Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #6084
Elvis Presley Twice-Signed 1956 Five-Year Agency Contract

Twice-signed early 1956 agency contract approved by Presley, fresh off the release of his first RCA single 'Heartbreak Hotel'

Estimate: $10000+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

Twice-signed early 1956 agency contract approved by Presley, fresh off the release of his first RCA single 'Heartbreak Hotel'

DS signed twice by Elvis Presley, one page, 8.5 x 18, January 31, 1956. A William Morris Agency contract by which Elvis Presley agrees to employ the agency for a period of five years, to serve as “my sole and exclusive manager and representative, and also for my orchestra, throughout the world, with respect to the services, appearances, and endeavors of myself, or my orchestra, or both, in all matters and things and in any and every capacity as a musician.” Presley agrees to pay the agency “a sum equal to 10% of the net monies or other considerations earned or received by myself and/or my orchestra, directly or indirectly,” with that percentage increasing depending on the Federation scale and engagement. Signed twice at the conclusion in fountain pen by Presley, who also signs his initials, “E.P.” to a rider stapled to the front of the document. In very good to fine condition, with pin and staple holes to left and upper borders, and two tape-repaired tears to the right side.

This document dates to four days after the release of ‘Heartbreak Hotel,” Presley’s first single on his new record label RCA Victor. The song topped the Billboard Top 100 for seven weeks and became Presley's first record to reach a million sales. Eight months later, Presley made his acting debut in the musical Western film Love Me Tender. Originally entitled The Reno Brothers, the film’s title was changed when his performance of ‘Love Me Tender’ on The Ed Sullivan Show resulted in advanced sales of the single going Gold before even being released—an industry first.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Remarkable Rarities
  • Dates: #669 - Ended September 23, 2023





This item is Pre-Certified by Real
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $150.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.