I had the privilege to attend two of Jerry's tribute shows to Elvis Presley, "Elvis LIVE and Aloha from Hawaii." Between both of the shows, you will hear so many hits from his early career to the latter. Being Elvis' second cousin, sharing one of the same grandfathers, he will share with you some of the history as the show unwinds. I'm generally very skeptical when it comes to Elvis Tribute artists, you could ask anyone close to me, as I am a huge fan and have been for 56 years. I honestly was a little nervous talking to him. Kinda reminded me of when I met Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams) and Marilyn Mason (Elvis first female to kiss on screen) and spent a week with them. One of my many dreams to come true. I will tell you that I recognized some similarities between them, but as Jerry spoke with me after the show, he stated, "I am my own person, as was Elvis, and I just try to continue his songs and love of the music. I am not him and I won't try to be him, as NO ONE can be him!" I have to say that I admired that statement. Jerry has a twin brother named Terry. Terry has not performed in Branson but owned his own theater at Lake of the Ozarks in the ‘80s. Twins run in families. As you know, Elvis was a twin, his brother Jesse Garon was stillborn 35 minutes before Elvis was born.
His band and back-up singers are OUTSTANDING. The sounds of the original band and back-up singers from Elvis' band to Jerry's band is hauntingly heard in several of the songs. They all appreciate what Jerry does, they love what they are doing, and their showmanship resonates that about each of them. Who knows, you might get yourself a scarf during your favorite song too and he even does a time when you can request a song if they haven't played it yet. When you are Inside the theatre main lobby, you can observe Elvis items on display that are from Jerry's private collection. You can purchase items in the gift shop as well.
Jerry is a personable man and demonstrates his appreciation for Elvis in a personable way. Jerry moved here to Branson in 1984 and started performing. He opened his own theater in 1985, although Jerry started performing in 1970, with the blessing of Elvis himself. He has opened for several well-knowns like Shenandoah, George Jones, to The Platters and so on.
He has been awarded Branson's Tribute Artist award multiple times. And God and Country Theater is in the Top five rated theatres in town. Jerry does a total of four different Elvis Shows throughout the year. You don't want to miss any of them, as they are all different. I enjoyed getting to know Jerry and look forward to our lasting friendship.
I had a chance to ask some questions to some of the band/singers and Jerry. Here are the questions and answers.
Where are you from and how long have you been in the Branson area?
What is your favorite Elvis song to perform?
What do you like to do during your downtime?
You may share anything else with the people.
Jerry Presley:
I was born in Arkansas and raised in Kansas City, moved to Branson in 1984.
My favorite song is, "American Trilogy."
My downtime, I like to construct and build things around the theatre. I also like to record. I like to play golf.
Drummer: Dodge Fluger
I'm from Pittsburgh, PA. and moved here from Pennsylvania, been here at least 18 years. I've played in different shows.
I really don't have a favorite Elvis song, just love to play.
Don't have much downtime. I'm staying busy working. My wife passed last year, so I just keep myself busy.
Tenor Singer: Rich Watson
I'm from Charleston, SC, and been in Branson for 20 years.
My favorite Elvis song is, "Polk Salad Annie."
In my downtime, I work on the music for my show, "A Garth Tribute" performed here at the theatre.
Women’s Trio: Anna Watson
I'm from Fayetteville, AR, and been here for 24 years.
My favorite Elvis song is, "Just Can't Help Believing."
In my downtime, I work with my husband Rich in our "A Garth Tribute" performed here at the theatre.
Piano: Terry Laird
I came to Branson in 1983.
I love the Gospel segment in the shows, as I came from a Gospel music background. I love that we perform, "How Great Thou Art" in almost every show.
My downtime, I'm not sure what that is. I'm always trying to improve something. Also, driving to Texas to see my family and friends is always a good time.
I have played with numerous people in the past and had the privilege of playing with Elvis Presley.
High Tenor Singer: J.W. Davis
I was born in Bonne Terre, MO, near St. Louis, grew up in Ozark, MO, and lived in Branson area for about five years now.
My favorite Elvis song is, "Crying In The Chapel."
I enjoy playing guitar and creating new music in my downtime.
I'd like to say how much of an honor it is to sing with Jerry. His over 50-year passion for Elvis' music and legacy is inspiring to me. And how kind he has been to me last year when my wife and I's cabin burned down, Jerry and Cheri were so encouraging and generous to us. They were one of the first to help us tremendously, even letting us borrow a vehicle for transportation and giving us food. Jerry truly loves the community and the people!
Trumpet: Jay Diversa
I'm from California, arrived in the Branson area in 1994.
My favorite Elvis song is, "I Just Can't Help Believing."
I just enjoy any downtime I can get.
I have played with Elvis Presley in the past and that was a great experience.
Bass Singer: Denny Yeary
I came to Branson in 1989.
My favorite songs has to be, "Hunk Of Burning Love" and "Way On Down."
I just enjoy my downtime.
I sang bass for Elvis Presley's favorite quartet group, The Blackwoods for 50 years. That's the group that Elvis wanted to be a member of, before he became the Elvis that the Colonel Parker made him. He loved his gospel music; that was his favorite! I have sung bass for Jerry for 10 years now. I'm thankful and I'm honored to sing with Jerry, as he is the one we should be honoring.
Saxophone and Flute: Bill Reder
I came to Branson from Kentucky in 1995.
I like all Elvis songs.
I like to stay busy, so I enjoy downtime when I'm not in shows or teaching.
I teach music at College of the Ozarks.
Women’s Trio: LaVonne Parrott
I was born and raised in California before coming to the Branson 23 years ago.
Since I'm a gospel singer, I enjoy the gospel songs the most. I really like "How Great Thou Art" the most.
I enjoy my downtime.
I have performed in the Elvis Live Show for three years. I enjoy singing in the show because Jerry is honestly one of the best tribute artists not just in Branson, but worldwide in my opinion.
Every performance he gives 110 percent of his self, and he wants the audience to have an authentic and memorable experience they will always treasure for years to come.
Bass Player: Gary Perkins
I'm from Columbia, MO, and retired to Nixa, MO, In 2015.
I have two favorite songs to perform on bass: "Polk Salad Annie" and "Burning Love."
I occupy my downtime being active in Veterans Taskforce of America, I'm a security team member at my church, and during the spring/summer, I like to fish.
This is the first year I've played in a Branson show and honored that it is for Jerry's Elvis Live shows. A bucket list item for me. I've been playing music since 1963. I was a landscape
architect in St. Louis, before retiring. I served in the Air Force and am a Vietnam Veteran. I was assigned to the 3rd Special Operations Squadron to help the AC-47 Gunship Attack Aircraft
that provided close in-air support for the ground troops and bases that were under attack. The nickname for the aircrafts were "Spooky-Puff the Magic Dragon."
When you have a chance to attend any of the Elvis Live Shows at the Jerry Presley's, "God and Country Theatre," you will not be disappointed. As you can see, he has a great band/singers
that love performing with him and what they do, so you will definitely feel that when you are there.
Get your tickets or see the schedules of all the outstanding talented shows here at:
website: godandcountrytheaters.com; address: 1840 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO,
phone: 417-334-6806.
Comments