Recently, John Presley, a third generation member of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first show to locate on the now famed Branson Strip, participated in a “Branson Up-Close and Personal” interview. These interviews are a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and provide readers with an up-close and personal look at a Branson star or personality.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “The ‘Branson Up-Close and Personal’ interviews are just a small part of our overall effort to help those interested in Branson to get the information they need to not only plan their trip to Branson, but have a great experience while in Branson.” Johnson also points out that Presleys’ Country Jubilee has been operating at its current location on the Branson Strip since 1967 and is one of Branson’s most popular and successful shows.

Interview excerpts:

BTC: How long have you been Performing with Presleys’ Country Jubilee
JP: 18 years, I started when I was 10 years old.

BTC: How many generations of Presleys’ actually perform in the show?
JP: Right now there are three generations actually performing in the show. My grandpa performed on stage up until last year, but has retired.

BTC: Any of the original cast still performing?
JP: Yes, my dad Steve Presley the shows drummer and my uncle Gary Presley who plays the character of “Herkimer” in the show.

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
JP: Being born here I have a lot of memories but one of the things that comes to mind is going fishing with my grandpa on Table Rock Lake.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
JP: Being able to relate to and interact with the audience in a personal way. We don’t just perform and walk away, we get to meet them personally and that means a lot.

BTC: Where is your favorite place to eat in Branson and your favorite dish at that place?
JP: I love Chester’s. My favorite dish is the Chicken Pesto Salad Sandwich.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
JP: Floyd Cramer because I grew up with learning his style piano and play some of his songs in the show. His song “Last Date” is the number one song people like to hear me play.

Click here for the entire interview.