What was his net worth in 2022? Parker did not appear to care if the films were good or bad but only about the profits. Just the opposite. According to Biography, Presley's father let Colonel Tom Parker have the run of things for two more years, but after the elder Presley also died in 1979, things got complicated for the manager. [4] From about 1931 until 1938, he worked as a "carny" with Royal American Shows. Parker began 1956 intending to bring his new star to the national stage. He became Presley's manager in 1955 just as . Adam van Kuijk died from emphysema in 1992, never seeing or visiting Parker again.[63]. The King supposedly earned $100 million during his limelighted lifetime, which ended 10 years ago today. After Presley showed signs of rebellion again in 1966 and because of his flagging career, Parker decided that it was time for a new approach: marriage. Tom Parker. While Presley was serving in West Germany, Parker was hard at work keeping Presley's name known to the public. [4] A year later at 18, with enough money to sustain him for a short period, he entered America illegally by jumping ship from his employer's vessel. Part biography, part murder mystery and perhaps the most thoroughly researched . [4], Parker had worked as a "consultant" for Hilton Hotels since Presley's death,[60] with some believing he was working to pay off debts owed to the casino from his gambling during Presley's performances there. Parker's net worth was estimated to be $50 million as of 1977. [4] Although Parker had served honorably for a time, he went AWOL this time and was charged with desertion. When critics questioned this arrangement and that Parker was exploiting Presley for more money because of greed, Presley quipped "I could have signed with East Coast Entertainment where they take 70 percent! Instead, he found employment as a field agent with a local animal shelter, the Hillsborough County Humane Society. Little, Brown. When he was 15, Parker moved to Rotterdam, where he worked on boats. She said she was at home with him when he had his stroke. [16] Sholes showed little interest in Sands, but promised that he would attempt to find songs Sands might be able to record. Answer (1 of 2): The gravy train for Col. Parker ended after Elvis died, and the executor that was appointed for Lisa Marie Presley's interests began to go over Parker's deals with Elvis, was appalled, and the estate threatened to take Parker to court, and paid him 2 million dollars to end his as. Cremated. Asked by a journalist what he would do now, Parker responded: "Why, I'll just go right on managing him! [15] Presley had been at Sun Records since the beginning of his career, but Sam Phillips, the owner of Presley's current label, was aware that to have any kind of a successful future Presley would need the backing of a much larger label. "[24], With his first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", in 1956,[25] Presley became a recording star. His immigration status wasn't revealed for years. [5] The case against Parker was settled out of court in 1983, with the estate paying him $2 million ($5,441,363 in 2021 dollars[11])[5] in exchange for all Presley audio recordings or visual images that he owned[4] and the termination of his involvement in any Presley related earnings for five years. You're going to be a star.'"[71]. He then re-enlisted at Fort Barrancas in Florida. The two had become almost strangers, and false reports in the media suggested that Presley's contract was up for sale. Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and musical entrepreneur who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death in 1997. [4] During his first visit there, he traveled with a Chautauqua educational tent show, before returning briefly to the Netherlands. [61], As Presley's fame grew, people became interested in Parker as well. This proved very lucrative, especially when the single for Presley's first film, Love Me Tender, sold over one million copies in advance sales. [53] According to Parker himself, he did privately attempt to talk to his client a number of times about the matter, but allegedly every time Parker casually told Presley to quit or at least tone it down with the pill popping and binge eating, Presley would respond by telling Parker to stay out of his personal business. Memorial ID. [72] Priscilla Presley attended the funeral to represent the Elvis Presley Estate and gave a eulogy that, to many in the room, summed up Parker: "Elvis and the Colonel made history together, and the world is richer, better and far more interesting because of their collaboration. Despite earning over $100 million during his lifetime, at the time of his death Colonel Tom Parker was reportedly worth less than $1 million. He also became friendly with the estate again, attending special ceremonies and events in Memphis, invited by Priscilla. Potomac, was going to be salvaged. [16] Soon after, Sands' song "Teen-Age Crush" reached number 2 on the pop