1215 Gallatin Pike South – Madison, built c.1935
Located on Gallatin Road in Madison, this 80-year-old stone building is the former home and office of Colonel Tom Parker, legendary manager for music stars such as Elvis Presley, Hank Snow and Eddy Arnold. Thomas A. “Tom” Parker (1909-1997) was a Dutch-born, American talent agent who lived in Florida before moving to Nashville in the early 1950s. Parker lived here with his wife Marie (1908-1986) and owned this property from 1953-1992. “I don’t think I’d have ever been very big if it wasn’t for him,” said Elvis. “He’s a very smart man.”
The historic landmark is extremely important to Nashville’s music history and one of the few remaining buildings in Tennessee directly related to Elvis Presley, who often stayed here when he was in Nashville recording some 250 songs at RCA Victor Studio B on Music Row. The building also housed the Elvis Presley Fan Club and publicity department of the Elvis Empire. Built around 1935, the two-story, three-bedroom house retains original features, including a concrete shingle roof, knotty pine walls, a basement entertainment bar and bathrooms with pink, aqua and black tiles.
The property also features an original guest house where Elvis stayed and a patio with a stone fire pit. Attorney Steve North and his wife Jo Ann North, a former Metro Councilwoman, purchased the building in 1996 and used it for the offices of his law firm. They are currently seeking a preservation-friendly buyer. The building is threatened by development pressure.
