BRANSON, MO — Military reunion groups will experience a special tribute at a popular Branson attraction. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction has dedicated a “Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony” acknowledging veterans, active duty, those lost and missing in conflict.

This remembrance is widely performed by veterans’ organizations at banquets and gatherings, honoring those who are missing from the celebration. There have been many different narratives written for the presentation, but the symbolism is quite constant. Dixie Stampede will set the “Missing Man Table” and provide the special honors ceremony by request for military reunion groups only.

As guests are seated, they will see an empty table set for one. The empty place setting signifies Americans from each branch of service, with flags representing Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. The Honors Ceremony that follows describes each item on the table and its significance.

The “Missing Man Table”
The table is round, signifying everlasting concern for the missing. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the call to duty. A single red rose in a vase represents the lives of the missing, their loved ones and friends. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of continued determination to account for the missing. A slice of lemon on the plate is a reminder of the bitter fate of those captured and missing. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by their families. The Bible represents the faith to sustain those lost. An inverted glass signifies the missing who cannot share the evening’s celebration. The chair is empty because they are missing.

The ceremony concludes as guests enjoy each other’s company, a meal and the Dixie Stampede arena show, highlighted by the beautiful Patriotic Finale, reminded of the loved ones and veterans honored that day.

“Not only is this a poignant ceremony appropriate for all branches and all eras, it’s a good fit for reunion groups enjoying Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede,” stated Steve Weyher, board member of Branson Veterans Task Force.

The private ceremony takes place before the Carriage Room pre-show, and is provided by request, free of charge, for military reunion groups of 15 or more attending that evening’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. To arrange a “Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony” for your military reunion, please contact Pat Veach at 1-800-520-5101 x245, or email [email protected].

About Dixie Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is a unique dinner and show experience set in an 85,000-square-foot facility featuring 32 magnificent horses, a stampede of Longhorn steer, dozens of cast members, ostrich races, illusions, music and more, all showcased in a friendly rivalry between the North and the South. With seating to accommodate over 1,000 guests, the show is highlighted by a four-course feast. Pre-show entertainment features the comedy and juggling of Guinness record sport juggler, Albert Lucas, in the facility’s Carriage Room.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attractions operate in three popular destinations: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri. For general information regarding show times and ticket prices, call 1-800-520-5544 or visit www.dixiestampede.com.

BRANSON, Mo. — A road in his hometown of Dyess, Ark., has been named after Gene Williams at the same time the community named a highway after the late Johnny Cash, another Dyess native. Dyess Mayor Larry F. Sims was in Branson, Mo., to present souvenir road signs to Williams at a recent taping of Williams’ television show, the Lucas Oil sponsored “Gene Williams Country Television Show” that takes Branson to more than 50 million homes nationwide and in Puerto Rico and Canada.

The show with the road signs presentation and featuring music guests, The Sweethearts of Branson: Denny Yeary and Shelia Renee, will be telecast on June 21 and 22.

The signs were accompanied by two resolutions signed by Sims and a letter signed by Mississippi County Judge Steve McGuire supporting the name changes. The section of East Second Street/West County Road 940 from Arkansas State Highway 297 to Mississippi Country Road 243 was renamed Gene Williams Road and the section of Arkansas Sate Highway 297 located from Arkansas State Highway 14 to Mississippi County Road 956 was renamed Johnny Cash Highway.

Calling Williams a “country music television icon” and “a legend in his own time” and Cash a “country music legend” and “one of the world’s greatest country music performers of all time” both resolutions noted that the two spent their childhood and teenage years in Dyess. The city “desires to permanently honor” the men “in an appropriate manner,” the resolutions said.

McGuire echoed the resolutions and wrote, “Gene Williams…has been a strong supporter of Historic Dyess. His affiliation with Johnny Cash has contributed to the continuation of much worldwide interest in the city of Dyess for which we are very grateful. Thank you for your physical and financial support to enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens.”

