Elvis Presley's music has spanned generations, but the King of Rock 'n' Roll never had the chance to entertain audiences outside of North America. That's because his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, refused to let him tour internationally due to his own legal issues.
-I was here illegally and I was afraid if I went abroad with Elvis and something happened that they wouldn't let me back in,- said Colonel Parker.
The Colonel was born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in Holland and immigrated to the United States in 1920 without proper documentation. He eventually became an American citizen in 1955, but by then it was too late for him and Elvis to tour around the world.
Elvis' fans were left wondering what could have been. The iconic singer was known for his energetic performances, captivating audiences with his voice and style. Had he gone international, chances are he would have had an even larger fan base than he already did.
The King of Rock 'n' Roll's influence has spread far beyond North America despite Colonel Parker's decision. His music has been covered by many artists from all over the globe, including Japan's Takahashi Yuichi and Germany's Udo Lindenberg. Even today, people are still discovering Elvis' timeless songs and creating their own renditions of them.
The legacy of Elvis Presley is undeniable - he is one of the most influential musicians ever recorded - but it could have been even bigger had Colonel Parker not kept him from touring internationally all those years ago.