charts, eventually selling 800,000 copies. He also lost a large portion of Elvis' personal wealth. [8] This may have motivated Parker to avoid seeking a passport, as the Netherlands has an active extradition treaty with the United States, and he may have wanted to avoid criminal arrest by Dutch authorities. [14] Parker decided against registering, possibly to prevent his previous Army record from becoming public. Submit a correction suggestion and help us fix it! He . [15], Parker and Neal worked together to promote Presley, using their own Hank Snow Tour to book him and tour him. [citation needed], When Presley died on August 16, 1977, one day before he was due to go out on tour, some accounts suggest Parker acted as if nothing had happened. Colonel Tom Parker was astonished to hear that Elvis Presley was a white man. "[40], Presley had to do no more than provide RCA Victor with three albums a year,[37] and his film soundtracks did that for him. Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth : $1 Million. [67] It is also recorded that Marie did not divorce her second husband until 1936, and her brother, Bitsy, recalled no ceremony of marriage between Parker and Marie. And there certainly would've been no Elvis without Colonel Tom Parker.' And when he said that, I said, 'Oh . [55] The book was published one year later on July 12, 1977, one month before Presley's death. Presley's first manager was Scotty Moore, the guitarist in his band, who was encouraged by Sun Records owner Sam Phillips to become Presley's manager to protect Elvis from unscrupulous music promoters. His mother was giving him a pep talk to calm his nerves. Parker, 33, died in March, surrounded by his family and bandmates, 17 months after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Parker appeared to be in complete control during Presley's time away, but he was worried about the outside influence that Presley might encounter in West Germany. [15] Parker and Snow eventually formed Hank Snow Enterprises and Jamboree Attractions, a successful promotional outfit for up-and-coming country singers. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Colonel_Tom_Parker&oldid=1141644408, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 02:32. In the early days of their marriage, Marie and Parker worked together in the carnivals. After a heated argument between the two, Presley told Parker he was fired. . At that time Parker believed Elvis to be black. Colonel Tom Parker was born as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk on June 26, 1909 in Breda, Netherlands as the seventh of eleven children of Adam and Maria. He was best known for being the manager of Elvis Presley. [45], By 1972, Parker had managed to increase Presley's weekly wage in Las Vegas to $150,000 ($971,718 in 2021 dollars[11]), and secured $50,000 a year ($323,906 in 2021 dollars[11]) for himself as a "consultant to the hotel chain". Tt was this, rather than his entrance into the Army or the later death of Gladys, from which Presley never truly recovered and which ultimately killed him. What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? His death certificate lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his country of birth as . What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? Colonel Tom Parker was a Dutch-American talent manager and music businessman. [11][10], Parker first became involved in the music industry as a music promoter in 1938, working with the popular singer Gene Austin. [14] Parker served in the peacetime army as a precondition for taking advantage of that stipulation, but he never subsequently applied to become a citizen. [60] However, he did occasionally bother them by criticizing some decisions. He facilitated Presley's rise to superstardom in the 50s, and also influenced his decisions to accept his military draft and to marry his wife Priscilla, among other things. [5] Parker countersued. Parker died in 1997 at the age of 87. [55] According to Presley's friend, Larry Geller, Parker secretly wanted the book to be published, hoping that it would help Presley realize the severity of his situation and persuade him to do something about it. At the time, many people predicted that he would have a long and lucrative career . Between 1969 and 1972 alone, RCA released three albums of live material. He said 'Well then there ain't no doubt about it. [18] According to Moore, Presley agreed to take 50 percent, with Moore and Black splitting the other 50 percent. [4] At age 17, he first displayed signs of wanting to run away to the United States to "make his fortune". Colonel Tom Parker was best known as Elvis Presley's manager. In 1968, Presley achieved renewed fame when he starred in the NBC television special "Elvis." Loanne Parker, wife of Colonel Tom Parker, passed away earlier this week.Loanne had a strong connection to Las Vegas, Nevada - even though she was from southern Ohio - and she had an even stronger connection to Elvis. Hanks said, "I was anticipating hearing horror stories about this venal, cheap crook. He feels exploited and fires Parker on the stage during his Las Vegas show. Elvis was given a spot in the Louisiana Hayride, a radio show, and Colonel Parker knew that this young lad could prove to be a dark horse. After the special, Parker managed Presley's return to live performance, including a set of brief U.S. tours and many engagements in Las Vegas. [50] In later years, several of Presley's inner circle would tell of how difficult it was to persuade Presley to quit the drugs. But Col Thomas Andrew Parker - the all-American father figure - wasn't the first to discover Elvis. