By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull
The inaugural induction of the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame was held in the Branson Hall of Fame Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2:00 PM. The master of ceremonies was Bob Leftridge, the emcee for the Baldknobbers, vocalist and local celebrity. The awards were presented by Paul Revere of Paul Revere and the Raiders, currently performing at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, with assistance from Suzi Weber of the Suzi Weber Live show. After the ceremony, the Radisson Hotel Branson and Stone Hill Winery sponsored an awards reception and the Hall of Fame unveiling took place.
The inaugural inductees and the category they were inducted into are:
Recurring Special Award
Harold Bell Wright
Performer Category
Roy Clark
Lloyd “Shad” and Ruth “Mollie” Heller
Yakov Smirnoff
Jim Stafford
Mel Tillis
Andy Williams
Leadership Category
Chisai Childs
Bill & Janet Dailey
The Herschend Family – Hugo & Mary
Jim Thomas
The Trimble Family – Dr. Bruce and Mary
Performing Groups
Baldknobbers
The Foggy River Boys
Presleys
Horizon Category
Joe Sullivan
The Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame is a not for profit organization recognizing Branson’s distinguished entertainment history, tradition, those who have had a significant impact on the Branson entertainment industry. The Hall’s board of directors is the sole voting body and selected the inaugural inductees from over 70 nominations.
For more information, contact the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame toll free at 866-922-FAME (3263) or locally at 417-336-FAME (3263), by email at info@bransonentertainmenthalloffame.com or visit www.bransonentertainmenthalloffame.com.
