Gene Williams presented key to city of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas

The tables were turned on Gene Williams on his television show when the guest stars on the March 15 and 16 broadcasts of the Lucas Oil sponsored “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” presented him the key to the city of Horseshoe Bend, Ark.

Williams was surprised by the presentation on air by Horseshoe Bend Mayor Bob Barnes and Melodie Clemmons of the “Music in The Mountains Show” at the Music Mountain Theater. Williams founded the theater some 40 years ago and the key was presented in appreciation of his work to bring significant country entertainment to the resort community during its early development.

“Roy Acuff, Jim Ed Brown, Bill Carlisle, Mickey Gilley, Freddie Hart, Claude King, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Del Reeves, Hank Thompson, Buck Trent, Porter Wagoner amd Faron Young are among those who performed on the stage of this historic theater under Gene Williams’ guidance in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Tom T. Hall and Ernest Tubb each performed there three times,” said Clemmons who has worked hard to restore and reopen the theater during the past year.

Clemmons and Barnes also invited Williams to return to the theater in Horseshoe Bend for a Founders Day Show Friday, April 11, in conjunction with Dogwood Days festivities. Williams and his co-host Katie Lynn and the Country Junction Band will make a special appearance on that date in support of the restoration of the theater.

“For tickets to our show with Gene contact the Horseshoe Bend Chamber of Commerce at 870-670-5433, Horseshoe Bend City Hall at 870-670-5113 or B and B Supply in Franklin, Ark. at 870-322-7201. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased in advance or at the door,” Clemmons said.

Williams is the star, producer and creator of the weekly television show that takes the entertainment town of Branson to more than 45 million households across the nation and into Canada and Puerto Rico. Most recently Atlanta, Reno, Nev., and Seattle have joined the list of cities where the program is seen. It is the longest running weekly television show in Branson. Recently it was listed as the most popular TV show in national ratings on WNGS Buffalo/Rochester, N.Y., and was listed as a favorite TV show in the national magazine “Maxim.”

Williams’ guests have included Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, 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, Gary P. Nunn, Todd Fritch, Ava Barber, Wanda Jackson and Razzy Bailey.

The “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” is taped live in front of a studio audience at Branson Mall at the Gene Williams Theatre on Hwy. 76.

Williams’ career is filled with milestones. He was recently presented the key to his hometown, Dyess, Ark., 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.
Recently he was recognized for his community commitment to the industry and presented an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College. He has also been honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community.

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 seven years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest stars perform with the Country Junction Band.

For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.