A recent article entitled “Lyle Mabe, Branson entertainment cornerstone and co-founder of Baldknobbers dies” was recently published on line on “News.Branson.com.” The article reported the death of Lyle Mabe after a long illness on February 27 at the age of 71.
As a co-founder of the “Baldknobbers Jamboree” in 1959 with his brothers, Mabe achieved iconic status in Branson entertainment history. Today Branson is known as “the live music show capital of the world” but it all started with the pioneering efforts of Lyle, the Mabe family and the “the show that started it all,” the “Baldknobbers.”
Article Excerpts:
In 1959, Lyle and his brothers Bob, Bill and Jim along with Delbert Howard and Chick Allen, decided to provide evening entertainment to tourists visiting the Branson area. They started in a rented fifty seat room in the old city hall and performed only on Friday and Saturday nights. The show used a simple format of blending popular country music with original unique comedy routines, was called the “Baldknobbers” and went on to make Branson entertainment history as the show “that started it all.”
Lianne Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center said, “Branson has lost not only one of its entertainment pioneers, but a cornerstones of its entertainment industry. Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with the Mabes and their extended ‘Baldknobber family.’”
Branson Mayor Rae Anne Presley said, “Our Branson community has lost a pioneer in the theatre industry, Lyle Mabe. We send our prayers & heartfelt condolences to the Mabe family.”
Anyone who has ever seen Lyle perform as the comedian “George Aggernite” knows that with his arrival, Heaven’s angels are going to have a tough time laughing and playing their harps at the same time.
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