Branson is probably best known for offering close to 50 theaters and shows. There's magic, variety, comedy, dinner shows and more. A lot of them are tributes to singers and entertainers of the past. There's even some entertainers, best known from days gone by, who have settled in Branson and are performing in their own theaters. A lot of them are seasonal and weren't scheduled during our weekend visit.
On our own on Saturday night, Paula and I wanted to go a show but couldn't decide which one.
In the past few years when the idea of going on vacation in Branson was mentioned I set my sights on doing two things. One was spending a day at Silver Dollar City amusement park but that wasn't going to happen on this trip. The other was, seeing Jim Stafford, one of my favorite entertainers from the 1970s, perform.
After his six top 40 hits and hosting his own summer replacement TV show, back in the mid 70s Stafford went on to write songs for movies (several for Disney's "The Fox and The Hound), co-host the ABC video show, Those Amazing Animals and 3 seasons of the Nashville Network's Nashville On The Road show.
Since 1990 he's been performing shows in his Branson theater.
I was so excited when I checked the online schedule and realized there was a show that night. After I discovered this, there was no doubt where we would spend our Saturday night.
About 6:45 we arrived at the theater.
The show started at 7:30 so we made sure we in our aisle seats in the 3rd row of the right section of the auditorium by 7:10. They were great seats and the theater wasn't crowded at all. We had the row to ourselves.
From the opening song, the 75 year old singer put on an amazing performance. He sang all his hits and some funny songs I'd never heard before.
Although he was a bit older than the last time I saw him on TV, Stafford was still the same guy I remembered. He's one of those entertainers who connects with his audience by sharing his humor with them not throwing it at them. He makes you feel like you're watching an old friend up on stage and that you are both in on the joke. I call it "wink wink comedy."
From the moment he came on stage I was overjoyed. I quickly realized that I was going to enjoy this show on a much more than I'd anticipated.
I was being entertained by a guy who's "Greatest Hits" album I'd owned and listened to since my late teens; a guy I'd always thought of as being very likable. It was somewhat surreal. I was so excited that at times got a little over exuberant in my reactions to the show.
The first of his hits he performed was "Wildwood Weed". When he started playing the introduction, of course, I recognized it and started clapping. The only thing was, I was the only one clapping. I felt a little embarrassed until Jim looked my way and nodded his head in my direction. He joked, "Ah you're the one who bought that record." That recognition made me feel better.
In between songs he told some jokes and stories about his life in music. He told how his first single got recorded and released thanks to Kent LaVoie, better known as the pop ballad singer, Lobo.
He went on to do that spoken word hit, Swamp Witch, which was my favorite moment of the night.
My dad and I both liked that record and talked about it all the time. With Father's Day about a week away, sitting there listening to it being performed live made me feel like dad was right there with me. For the umpteenth time in the last 20 years I was experiencing something I knew he would have loved. I wished he could have been there with us.
After about 45 minutes, it was time for an intermission. Before leaving the stage Stafford announced that he would be over in the corner at a small merchandise counter greeting guests, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
I didn't think it possible but I was even more excited than I had been with the a opportunity to get a picture with and talk with him.
The line formed a lot faster than I thought it would, but I only had to wait a few minutes before I got to the front. It may not seem like a big deal but the fact that I actually got to meet Jim Stafford, is one of the coolest thing I'd done all year.
I shook his hand and made small talk with him. I mentioned the song "I Stoned And I Missed It" which was his last top 40 hit (#37) back in 1975.
He said he never did but that Silverstein had sued him over that song because he changed some of its lyrics on the record.
When I heard this I cringed inside. I thought I had just messed up. I immediately apologized saying I didn't mean to bring up a sore subject. He graciously assured me that it was alright. It had all turned out okay.
I then got my picture taken with him.
He was friendly and kind to everyone who came up to meet him. He expressed gratitude to each and everyone for coming out to the show.
The 2nd half of the show was just as good if not better than the first. Jim showcased his abilities on the guitar, banjo and harmonica. He is an amazingly talented musician. I can't even begin to describe how amazing he was. He also impressed the crowd with his version of Johnny Cash's hit, "I've Been Everywhere."
All too soon the show was over. It was 2 hours that I totally enjoyed. I wish he had played longer.
As we left, I was still on cloud nine. That "joy" would stay with me for the rest of our trip. The music I brought home will help keep the memory of that night at the theater alive for years to come.
As far as entertainment is concerned, seeing Jim Stafford's show is probably one of my all time top 10 experiences.
If you're a babyboomer, are a fan of 70s music, like me, and are ever in Branson on a Thursday or Saturday night, I highly recommend you go to see Jim Stafford.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. In the 5th and final installment in this series, I will share with you what I did on our last full day in Branson. I will also give you what I thought of my first trip to the Ozarks. See you next time.
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