Elvis Presley and Col Tom Parker?

Answer 1

Simple answer is that they needed each other.

Additionally, after Elvis' passing Colonel Parker was sued by Elvis' estate and it was proven without a doubt that Colonel Parker had unfairly benefited (i.e. through perks that Elvis was unaware of, through overcharging, to having "side contracts" which Elvis never knew about and thus lowered the amount of money Elvis would have gotten had the contract not of been reduced by the money paid to Colonel Parker, that Colonel Parker had cheated Elvis out of millions of dollars pertaining to their various company's as well as concert memorabilia, and lastly the Colonel received 50% and Elvis received 50% BUT Elvis had to pay, out of his 50%, for; the band, the backup singers, hotel expenses, travel, etc..

In summary, Colonel Parker could have - and should have - maximized Elvis' live appearances in Las Vegas (i.e. charged higher ticket prices), maximized Elvis' live concert appearances, equally participated in the expenses of Elvis' backup group, band, etc.

Lastly, from 1972 until Elvis' death in 1977 his health (mentally, physically, and emotionally) deteriorated. Since Elvis had so many relatives, friends, co-workers, etc. that monetarily depended on him he never had the opportunity to seek real meaningful medical care - aftercare treatment - rest & recovery - and allowed to heal...without pressure.

Had Colonel Parker not of had these "conflicts of interest" he should have, and could have, struck a balance where Elvis was paid more money (gross and net) and toured less thus being able to get medical care to address his very real medical issues.