June 29, 2017
This Friday, June 30th will mark 50 years since “Presleys’ Country Jubilee,” aka “Branson’s First Show on the Strip,” opened its doors for the first time, on June 30th, 1967, in Branson, MO. The variety show that would become one of Branson’s longest-running and most popular attractions featured Lloyd and Bessie Mae Presley, as well as their children, Deanna, Gary, Janice, and Steve, Deanna’s husband, David Drennon, and Gary’s wife, Pat. People from across the country lined up every night for a chance to hear the country music and comedy the Presley family loved to perform. Other theaters sprung up nearby over the following years, creating the glittering strip along Highway 76 with multiple music stars performing nightly.
“I think part of that is because it’s real easy for me to think back at so many things, you know your mind goes back quick,” Gary Presley, one of the show’s original cast members said. “On one hand, it seems like a long time, but on the other, it just seems like, wow, it hasn’t been that long.
Now 50 years later, Branson’s first family of entertainment is still going strong with regular performances by four generations doing what they do best: delighting millions of families with an unforgettable show and the songs they love. From new country favorites to country classics, from the zany antics of Herkimer and Cecil, to the soulful reflection of southern gospel hits, it’s the one Branson show Regis Philbin says “You’ve got to see.”
The Preselys’ are celebrating the anniversary with a special show on June 30th. Arkansas Lt. Gov. Mike Parson expects to attend. Local press coverage from the Branson Tri-Lake News and a historical slideshow from Springfield News-Leader’s slideshow highlights the family, the show, and its Branson impact, now 50 years strong.
The Presley show has been featured by the Los Angeles Times, CBS’s “60 Minutes,” “Good Morning America,” radio icon Paul Harvey, Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford’s TV show, and is featured weekly on RFD-TV.
As quoted by the L.A. Times, it’s a “stomp your feet mix of music and comedy.” To book tickets and learn more, visit presleys.com.
RFD-TV would like to congratulate “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” on their 50 Year Anniversary:
Watch “Meet the Presley Family” from Branson Visitor TV:
