A true pioneer in shaping the future of the Ozarks, Jim Thomas is credited with igniting Branson as a national entertainment destination. He brought legendary entertainers such as Roy Clark, Jim Stafford, and Glen Campbell here for the first time, and later encouraged many of them to build their own theaters, prompting major national recognition for the area.

He was also instrumental in developing Branson as a year round destination by being the first to extend his theater’s performance season. He encouraged the growth of the first convention and group tour business to Branson by upgrading his Lodge of the Ozarks complex to provide visitors with a first-class entertainment, lodging, dining and meeting experience.

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Marketing and public relations consultant, Jennifer McCullough joined the Branson scene in 1993.

From her early career as a reporter for the Branson Daily News, to serving as the Director of Public Relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, to starting her own consulting company, Jennifer has been hard at work promoting the Branson area for the past 15 years.

She co-authored the The Insiders’ Guide to Branson and Ozark Mountains, 3rd Edition in 2000, and became the host of the Branson Community Connection talk show on The Vacation Channel in 2004.

Listen to Jennifer reminisce about Branson’s boom years in the mid ‘90s…

Related Websites: The Vacation Channel, Akers & Arney, Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

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Get ready for some incredible pickin’ with Branson’s very own “Guitar Wizard,” Leroy New.

A genuine country entertainer, Leroy stars in his own “New’s Country Show” at Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex’s Little Opry Theatre. He not only performs his own music, but also plays tribute to legends like Bob Wills, Johnny Cash, Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins and Hank Williams.

Enjoy this musical interview with the humble, yet extremely talented Leroy New.

Related Websites: New’s Country Show

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Don’t blink your eyes, or you may miss one the many personalities of our featured guest Terry Wayne Sanders, one of Branson’s hardest working comedians.

Now in his 29th season, Terry splits his time between performing at Silver Dollar City during the day, Doug Gabriel’s talent show ‘Branson Spotlight’ in the late summer evenings, TV’s Vacation Channel with his own hour-long TV show called ‘Branson Country’ and the Shepherd of the Hills Drama at night time. Add to that, he’s a loving husband to his wife, caring father to his boys, and even manages to catch a few hours of sleep every night for himself.

Fasten your seatbelt and prepare to laugh… it’s Terry Sanders!

Related Websites: HomerLee.com, Branson Spotlight , Shepherd of the Hills, The Vacation Channel, Silver Dollar City

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Yet To Come Publishing announced today that Randy Plummer’s Gospel song “Angel Wings” charted at #1 for a period of time this week on the Radioactive Airplay Top 10 Country Gospel music charts. In addition, Randy’s song “This Is Your Land” charted at the #2 position on the Top 100 Southern Gospel music charts.

Radioactive Airplay measures the interest at any given moment of a songs popularity among its registered DJ (disc jockys) and PD (program directors). It is the most volatile chart in Gospel Music as it is always changing in real time. In addition to Randy Plummer, performers tracked by the site include such artists as B.J. Thomas, Barbara Fairchild, Gaither Vocal Band, Gene Watson, Mark Lowry, Patti LaBelle, Russ Taft, The Oak Ridge Boys and Tommy Overstreet.

Related Interviews: BransonWebcast | RandyPlummer

Related Websites: RandyPlummer.com , Plummer Family, Yet To Come Publishing

Notice: Randy Plummer and the Plummer Family will hold a reunion concert at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson.

Purchase Tickets Now: Plummer Family Reunion Show! - May 3, 2008 - 2:00pm

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BransonWebcast Episode #12
Guest: Gary Bartlett

Founder and CEO of Midwest Concerts, Gary Bartlett brings a vast background of entertainment production experience to the Branson area, specifically as special events producer for Branson’s lakefront shopping and dining development, Branson Landing. His production career began as a technical director, touring for four years with David Copperfield Live (along with corresponding network specials). After years of show production experience in Las Vegas, Gary holds the distinction of being selected Nevada Businessman of The Year 2003.

Related Websites: BransonLanding.com, Midwest Concerts

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