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. Meanwhile, his gambling habit increasingly eroded the huge fortune he had built up, and he died worth only US$1,000,000. Net Worth: $1 Million; Date of Birth: Jun 26, 1909 - Jan 21, 1997 (87 years old) What happened to Tom Parker after Elvis died? Inc, to control Presley merchandise and keep a steady income supporting his estate. There, he worked at carnivals. [4], In 1935, Parker married 27-year-old Marie Francis Mott. [4][5] Tual, once appointed as Lisa Marie's guardian ad litem, chose to investigate the entire period of Parker's management of Presley; his preliminary finding was that Parker's management deal of 50% was extortionate compared to the industry average of 1520%. But behind the music, behind th. [53] They discussed the possibility of Presley's co-starring with Streisand in a remake of the film A Star Is Born. Colonel Tom Parker passed away on January 21, 1997 at 87 years old.Colonel Tom Parker Net Worth. He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. Parker then managed a series of highly successful tours for Presley. [66] Some suggested that Parker married Marie to disguise his illegal status in the United States;[65] a marriage to a U.S. citizen with a child could help him bury his past in a "ready-made family". The sale of the back catalog to RCA meant that after his death, Presley's estate would not receive any royalties for any Presley recordings made prior to 1973. "[72] She reiterated her positive opinion to Tom Hanks in 2022 when the actor prepared to play Parker for Elvis (2022). In 1958, Presley received his draft notice from the US Army. The Wanted singer Tom Parker has died from a brain tumour at the age of 33. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. Elvis Presley was only 42 years old when he died on August 16, 1977 (via History). [48] Two weeks after the Las Vegas press conference Parker received a letter from Honolulu Advertiser columnist Eddie Sherman. It was also reported that he had up to $ 30 million in gambling debts several times in his life. [72] By this point, he was stricken with diabetes, gout, and other health problems such that he could barely leave his own house. What was Colonel Tom Parker worth when he died? Lisa Marie inherited Elvis' whole estate on her 25th birthday on February 1, 1993. "That didn't come out in this country until 1981." None of the rules of the relationship was operative any longer, yet neither had the courage to walk away, for a variety of reasons." Both Priscilla and Jerry said he was a lovely man". [1][4], At age 15, Van Kuijk moved to Rotterdam, gaining employment on boats in the port town. His death certificate lists his birth name as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, his country of birth as the Netherlands, and his citizenship as American. By his final public appearances in 1994, Parker was suffering from a number of health problems such as gout and diabetes. Presley's career stagnated while artists like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys dominated the charts. [14] With the Society in need of funds, Parker set about using his promotional experience to raise money and awareness for the shelter. Mourners recall being surprised at his wearing a Hawaiian shirt and baseball cap, smoking his trademark cigar, and purposely avoiding the casket. No, he didn't. That's the kicker. [citation needed], After the success of Presley's return to live performing in Las Vegas, Parker decided it was time to take him back out on tour for the first time in 13 years. Parker encountered Presley in 1955, and by 1956 had become his primary representative. After being discharged, Parker returned to carnival work, working as a carnie with Royal American Shows from 1931 to 1938. Instead, Parker sent demonstration recordings to record producer Steve Sholes at RCA Victor. By 1980, the cost of running the estate was estimated to be as much as $500,000 a year. [citation needed], For the remainder of Presley's life, Parker saw little of him. [51] In her book, The Colonel, she writes: "in the days before the Betty Ford Clinic, the Colonel didn't know where to take him for discreet, effective help and loathed risking the loss of work if the truth got out". Although Parker infrequently saw Presley over the ensuing years, he remained his