This is the third honor Williams’ hometown has given him. In 2007 he was presented the key to the city and two years earlier a “Hometown of…” sign was erected on the edge of town. Williams has worked on several projects to help preserve his hometown’s history. They include presenting a fund raising concert with Mickey Gilley and the Urban Cowboy Band and making a donation to save a historical building that will be used for a museum recognizing the city’s historical significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams.

Dyess is not the only Arkansas community that has recognized Williams. He recently received 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, 2009, will be celebrated as Gene Williams Day.

Williams holds a record in Arkansas of having nine days proclaimed Gene Williams Day (1964 Orval Faubus, 1968 Win Rockefeller, 1973 and 1974 Dale Bumpers – former President Bill Clinton proclaimed Gene Williams Day three times, Jim Guy Tucker once, and Mike Huckabee, once.) Williams 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 was named Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year in 1961 and inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 1993. In addition to Cash, he has worked with such greats as the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene. He made two movies: “Country Music Jamboree” filmed in Parkin, Ark., and the “Sound of Country Music” that starred more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars.

Williams recently put his name on a Branson theater in which the “Gene Williams Country Television Show” is presented. The Gene Williams Showcase Theatre is located in the Branson Mall on the world famous Highway 76. The Yearys, who are the celebrity guests on the TV show this week, present a 2 p.m. show at the theater Monday through Thursday. “Jeff Sallee’s Classic Country Revue” with a tribute to Buck Owens is presented at 8 p.m. through Aug. 30 and 5 p.m. Sept. 2-Dec. 20. “Lookin’ for Love” Johnny Lee is making music history by presenting his own show beginning Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. at the theater.

Williams began his country music television show in Arkansas 45 years ago and for the past seven years has taped the show in Branson live before a studio audience. Television 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, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent, Johnny Lee and Wanda Jackson.

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. She and the guest stars perform weekly on the television show with the Country Junction Band.

For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com or call the box office at the Gene Williams Theatre in Branson at 417-335-4400. Advance tickets are on sale at the box office for Johnny Lee’s show and for any of the shows Williams is now showcasing.

The show known as Warren Wally and The Boys has changed venues, they are now known as “Real Country Featuring Wally Barbee and Warren Farren”. They are in the 8 o’clock slot at the Gene Williams Showcase Theatre in the Branson Mall. The phone number to the box office is 417-335-4400.

This Sunday the Gene Williams Showcase television show will be featuring Warren and Wally, the taping is open to the public an the admission is free.

It’s been over 30 years since Jim Owen portrayed Hank Williams Sr. in his PBS special “Hank” and this week on the Lucas Oil sponsored “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” Owen is honored for his work with a gold record. The awards just keep coming when Williams is also surprised with one presented to him from his fans.

The gold record awards are made by Nashville’s Ken Kittinger of Creative Award Designs who has made gold records for the likes of former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, George Strait, Earl Thomas Conley, Willie Nelson, Epic Records, CBS, Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie McDowell, Charly McClain, Exile and the Jack Daniels distillery.

Kittinger presented Williams’ award on behalf of his fans for having the “best traditional country music show in America,” and “Jim’s award is one that just slipped through the cracks and it is well deserved. It gives me great pleasure to present it to him,” he said. Owen won an Emmy for his PBS special that was voted public television’s best show of the year in 1977. In addition to the PBS portrayal of Hank, Williams also portrayed the legend in two movies.

Charlie Daniels called Owen a country music superstar and many country superstars have recorded his hit songs. “Louisiana Women, Mississippi Man” was recorded by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Mel Tillis recorded “Too Lonely Too Long” among others. Charlie Pride, Cal Smith, Tommy Cash, George Jones, Charlie Louvin, Melba Montgomery, Waylon Jennings and Eddy Arnold and Owen himself have recorded his original songs.

Also on this show Johnny Lee stops in to visit with Williams, Owen and Katie Lynn, Williams’ co-host. Lee is making country music history by starring in his own show that will open Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Gene Williams Theatre, the former Branson Hall of Fame Theatre, at the Branson Mall. Tickets are on sale at the box office of the theater recently opened by Williams where his weekly television show is taped live before a studio audience and where he is now showcasing several live shows: Mark Aldred Variety Show at 10 a.m., The Sweethearts of Branson at 2 p.m. and through Aug. 30 Real Country with Wally Barbee and Warren Farren at 8 p.m.

