Founded by the King of the Cowboys, Roy Rogers, in 1934, the Pioneers remain the longest continuous performing group of all time, and their unique harmonies and style have made them the standard by which all other western groups are measured.
A “Living Legend,” the SONS OF THE PIONEERS have become an American institution, known the world over for their own special vocal sound, and arrangements of their classic western songs.The Pioneers continue on under the leadership of Trail Boss – DALE WARREN, who will celebrate his 52nd year as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers throughout the 2004 season, holding the record as the longest participating member in the history of the group.
The group will be performing in the brand new Pavilion Theatre which is set to open May 17th.It is a natural home for the Pioneers and their unique chuckwagon dinner shows.Shows will begin at
“We’re very pleased to have the Sons of the Pioneers join our family,” Gary Snadon, owner of The Shepherd of the Hills said.”Their Western flair ties in perfectly with what we offer.I think the two shows will compliment each other very nicely.”
Indeed both shows do have a very rich history.The Shepherd of the Hills, originally the bestselling book by author Harold Bell Wright, was first reenacted on the lawn of Old Matt’s Cabin in the early 1920’s.After various performances across the country, including an off-Broadway production in
The Pioneers, who have made their home in Branson since 1983, have over three thousand compositions to their credit, featuring the trademark harmonies and haunting lyrics of their vocal and instrumental styling, known as the “Pioneer Sound.”They have been inducted into the Western Music Association, National Cowboy and Singing Cowboy Halls of Fame, and their music has been inducted into the GRAMMY HALL OF FAME.They have been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Pioneers have appeared in ninety-eight movies with such stars as John Wayne, Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Charles Starret, Walt Disney and forty-five films with Roy Rogers.The SONS OF THE PIONEERS have been designated as “National Treasures” by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, and two of their most requested songs, “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” and “Cool Water” have been placed into the National Archives, with Cool Water being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1986.
Famous for their western classics, the Pioneers have added a few surprises to their already extensive repertoire.This multi-talented group, consisting of DALE WARREN, LUTHER NALLIE, SUNNY SPENCER, GARY LEMASTER, KEN LATTIMORE, RANDY RUDD, and PRESTON ELDRIDGE, creates twenty-eight instrumental combinations lending an exciting “lift” to the western swing sound, country songs, gospel and Dixieland.
But, not to be left out is the comedy of Branson’s number one sidekick and funny man, HARGUS MARCEL.Hargus, who after a long stint with the Pine Mountain Jamboree in Eureka Springs, brought his zany, down-home comedy style to Branson, where he has delighted audiences with both the Moe Bandy Show and Country Tonite.Now he’s fulfilling his life-long dream “to be a cowboy,” which is sure to make for the funniest trails fans have traveled with the Pioneers’ since their days with lovable sidekick, Gabby Hayes.
Following the Pioneers’