Facebook page: Elvis… Always on My Mind – Owner Sandra Hammons, per Stacy Moore: Eventually, Parton received a call from Presley’s longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Yes, Presley wanted to cover “I Will Always Love You.” The catch? He wanted half of the song’s publishing, which would guarantee Presley a 50% cut of song royalties for as long as he owned the rights.
Parton declined the offer.
She told W Magazine in 2021: “I said, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t give you the publishing.’ I wanted to hear Elvis sing it, and it broke my heart — I cried all night. But I had to keep that copyright in my pocket. You have to take care of your [business]. Everybody’s going to use you if they can. These are my songs — they’re like my children.”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1223954581843128
(Reportedly, on the way out of the courthouse after Priscilla’s and Elvis’ divorce, Elvis sand “I Will Always Love You” to Priscilla.)
Another Anecdote From Dolly’s Life Re: Porter Waggoner’s Songs
I (Barb) asked Google about this story and this is what AI replied: Dolly Parton bought the publishing rights to roughly 200 of Porter Wagoner’s songs when he faced severe financial ruin.
The Story Behind the Catalog
- The Friendship: Porter Wagoner hired Dolly Parton for his television show in 1967, helping turn her into a country music star.
- Financial Hard Times: Years later, after their professional split, Wagoner ran into heavy debt and was forced to sell his music catalog.
- The Rescue: Dolly purchased the songs to protect her former mentor from losing his life’s work.
- The Gift: When Wagoner later asked to buy his catalog back, Dolly refused to accept his money and instead handed the rights back to him as a free gift.
Photo: Elvis & Dolly | From Sandra Hammons’ Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2934174883613667&set=g.1223954581843128
