Ambrus Presley singing "Jolene."

Branson has an overwhelming number of female vocalists, but anyone who has ever seen and heard Ambrus Presley perform can appreciate it when I express my belief that she is one of Branson’s premier vocalists. Whether she is singing a standard such as “Over the Rainbow” or a song that is not as well-known such as “Travelin’ Soldier,” the beauty, clarity and strength of her voice; obvious passion for singing and her sweet spirit and sincerity results in a performance that is not only a joy to hear, but touches the heart.

The following piece is in Q & A format with the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) asking questions that we hope the reader will find informative and entertaining and Ambrus’s answer indicated by (AP):

BTC: How long have you been performing in Branson?
AP: We moved to Branson when I was eight in 1998 after I auditioned for and got a job in “Positive Country.” Initially, while we saw how things were going to go, Mom and I moved to Branson and dad stayed in Hot Springs. It was quite a change going zero shows a day to two shows a day, but I just loved it.

BTC: Was the move to Branson prompted by your parents or you?
AP: It was all me.

BTC: What shows have you performed with during your Branson career?
AP: “Positive Country,” “Starlite Kids Show,” “Country Tonite” and Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

BTC: When did you start with Presleys’ Country Jubilee?
AP: In 2004.

BTC: How did you get started singing?
AP: From my family. I come from a really religious Christian family. My Grandpa is a lover of music. Since an early age I have had a passion for singing. I can remember riding in his tractor singing “Jesus Love Me” when I was two or three, started singing in church when I was four or so and I just loved it. My family started me on voice lessons when I was five and it went from there.

BTC: When did you discover that you had the “gift” of singing?
AP: I was always taught that it was a gift from the get go. It wasn’t something that was mine to begin with, it was something that was given to me and that it was my job to nurture that gift and let it grow. So that’s what we have done.

BTC: What is your all-time favorite song to sing?
AP: I love them all for different reasons. Having said that, my favorite types of music are classic jazz, country and the American standard type of music. I love to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

BTC: Did you ever think about pursuing a national career after your win on Ed McMahons “The Next Big Star?” (Click here to see that performance.)
AP: Although there was some interest and excitement from producers in big cities calling, I have always loved Branson. I just never had big stars in my eyes. I knew what I wanted. I wanted a family and I wanted to get to sing every day and it didn’t matter if there was a whole lot of fame or money tied to that so long as I was just doing it and happy.

BTC: If you could perform with anyone on your stage who would it be and why?
AP: I’m a huge James Taylor Fan and would love to sing with him. One of my favorite singers of all time was Etta James. She’s deceased, but I would have loved to have sung with her.

BTC: What do you enjoy the most about living in Branson?
AP: There’s just something magical about this place to me, it’s gorgeous. I love our seasons with their changes and that it’s a wonderful safe place for our family and for our son to grow up in and go to school. For me, professionally, this is my “heaven”. I’m a singer and Branson is a place that’s all about that.

BTC: When you’re not working what do you enjoy doing most?
AP: Just being with my husband, John and son Henry.

BTC: Do you have a favorite hobby or activity?
AP: I love anything that has to do with fashion or home decor.

BTC: What do you look forward to the most as you start each new day?
AP: Growing, learning and getting better; a better mom, better wife, better singer.

BTC: How long have you and John been married?
AP: Five years.

BTC: Do you have a little known fact about yourself that you think your fans are audience would enjoy hearing about?
AP: I love pickled Okra.

Ambrus and Presleys’ Country Jubilee will be starting their 2014 Branson Season on Friday, March 7.