The broadcast with Owen and Lee of Williams’ syndicated TV series was May 17 and 18.

Williams’ television 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, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent and Wanda Jackson.

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. She and the guest stars perform weekly on the television show with the Country Junction Band.

For more information please call 417-334-4400.

“Lookin’ for Love” Johnny Lee will star in his own show beginning in September in the new Gene Williams Theatre in Branson and recently announced that the tickets will be only $15 a person.

“That’s an amazing price for this level of entertainment in Branson or anywhere else. Johnny Lee has had top hits on Billboard charts and numerous concert, television and Grand Ole Opry appearances,” said Gene Williams who showcases his own TV show in the Gene Williams Theatre along with several other live shows.

The Gene Williams Theatre (formerly Branson Hall of Fame Theatre) is located in the Branson Mall (2206 W. Hwy. 76) on the world famous Highway 76 in the entertainment town that Johnny Lee calls home.

Lee said, “This price for my concert which will run through Sept. 2-Dec. 15 is a recession proof price. In spite of rising prices and no matter what the price of a barrel of oil this fall, I am sticking with a $15 ticket for anyone who wants to see my Branson show.”

Lee will open on Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Gene Williams Theatre and present concerts Monday through Saturday through Dec. 15. Tickets are on sale now at the Gene Williams Theatre Box Office at 417-335-4400. For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.

Having his own show in Branson is a first for Johnny Lee and Branson although he has guest starred on many Branson stages. Lee, who is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, had his own band in high school. He took time out to serve his country in the Navy and then worked with his friend Mickey Gilley, appeared in several television roles and then was asked to perform in the film, “Urban Cowboy.” His “Lookin’ For Love” from that film and soundtrack spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard country music singles charts as #1 and #2 on the pop music singles charts. He followed that with a string of Top 10 hits, numerous television appearances, appearing on the Grande Ole Opry and recorded several albums.

In addition to “Lookin’ For Love” his hits include “One In A Million,” “Bet Your Heart On Me,” “The Yellow Rose (a duet with Lane Brody),” “You Could’ve Heard a Heart Break,” “Pickin’ Up Strangers,” “Prisoner of Hope,” “Be There for Me Baby,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” “Sounds Like Love,” “Hey Bartender” and “Rollin’ Lonely.”

His TV appearances include “Fantasy Island,” “ChiPS,” “The Fall Guy” and “The A-Team.”

The Warren, Wally, and the Boys, the 2 o’clock show at the Caravelle theatre is having their area appreciation week on the following dates, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday April 22, 23, and 24. Tickets are $5.00 + tax per person. Warren, Wally and the Boys have been entertaining audiences worldwide for over 20 years. Wally Barbee, a Texas native moved to Branson in 1989. Through the years she has been the feature female vocalist in numerous shows and theatres here in Branson, she has also hosted several radio and television shows. Also appearing is Warren Farren an international singer/ songwriter has worked with the record labels ARCO, Trip Universal, And Evolution N.Y. plus many more. He has toured the U.S. for many years for Hubert Long Int. in Nashville, Tn. Warren has also worked for such greats as Hank Jr., Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Pat Boone, Rex and Vern Gosdin, Bill Haley’s Comets, Elvis Presley and many more. Warren Farren also produces the Bertie Higgin’s show also at the Caravelle in their 8 o’clock slot.

He’s a blazed a trail in country music television and his weekly Branson TV show is offered to more than 45 million households nationwide. Now that trail has led him to a Branson theater home to be called The Gene Williams Theatre at the Branson Mall and home to a variety of live theater shows and the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show.”

The Gene Williams Theatre opened officially March 16 with the taping of the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show. His show will also be taped April 6, April 27, May 18, June 8, June 22, July 20, Aug. 10, Aug. 31, Sept. 21, Oct. 12 and Nov. 2. Admission for the studio audience is free and the doors open at 1 p.m. for the first taping at 2 p.m. Gene and his co-host Katie Lynn interview celebrity guest up close and personal. Katie Lynn and the weekly guests also perform with Williams’ band, the Country Junction Band.