manager until Presley's passing in 1977. On January 20, 1997, Parker suffered a stroke, and died the following morning in a Las Vegas hospital. He was 87. "[56] Almost immediately, before even visiting Graceland, Parker traveled to New York City to meet with merchandising associates and executives with RCA Records, instructing them to prepare for a huge demand in Presley products. Blues," "Wild in the Country," "Blue Hawaii," "Viva Las Vegas," "Paradise, Hawaiian Style," "Clambake," and "Change of Habit." In the early 80s, an investigation was launched into Parker's management of Presley. [37] He allowed him to perform three live shows in 1961, all charity events, two in Memphis and one in Hawaii. Colonel Tom Parker's House. In early 1997, he passed away from a stroke in Las Vegas at the age of 87. And the value of his estate at the time of his death in 1997? [17] In the beginning, Presley, Moore, and the bassist Bill Black were a trio, the Blue Moon Boys. In 1963, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's audacious manager who had gotten his start selling candy apples in carnivals, read in the paper that Franklin Delano . The premises had been ransacked in search of money. He had booked Presley into a four-week Las Vegas engagement, misjudging the reaction of the slightly older, more reserved audiences that Las Vegas attracted. [4], On August 14, 1981, Judge Evans ordered Elvis Presley Enterprises to sue Parker for mismanagement. The 100th birthday of Colonel Parker. Presley went on to star in 27 films during the decade, including "G.I. "That didn't come out in this country until 1981." "Colonel Tom Parker managed Elvis Presley's career from 1955 to 1977. Following an investigation in the early 80s, a judge ruled that Parker's management of Presley had been unethical. Parker, who was born in the Netherlands, entered the United States illegally when he was 20 years old. Additionally, Tual determined that Parker's handling of Presley's business affairs was unethical. To garner Presley new publicity and to help tame his wild impulses, Parker had him marry Priscilla Beaulieu, who had been living with Presley for four years already. The world's music and pop culture changed forever when the greatest performer of them all joined . [41], To make up for lack of earnings, Parker arranged for Presley's gold Cadillac to go on tour. Elvis Presley shot to stardom as a rock 'n roll legend, a legacy that still continues almost 50 years after the King's death. Due to his years of excessive spending and being bilked by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis' estate was . At that point, Moore and Black had no contractual ties to either Phillips or Presley. [16], Regardless of the success that Parker and Presley had achieved, Parker was still struggling to believe that Presley's career would last longer than a year or two. Colonel Tom Parker was a music entrepreneur, well-known for being Elvis' manager. [41] Selling it to RCA for $24,000 ($200,443 in 2021 dollars[11]), it was used to promote Presley's latest film, Frankie & Johnny. [15] However, Parker remained involved in many of Arnold's live tours and demanded a buyout of $50,000 (US$506,405 in 2021 dollars[11]) to settle their contract. A carnival worker by background, Parker moved into music promotion in 1938, working with one of the first popular crooners, Gene Austin, and then country music singers Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, and Tommy Sands in his early career. In 1969, she was an employee of the International Hotel when Elvis made his record-breaking performances there. [49] Seeing the chance to publicize Presley's charitable nature once again, Parker eagerly agreed. In January 1958 Presley received his draft notice from the United States Army. [13] Within a year, he had the opportunity to become a legal citizen of the United States a new law allowed illegal aliens the chance to become citizens in return for their promise to fight for the country during World War II, if required. . Luhrmann hasn't really . [60] In 1993, interest in Presley's enduring legend, interest that is sometimes notable for its obsessiveness, provoked Parker to remark: "I don't think I exploited Elvis as much as he's being exploited today. [15] However, RCA Victor producer Steve Sholes was convinced that Presley's style of music would be a huge hit with the right label, and he began talks with Parker. He subsequently performed at three charity events, and then suspended his live performing until 1968. [26] Parker, with his 25% share of profits, found ways to make money from his artist that other managers before him had never thought of. [54], In July 1976, three of Presley's personal bodyguards and members of the "Memphis Mafia", Robert Gene "Red" West, his cousin Sonny West and David Hebler, were fired by Vernon Presley and decided to write a tell-all book about their life in his inner circle, Elvis: What Happened? LOANNE PARKER Loanne Miller Parker, long-time resident