA on March 31, 1971, for the 1972 LP The Other Sides – Elvis Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2 and two Camden label releases in 1972. The "eye infection" to which Elvis refers was a bout of iritis that abruptly ended an RCA recording session on March 18 and landed him in Nashville Baptist Hospital on until March 19. Barbara Leigh stayed with Elvis during his hospital stay, and Joyce Bova spent several days with Elvis while he convalesced at Graceland. The letter is accompanied by the original COA from the 1999 Graceland Archives Auction, as well as LOAs from noted Elvis autograph expert Rich Consola and Beckett Authentic. The letter measures 8 1/2 x 11 inches and presents with filing three-hole punch, but no actual distress. Near Mint condition.