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Jennifer McCullough jennifermccullough@centurytel.net Presleys\' Country Jubilee 417-334-4874 www.presleys.com 2920 Hwy. 76 Branson, MO 65616 |
Branson, MO ― Branson’s First Family of Entertainment, the Presleys, reveal their behind-the-scenes journey to becoming nationally-recognized Branson icons in the new book, “The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” by Ron Marr.
Beginning with 10-year-old Lloyd Presley’s discovery of his brother’s guitar in 1934, “The Presley Family Story” spans 74 years of Ozarks musical history and is an inspiring testament of the American Dream.
“This community is forever indebted to the Presleys for their phenomenal contributions to Branson’s entertainment industry and for memorializing their legacy in this wonderful book,” said President and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Ross Summers.
Four generations of Presleys share their personal and often humorous tales of learning how to perform in front of an audience; building the family business from the ground up; and developing lasting relationships with their fellow cast members, and fans. “The Presley Family Story” is packed with 102 pages of never-before-shared family photos and personal interviews by award-winning author, Marr.
Lloyd’s oldest son Gary, co-producer and one of the original members of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, tells how his loveable hillbilly character, Herkimer, got his name in 1962. Lloyd’s younger son Steve, co-producer and drummer, reveals the show’s best early marketing hook. Gary’s wife Pat, and Steve’s wife Raeanne talk of the love they have for their families and their community, and about their less glamorous jobs in accounting, personnel management and wardrobe.
Lloyd’s wife Bessie Mae Presley, (1923-2007) and to whom the book is dedicated, told Marr shortly before her death ― that she tried to teach her children, by example, the value of hard work and perseverance.
Readers will cherish this book and delight in the way the author captures the warm and down-to-earth personality of each family member. Despite their tremendous success over the past 41 years, their friends and famous peers around the world know the Presleys as hard-working, humble people who enjoy fishing, golfing, and volunteering in their spare time.
Today, four generations of Presleys can be seen on stage each night in the same location where, in 1967, the family opened the first music theater on Branson’s now famous Strip.
Lloyd, who turns 84 years old on August 30, 2008, never imagined that Presleys’ Country Jubilee would someday become a landmark in a world-class entertainment destination, and his family’s story ― an inspiration to countless others boldly pursuing their dreams.
“The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” is available at Presleys’ Country Jubilee in Branson, online at www.presleys.com, by calling (800) 335-4874, or at select bookstores.
Photo Caption: “The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” by Ron Marr presents the remarkable story of Branson, Missouri’s First Family of Entertainment in 102-pages of interviews with Presley family members and never-before-shared photos.
Photo Credit: Presleys’ Country Jubilee.
Photo Editors: To download high-resolution photos of Presley family members and Presleys’ Country Jubilee, please visit http://www.presleys.com/newbook.html.
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