TIN PAN ALLEY: A Handle for Harold

Don Seat, veteran fleshpeddler and music lover, was sore. The singer whose contract he wanted to buy had everything—a real rock 'n' roll talent and a real gone name. But Seat only had $25,000 to offer, and the kid's record contract alone was worth $40,000. So Elvis Presley stayed with Colonel Tom Parker back there in the fall of 1955 (RCA Victor got the record contract), and all Agent Seat could do was to try to latch onto a suitable substitute. He promptly chased down to Memphis after some cornball named Harold...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!