The Colonel (37 page)

Cees Frijters received this picture of Andre as an American soldier, stationed at Fort Shafter. (The collection of Dirk Vellenga)

A photo Andre sent home to his family, probably in 1932, when he was stationed at Fort Barrancas, near Pensacola, Florida, in the 13th Coast Artillery. (The author’s
collection/source unknown)

Private Thomas Parker’s army discharge record, which identified him as a psychopath. (The author’s collection)

Not long out of Walter Reed Army Hospital, working a movie event, most likely in Tampa, 1935. (The author’s collection/source unknown)

Late 1930s: Looking every inch the carnival press agent, though front offices jobs would always be denied him. (The author’s collection/source unknown)

Parker, as a Humane Society field agent, during filming of
Air Force
at Tampa’s Drew Field, 1942.
(Tampa Tribune)

When Hollywood came to Tampa in 1943 for
A Guy Named Joe,
Parker (back row, with ice cream) invited the camera crew on a picnic at a friend’s house. Bobby Ross
sits at Parker’s right with his girlfriend and future wife, Marian DeDyne. Marie appears front row left. (Courtesy Sandra Polk Ross and Robert Kenneth Ross)

By 1944, Parker had signed on as the booker and advance man, or “general agent,” for the Jamup and Honey tent show, where he met Gabe Tucker (right). (Courtesy of
Gabe Tucker)

As the new manager of country singer Eddy Arnold (left of poster), Parker (far left) staged a 1946 promotion in Tampa to bring out the crowds. (The Country Music Foundation)

RCA’s Steve Sholes (middle), with hopeful recording artist Dolph Hewitt (left), joins Parker and Eddy Arnold at an industry convention, probably 1949. (The collection of R.
A. Andreas and “. . . .and more bears.”)

Parker, desperate for a title and not yet a “Colonel,” signed this mid-forties portrait to Bobby and Marian Ross as “The Gov.” (Courtesy Sandra Polk Ross
and Robert Kenneth Ross)

Country singer Hank Snow beams beside Elvis Presley, backstage at the Grand Old Opry, December 1957. Parker had cut him out of half of Presley’s management the year before.
(The author’s collection/source unknown)

The Colonel helps Marie celebrate granddaughter Sharon Ross’s first birthday, May 2, 1951. (Courtesy Sandra Polk Ross and Robert Kenneth Ross)