Gene Williams Country Music TV Show new home 50’s at the Hop Theatre in Branson Meadows Mall

As he moves into his eighth year of taping the Lucas Oil Products sponsored Gene Williams Country Music Television Show live in Branson, Mo., Gene Williams is moving his show to the 50’s at the Hop Theatre beginning with the Sunday, Feb. 15 taping.

The move also marks Williams’ celebration of more than a half century of working in country music – his first job was on KWAM radio as a disk jockey – and more than four decades of country music television – he blazed a trail in country music television beginning in the late 1960s on KAIT-TV in Jonesboro, Ark., and KARK-TV in Little Rock.

“I’m looking forward to being in one of the newest and nicest theatres in Branson. I am looking forward to a long relationship at this new, state-of-the-art theatre,” said Williams.

The 50’s at the Hop Theatre is located in the Branson Meadows Mall, 4230 N. Gretna Rd., 417-335-5300.

As part of the celebration an extended list of door prizes will be given away on Feb. 15. The first 50 will receive dinners at the world’s largest Golden Corral in Branson and the next 200 families will receive Lucas Oil caps. Doors open at 1 p.m. for the first taping of three shows at 2 p.m. Following the tapings, everyone upon exiting the theatre will be given an apple courtesy of the Black Apple Man from Leslie, Ark.

Williams is the star, producer and creator of his weekly television show that is seen across the nation and into Canada and Puerto Rico in more than 90 markets and broadcast to more than 60 million households. Williams will announce the addition of 22 more stations soon.

In addition to Feb. 15, shows are taped approximately every third Sunday. Set on the schedule are March 8 and 29, April 19, May 10 and 17, June 14, July 12, Aug. 2 and 16, and Sept. 13.

The Gene Williams Country Music Television Show is the longest running weekly television show in Branson and was listed as the most popular TV show in national ratings on WNGS Buffalo/Rochester, N.Y., and as a favorite TV show in the national magazine “Maxim.”

Williams and his co-host Katie Lynn interview guests in an up-close-and-personal format and the guests and Katie Lynn perform with Williams’ band, the Country Junction Band. Guests have included Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Fred Travalena, Charlie Louvin, Narvel Felts, Margo Smith, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ava Barber, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent, Johnny Lee, the Blackwoods, Wanda Jackson and Razzy Bailey.

In recognition of Williams’ country music career, he holds an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College and has also been honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community.

He recently had a road named after him by his hometown of Dyess, Ark. This followed a 2007 presentation of the key to the city and a historical marker in appreciation for his support to help preserve the town’s history. A historical building there will be used for a museum recognizing the town’s significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams and in 2008 he was the grand marshal for the Christmas parade.

Williams also was presented the key to the city of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., for his work to bring significant country entertainment to the resort community during its early development and April 11 will be celebrated as Gene Williams Day.

Nominated for induction into two halls of fame, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Williams has worked with such greats as Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene.

Williams’ co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the “Mickey Gilley Show.” She has worked with Gilley for more than eight years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent.

For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.