of Las Vegas and widow of Elvis Presley manager Colonel Tom Parker, Dies at 84. [19][20] Part of Parker's role was to secure a new recording contract with a bigger label. [4] He enlisted in the United States Army a few months later, taking the name "Tom Parker" from the same name of the officer who interviewed him, to disguise the fact he was an illegal alien. [60] Part of this role resulted in Parker keeping the same fourth-floor suite he occupied when Presley was alive. [15] RCA Victor, Hank Snow's current label, also showed an interest, but they were put off by the cost of the contract. Soon, he secured Presley a record deal with RCA Victor. Later, in 1990, Parker married his longtime secretary Loanne Miller. Breda, Breda Municipality, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. His origins were steeped in mystery. Colonel Tom Parker's Lack of Money. Parker was the Tampa dogcatcher known as The Colonel, who managed Elvis Presley with a deal that controversially landed him 50% of the King of Rock and Roll's earnings. [1], Parker was born as Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk on June 26, 1909, in Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands,[4] and was the seventh of eleven children. Later in 1975, the government of Saudi Arabia offered Parker $5 million for Presley to perform there. Allegedly $1 Million, more or less. [16] He arranged live appearances and became something of a father figure to the then-15-year-old Sands. [33] He had arranged for Presley to record five singles before his induction,[35] guaranteeing RCA Victor enough material to release over a two-year period. [33] If Presley could show the world that he the same as any other young man, Parker told him, then more people would accept him and his music. Colonel Tom Parker acted as Presley's promoter and, then manager and promoter, for most of his career. Following the success of Presley's Las Vegas return, Parker signed a contract with the International Hotel to guarantee Presley would play a month-long engagement for $125,000 a week ($974,043 in 2021 dollars[11]), an unheard-of sum at the time. Parker's main role during these tours was to plan the logistics and make sure tickets were sold. Although the films were profitable, Presley complained about the quality of the scripts. . His films still made money and his albums still sold well, but the profits were falling. [32], In 1957, Parker finally managed to give Tommy Sands his big break by arranging for him to audition for and star in The Singin' Idol, a drama for NBC that was loosely based on the life and career of Presley. Presley went on to star in "Love Me Tender," which spawned his eponymous hit single. Additional Crew: Spinout. He is portrayed by Tom . [18] A one-year management contract with Presley provided Moore with a 10-percent commission, which Moore said he never took. Parker was consequently sent to solitary confinement. However, after his re-enlistment, he went AWOL and was charged with desertion. In the 1950s, he helped Elvis Presley become a big star. Parker managed his career with an iron fist. I said 'Yeah'. No, Luhrmann has really framed this through a present-day lens. [50] Presley's main doctor, George C. Nichopoulos, would often replace Presley's medication with placebos in an attempt to wean him off the drugs. I quit! After a lifetime of earning well over $100 million managing Elvis, The Colonel's estate was barely worth $1 million upon his death. The Tom Hanks Tom Parker portrayal was a shocking one. In November, Parker and Snow persuaded RCA to buy Presley out from Sun for $40,000, and on November 21, Presley's contract was officially transferred from Sun Records to RCA Victor. He realized that by keeping RCA Victor, and more importantly the public, hungry for more Presley material, he would be able to negotiate a better contract when Presley returned from active service. "Every entertainer should go to bed at night and pray he . Snow attended the signing, thinking that Elvis had signed a management contract with Jamboree Attractions, which he owned with Parker. I wanted to punch him in the face. Published Jan. 22, 1997 | Updated Sep. 30, 2005. During this time, Parker also served as a field agent for the Hillsborough County Humane Society, helping to raise funds and awareness for its work. Parker was looking ahead when he persuaded Presley to sign up as a Soldier. For the rest of his life, Parker managed the Presley estate. Following his discharge, Parker worked at a number of jobs, including food concessions and gaming carnivals. The singer was raking in cash hand over fist from these engagements, but he found them artistically . Held at a Hilton Hotel, his funeral was attended by the likes of Sun Records boss Sam Phillips and Parker's former client . A large part of Tom's net worth he made from his Salary as a Colonel. However, other friends and members of Presley's entourage have stood by the suggestion that Parker didn't want to admit there was