Branson is known for its shows. How did this city of just under 13,000 find itself as an entertainment mecca?
It began more than a century ago, with the publication of Harold Bell Wright’s novel The Shepherd of the Hills in 1907. His novel was about the Ozarks. The novel became an international best seller, establishing Branson and Southwest Missouri as a tourist destination.
Jim Owen built the first theater, “The Hillbilly Theater,” in 1934, which began attracting visitors. In 1959, the Mabe Brothers started a band that, in 1961, would become the first music show in Branson.
The Old Mill Theater premiered its first outdoor production of the novel in 1960. The show is known as “The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama.”
Soon, other entrepreneurs built theaters. Then, international stars including Mel Tillis, Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens, Mickey Gilley, and Moe Bandy opened their own theaters. Other stars, including Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and Waylon Jennings, guest-stared at Branson theaters.
The increasing number of theaters and other attractions opening in Branson drew
the attention of 60 Minutes, which called it the “live music capital of the entire universe.” More tourists poured in.
Star-built theaters, including those of Andy Williams, Glen Campbell, Tony Orlando, Bobby Vinton, and Dick Clark, sprang up.
Along with the live entertainment, other attractions grew, like Silver Dollar City. Others were built, including: Hollywood Wax Museum Branson, Wonderworks, White Water, Ripley’s Super Fun Zone, Branson Scenic Railway, Titanic Museum, Mount Pleasant Winery, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Ripley’s Odditorium, Ralph Foster Museum on the College of the Ozarks campus, Butterfly Palace, Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, helicopter rides, ziplines, cave tours, go-karts, mini golf, and more.
Whew!
When I visited Branson recently, I was able to enjoy the “Spirit of America,” now being presented at the King’s Castle Theater, a patriotic salute to America and its 250th Anniversary. The stage was set, and the cast was awash with red, white, and blue and the stars and stripes.
Songs and narratives followed American history and the music we cherish that honors our country, including “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” “Coming to America,” and “God Bless America.”
The second production I enjoyed was “Clay Cooper’s Country Express.” Clay Cooper, a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and his singers, dancers and audience members put on a fun and entertaining show.
From the website: “If you’re looking for a fun and exciting show, look no further than Clay Cooper’s Country Express. Starring Clay Cooper himself — alongside his wife and two sons — this high-energy production features an incredible cast of talented dancers, singers, and musicians who captivate audiences of all ages. The show highlights music of all styles, including country, rock ’n’ roll, pop, gospel, and patriotic. Guests also love Clay’s popular “Just A Swingin’” performance, where he serenades a special guest on the porch swing.”
It is entertainment at its best.
If you enjoy live entertainment, you will not be disappointed in Branson, where entertainment and family fun are taken seriously.
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