Live theater shows will begin April 8 at 2 p.m. show with The Sweethearts of Branson Denny Yeary and Shelia Renee. Williams will be announcing a slate of celebrity guests for the 8 p.m. show with guest appearances by Johnny Lee – “Lookin’ for Love” on Sept. 2 and possibly Ed McMahon. A 10 a.m. and a 5 p.m. show are planned with celebrities to be announced.

The new box office phone number is 417-335-4400.

“I’ve taped my weekly Lucas Oil sponsored ‘Gene Williams Country Music Television Show’ in Branson for eight years at several different locations in Branson. It’s time to give it a permanent home in my own theater,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to the entertainment we will be offering during the 2008 season and beyond.”

This is the second theater Williams has founded. In the 1970s and ‘80s, Williams started the Music Mountain Theater in Horseshoe Bend, Ark. There he featured headliners such as Roy Acuff, Mickey Gilley, Freddie Hart, Claude King, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Del Reeves, Hank Thompson, Buck Trent, Porter Wagoner, Tom T. Hall and Ernest Tubb.

Williams is the star, producer and creator of his weekly television show that is seen across the nation and into Canada and Puerto Rico. It 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’ TV 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.

Williams’ career is filled with milestones. He has been presented the keys to his hometown, Dyess, Ark., and Horseshoe Bend, Ark. A historical marker in appreciation for his support to help preserve his hometown’s history was erected two years ago. 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.

Area Appreciation
March 24-29
Admission $5.00

Kids 17 & under FREE!!!!

For our friends & neighbors who live or work in Stone & Taney County
(Proof of residency required.)

Area appreciation tickets available ONLY at Welk Resort Branson box office

(417) 337-SHOW (7469)
Welk Resort Branson is located on Hwy 165, 3 miles south of Hwy 76 & Gretna Rd.

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.

The weekly television show featuring Branson, Mo., courtesy of Gene Williams and his Lucas Oil sponsored “Gene Williams Country Television Show” has pushed the number of households to which the show is telecast to 45 million. The newest locations in which it can be seen are Atlanta, Seattle, Reno, Nev., Lafayette, La., and the tri-cities area of Tennessee and Virginia including Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol.

A winner of three 2007 National Telly Awards, the Gene Williams Show features celebrity guest stars such as Mickey Gilley, Ed McMahon, the Oak Ridge Boys and Roy Clark. Celebrities perform with Williams’ band, the Country Junction Band, and are interviewed up-close-and-personal by the legendary Williams and his co-host Katie Lynn.

The new stations that carry the show are Atlanta, WSB/RTN Channel 2.2; Seattle, KIRO/CBS Channel 7; Reno, Nev., KRXI/RTN Channel 11.2; Tri-Cities region of Tennessee and Virginia, WKPT/ABC Channel 19; and Lafayette, La., KDCB/RTN on Channel 22. All will be aired Sundays at 9:30 a.m. This follows the 2007 addition of a dozen prime markets and Puerto Rico in 2006.

“We have added new cities where viewers will become Branson fans and enjoy the show’s country music, our comedy and our great band. In the Country Junction Band we have some of the best pickers in Branson and country music. We also have some of the best guest stars,” said Williams whose celebrity line-up is impressive.

In addition to Gilley, McMahon, the Oak Ridge Boys and Clark, Williams has welcomed Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, Doug Kershaw, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, Jimmy Osmond, the Osmonds, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams and Bob Anderson. Charlie Louvin, Narvel Felts, Margo Smith, Jim Owen, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Mary Lou Turner, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jean Shepard, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Buck Trent, Wanda Jackson, Johnny Lee, Fred Travalena and Razzy Bailey have also guest starred on his stage.

