A new book by author Arline Chandler entitled “The Heart of Branson – The Entertaining Families of America’s Live Music Capital” is dedicated to the millions of Americans who cherish childhood memories of family trips to Branson, Missouri to see live performance by the Baldknobbers or the Presleys.  Today, these same people take their own children to see how new generations of those same entertaining families continue to split sides and tug heartstrings. Author Arline Chandler takes the reader backstage to places like Silver Dollar City and the Shepherd of the Hills, telling the stories of the people who made Branson into the showbiz marvel that it is today.   Quite a feat when you consider that the community has been able to adhere to the town’s cultural foundation and strong values of hard work. Chandler also describes the emergence of newer acts like the Duttons, the Hughes Brothers and Shoji Tabuchi in a place where Broadway and the backwoods shake hands and SIX voices is all that is needed to produce a full orchestra. The new book is published by The History Press and can be ordered online at Amazon.com.

BransonWebcast Episode #55
Guest: Marshall Lytle

We are re-posting this great interview with our dear friend and inventor of the “slap bass” performing method, Marshall Lytle. He is an original member of the world famous Bill Haley and the Comets and esteemed member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Marshall celebrates his 76th Birthday, tomorrow September 1st, 2009 and nothing seems to be holding him down.

His new book “Still Rockin’ Around The Clock” was just released on Amazon.com and his hit show at the Andy William’s Moon River Theatre in Branson along with fellow Comet originals Dick Richards and Joey Ambrose has been playing to constant standing ovations and incredible reviews.

Even though Marshall has an incredible spirit and an amazingly positive attitude, those close to him know that he is going through a very serious medical situation. Your prayers of support and healing would be most appreciated, but we have no doubt that he’ll be on the mend and back onstage very soon. In the meantime, please consider purchasing a copy of his new book and sending a card or letter to him in care of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, 2500 W Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616.

The Comets recorded their #1 smash hit song “Rock Around The Clock” in 1954 and forever changed the direction of popular music around the world.

Related Websites: TheOriginalComets.com, Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, Smart Car

BransonWebcast Episode #41
Guest: Richard Clark

Meet a true Renaissance Man, Richard Clark, who was born in Australia and now resides in Branson, Missouri with his wife Sue Ann O’Neal.

His career is multi-dimensional in that he is not only a successful television and stage entertainer, but also a published poet, active crusader for Veterans causes, and most notable, an internationally recognized artist. His architectural montage “American Highrise” is the only work of art to have been granted the Official Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural Seal thus making it a “once every 200 years” design and part of American history.

Related Websites: AmericanHighrise.com

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