F or the first time in years, the Presley and Blackwood families — two of country gospel music’s biggest names — are appearing on stage together. The God and Country Theaters features Elvis’ cousin, Jerry Presley, with The Blackwood Singers, performing backup vocals for a series of weekly shows. Visitors to Branson, Missouri can enjoy many live performances of some of the most famous concerts from the King of Rock & Roll, including his final concert, the epic Madison Square Garden show, and the classic Aloha from Hawaii special, which was viewed by 1.5 billion people. Every other Sunday, these talented singers also perform the “Gospel Side of Elvis,” featuring the music for which he won his three Grammys. “Gospel music was his favorite music. He showed so much emotion when he sang gospel,” said Jerry Presley, a cousin of Elvis who got his blessing to perform his music 52 years ago. “He said, ‘If that’s what you want to do, go for it. If there is anything I can do to help, you just let me know,’” Jerry said. “That was Elvis, he was willing to help anybody.” The Blackwood family was part of Elvis’ inner circle even longer, with R.W. Blackwood — who performs now with his wife, Donna — sharing the stage with him to sing gospel music at the tragic funeral of R.W.’s father. Later, R.W. sang baritone with The Blackwood Brothers for nearly 30 years. “Elvis became a close friend of the Blackwood family,” R.W. said. “He would bring a guitar to church and in the Sunday school classrooms, they would play gospel country music. His dream was to play in a gospel quartet.” Of course, the show at God and Country Theaters, located at 1840 W. 76 Country Boulevard on Branson’s main strip, is much bigger than a quartet. There are horns and rhythm sections, as well as seven backup singers including the Blackwoods. “Elvis was a wonderful guy, very gifted and very blessed,” R.W. said. “And Jerry is a great guy and a great singer, too.” There are plenty of other shows throughout the week at the theater, too. Seated in Branson’s only “rocking” theater chairs, visitors can enjoy tributes to everyone from Karen Carpenter to Neil Diamond to George Strait. Learn more at www.godandcountrytheaters.com. PRESLEY AND BLACKWOOD FAMILIES REUNITE AT GOD AND COUNTRY THEATERS Click here to WATCH video Click here to WATCH video