The Gene Williams Show, taped live with a studio audience for the past seven years in Branson, is at home at the Branson Hall of Fame Theatre at the Branson Mall on the world famous Hwy. 76. Admission for the studio audience is free and the doors open at 1 p.m. with taping at 2 p.m. Three shows are taped approximately every third Sunday. Taping dates are March 16, April 6 and 27, May 18, June 8 and 22, July 20, Aug. 10 and 31, Sept. 21, Oct. 12 and Nov. 2.

Williams is credited with having the largest syndicated country music television show not affiliated with Nashville (where his show is telecast) and with breaking ground for country television. The Gene Williams Show began in 1963 in Arkansas and is now the longest running television show taped in Branson. In 2006 Williams’ television show was listed as the most popular TV show in national ratings on WNGS Buffalo/Rochester, N.Y. It was also listed as a favorite TV show in the national magazine, “Maxim.”

Williams began his career in the country music field as a DJ on Memphis’ KWAM in 1957 and was named 1961 Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year. Two movies he made about country music featured more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars including Ray Price, Carl Smith, Jordanaires, Kitty Wells, Little Jimmy Dickens, Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers, Marty Robbins, Webb Pierce, Ernest Tubb, June Carter, Bill Monroe, Duke of Paducah and Faron Young.

Williams is an inductee to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and has been nominated to two halls of fame, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame. He holds a record in Arkansas of having nine days proclaimed Gene Williams Day by six governors including three times by former President Bill Clinton. He was honored with a historical marker in his hometown, Dyess, Ark., and presented the key to Dyess in appreciation for his support to help preserve the town’s history. Most recently Williams received a key to Horseshoe Bend, Ark., for founding the Horseshoe Bend Theater where he featured country stars such as Dolly Parton, Mickey Gilley, Porter Wagoner and more.

St. Martins College presented Williams with an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications in recognition of his commitment to the industry. The Missouri Senate and the State of Arkansas have honored him for his contributions to the tourism industry.

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 star perform each week with the Country Junction Band.

The show can also be seen in Aberdeen, Miss., Ada, Okla., Albany, N.Y., Alexandria, La., Amory, Miss., Atlanta, Baldwin, Miss., Booneville, Miss., Branson, Mo., Bruce, Miss., Buffalo, N.Y., Burlington, Vt., Cadillac, Mich., Calhoun City, Miss., Casper, Wyo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cheyenne, Wyo., Coffeyville, Miss., Colorado Springs, Colo., Columbia, S.C., Cornith, Miss., Denison, Texas, Denver, Ecru, Miss., Eldorado, Ark., Eugene, Ore., Eupora, Miss., Eureka Springs, Ark., Fayetteville, Ark., Flynt, Mich., Fort Smith, Ark., Green Bay, Wis., Guntown, Miss., Harrison, Ark., Holly Springs, Miss., Houlka, Miss., Houston, Miss., Idaho Falls, Idaho, Jonesboro, Ark., Lafeyette, La., Las Vegas, Nev., Lexington, Ky., Little Rock, Ark., Marianna, Fla., Marquette, Mich., Memphis, Tenn., Mt. Vernon, Ill., Myrtle, Miss., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Nashville, Tenn., Nettleton, Miss., New Albany, Miss., Niagara Falls, N.Y., Okolona, Miss., Oxford, Miss., Panama City, Fla, Pittsburgh, Plattsburg, Vt., Pontotoc, Miss., Provo, Utah, Pueblo, Colo., Pullman, Wa.., Raleigh, N.C., Reno, Nev., Ripley, Miss., Roanoke, Va., Rochester, N.Y., Roseberg, Ore., Salt Lake City, Utah, Satillo, Miss., San Francisco, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Santa Barbara, Calif., Savannah, Ga., Seattle, Shannon, Miss., Sherman, Miss., Sherman, Texas, Smithville, Miss., Spokane, Wash., Springfield, Mo., St. Louis, Syracuse, N.Y., Toledo, Ohio, Tri-Cities, Tennessee and Virginia, Tupelo, Miss, Vardaman, Miss., Verona, Miss., Water Valley, Miss., and Waterloo, Iowa.

For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.

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