such a problem because he didn't know how to deal with it, and he was also worried about any negative publicity it would create. However, that was not the case since Elvis was still under contract to Bob Neal. [48], Aloha from Hawaii proved to be the last great moment in Presley's career. But he had less than $750,000 in his savings account when he died, and his estate was valued at less than $10 million. He adopted a new name and claimed to have been born in the United States. Parker had unknowingly backed himself into a financial corner. [23] Later, when Hank Snow asked Parker about the status of their contract with Presley, Parker told him: "You don't have any contract with Elvis Presley. [41] The Cadillac tour proved to be somewhat more successful than the film itself. [62], One of Parker's brothers, Adam "Ad" van Kuijk, visited Parker once in Los Angeles in April 1961. [50] They hired private detectives to find out where the drugs were coming from and were successful in stopping any more from reaching Presley. 26 Jun 1909. [53] First Artists, not used to such huge demands, didn't put forward a counter-offer and decided instead to offer the role, along with the original salary offer, to Kris Kristofferson, who accepted. But he had less than $750,000 in his savings account when he died, and his estate was valued at less than $10 million. Parker was also afraid that any attempt to block Presley from being drafted would result in a more detailed look into his own service record. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. [44], During a closing night performance on September 3, 1973, following news that a Hilton staff member whom Presley was fond of had been fired, Presley attacked Hilton Hotels chairman Barron Hilton in a verbal rage on stage. He wasn't a colonel and he wasn't even born in America. [33] He also realized that it would be a great opportunity to promote Presley by having the media witness his induction day, including the Army haircut that would see the most famous hair style in the world destroyed.[33]. [48] (During Presley's career, except for a few concerts in Canada in 1957, he never performed outside the United States.) Subsequently, Parker managed the singer's successful return to live performing, with several dates set up in Las Vegas. [60], The disputes with the Presley estate did not terminate Parker's association with Presley. For his part, Parker himself died with a net worth of $1 million, or roughly $1.8 million in today's money (via Dollar Times ). The truth about his early years was revealed in 1960 when one of Parker's sisters, Nel Dankers-van Kuijk, living in the Netherlands, recognized him in photographs standing next to Presley. "[60], In 1994, a Golden Palm Star on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs, California, was dedicated to him. Parker appeared at posthumous events honoring Presley, such as the 1993 issuing of a U.S. postage stamp with Presley's likeness. "There would have been no Elvis without Colonel Tom Parker; there would have been no Colonel Tom Parker without Elvis. He had expressed interest in making films when he first met Parker, and now Parker was working to make that happen. In reality, Nash told USA Today that Presley would "never do that." Presley apparently never knew that Parker wasn't . [15] Both Mercury Records and Columbia Records showed interest, although their initial offers were nowhere near the $40,000 requirement. Upon his return from the Army, Presley appeared on Frank Sinatra's television show. Colonel Tom Parker was best known as Elvis Presley 's manager. Parker was still worried that Presley would return to nothing, that the public would have found a new star to fawn over by then, and that his golden goose would be reduced to nothing more than a "has-been".[35]. The show, titled "Welcome Home, Elvis", was Presley's first national television appearance since The Ed Sullivan Show in January 1957. Profession: Elvis' manager. [64] In 1993, in one of his last media appearances, Parker appeared in a television interview with Dutch TV director Jorrit van der Kooi where they spoke to each other in Dutch about the Netherlands and about Elvis Presley's life and career. In early 1929, a 23-year-old newlywed woman, Anna van den Enden, was found beaten to death in the living quarters behind a greengrocer store. "[70], Songwriter Mac Davis recounted a similar experience where Parker rubbed his head and declared "You're going to be a star. At the time of Presley's death in 1977, it was suspected that Parker owed the Las Vegas Hilton over $30 million ($134,151,565 in 2021 dollars[11]) in gambling losses. . Presley's star continued to rise as Parker signed a merchandising deal with Hank Saperstein to fully commoditize the young singer. But as time went on, as the Beatles began their dominance of the music charts and the worldwide phenomenon known as Beatlemania began, Presley became less significant.
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