Exile

Exile was formed in 1963 while the members were still in high school. At that time they were known as “The Exiles”.

From 1965-1968, they found themselves touring with “The Dick Clark Caravan Of Stars”, opening for many of the top rock-n-roll acts of the time.

In 1976 they changed their name to simply “Exile” and had some regional hits around Kentucky. Then in 1978, they had their smash hit Kiss You All Over, which was on the charts for 23 weeks, while at number 1 for a month. Their follow up reached the top 40, but they could never match that success again as a rock band.

Give Me One More Chance Video

For the next few years, they toured with big names, and had success in Europe and South Africa both on tour and on the charts.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, big name country stars began to score hits with Exile songs. Dave and Sugar, Alabama, Janie Fricke, The Forester Sisters and Kenny Rogers all had great success with these.

In 1983, Exile made the switch to country music and never looked back.

Their first country song that charted, was High Cost Of Leaving, which reached number 27. It was followed by 10 number 1 hits, Woke Up In Love, I Don't Want To Be A Memory, Give Me One More Chance, Crazy For Your Love, She's A Miracle, Hang On To Your Heart, I Could Get Used To You, It'll Be Me, She's Too Good To Be True, and I Can't Get Close Enough."

In the 90’s, the group grew weary of being on the road and disbanded, but after a few years, it was brought back together with a combination of old and new members.

Exile is currently touring the country. I say why don’t they move from their home base in Kentucky and plant some roots in Branson, MO. There is no doubt in my mind, that they could host their own theater and pack the house every night. What do you think???

F. M.

Highway 101

Highway 101 hit it big in 1987. With a unique sound created mainly by lead singer Paulette Carlson, the group has tried to maintain the sound through many incarnations.

Although I feel the group only had this sound with her in the band, they did have many hits in the ‘80s and ‘90s with and without her.

From their first top five hit in 1987, The Bed You Made for Me, then, Whiskey, If You Were a Woman, (my personal favorite), through their last top five hit Walkin', Talkin', Cryin' Barely Beatin' Broken Heart, in 1990, they had a great fan base.

Who's Lonely Now Video

Other hits include, Somewhere Tonight, Cry, Cry, Cry, (Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes, and their final number 1, Who's Lonely Now.

Highway 101 probably could not fill their own Branson Theater on a regular basis, but I am sure they could share one and be a very successful addition to Branson.

F. M.

Mel McDaniel

After honing his skills for years around Tulsa, OK, Mel McDaniel went off to Nashville, Anchorage, AK and then back to Nashville.

He wrote songs for Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers and Bobby Goldsboro. Then in 1976 he signed a record deal with Capital.

Through the ‘70s and ‘80s he scored such hits as Louisiana Saturday Night, Big Ole Brew, Hello Daddy, Good Morning Darlin’, Take Me to the Country and I Call It Love.

Louisiana Saturday Night Video

Then in 1984, Mel McDaniel had the smash number 1 hit, Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On. I remember sitting in my car listening to KVOO 1170 AM from Tulsa, OK, when I heard radio legend, Billy Parker predict that the song was destined for number 1. I was thinking that I did not feel it was his best song, and if his others had not made it to the top, that surely that song wouldn’t. Boy was I wrong. It skyrocketed to the top.

Later Mel recorded Let It Roll and Stand Up.

In 1996, Mel had a near fatal auto accident that took several years to recover from.

He did recover and now has a very busy tour schedule.

I feel that Mel McDaniel would be a major hit with a Branson theater.

F. M.

Lacy J Dalton

Lacy J Dalton has one of the most distinctive voices in country music. Her string of hits in the ‘80s were so recognizable, no one could mistake her voice or style.

She credits Bob Dylan and Joan Baez as being great influences on her music.

After performing in the '60s, in a Bay Area psychedelic rock band called Office, calling herself Jill Croston, she reinvented herself as a country performer in the late ‘70s, adopting her stage name of Lacy J Dalton.

Lacy J Dalton & George Jones Video

Lacy had such hits as Hard Times, Tennessee Waltz, Hillbilly Girl with the Blues, the number two smash Takin' It Easy, 16th Avenue, and Everybody Makes Mistakes (all but Tennessee Waltz made the Top Ten). Her final top 10 hit was Dream Baby(How Long Must I Dream) in 1983.

Although Lacy J Dalton has not had a major hit in 2 decades, her voice is still recognizable by most country fans. I say that there is a Branson theater that is just waiting for Lacy’s talents and singing style.

F. M.

Vern Gosdin

Vern Gosdin is commonly referred to as “The Voice”. After listening to just one of his songs, you will understand why.

In the ‘60s Vern bounced around with different groups singing gospel and bluegrass. However it was not until the early ‘80s that he became a consistent top ten performer. In 1983 Vern had 2 top 5 hits with If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right), and Way Down Deep. Then in 1984 he had his first number 1, I Can Tell By The Way You Dance (You’re Gonna Love Me Tonight).

Love Me Right To The End Video

After a slow time in the mid ‘80s, Vern Gosdin hit the top 10 again in 1987 with Do You Believe Me Now? Then in 1988 he reached number 1 again with Set ‘Em Up Joe (which is my personal favorite). Then in 1989 his Chiseled In Stone, won the CMA song of the year.

Vern does some occasional touring. He would be a great asset to Branson, maybe not as a solo in a theater, but could definitely share one for a great evening show.

F. M.

Lynn Anderson

A lot of people do not remember that Lynn Anderson spent her early years performing on the Lawrence Welk Show. She had several top 10 hits and then in 1968 Promises, Promises went to number 1. Then in 1970 she released her signature song, (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden, which was a huge hit and made her a superstar at the time. She had other number 1 hits such as You’re My Man, How Can I Unlove You, Cry, Keep Me In Mind, Top Of The World, and What a Man My Man Is.

Rose Garden Video

Lynn Anderson has had struggles in her personal life but appears to have that behind her now. She still does a little recording and performs on tour.
Although I feel Lynn would be a great fit in Branson, I do think she would have to have an afternoon show. She just doesn’t have the following to have her own night time show.



F. M.

Ronnie Milsap

Anyone who is familiar with country music, or music in general, knows that Ronnie Milsap was born blind. Fortunately for us, he did not let this handicap keep him from pursuing a career in music.

In 1975, Ronnie released his first number one hit, Pure Love. He followed that with another number 1, Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends. The next year he scored yet another number one with a remake of (I’d Be) a Legend In My Time.

Lost In The Fifties Tonight Video

Other Ronnie Milsap hits include, Daydreams About Night Things, What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down, (I'm a) Stand By My Woman Man, Smokey Mountain Rain, and Lost In the Fifties Tonight for a total of 40 number one hits which ranks him 3rd behind only George Strait and Conway Twitty.

Ronnie actually taped some videos at The Grand Palace in the ‘90s and has passed through Branson a few other times.

Is there any doubt that Ronnie Milsap would be a major headliner in his own theater?

F. M.

Donna Fargo

In 1972 Donna Fargo scored her first number 1 hit with The Happiest Girl In the Whole U.S.A. This was a song that was in sharp contrast with the drinking and cheating songs that were being performed at the time. It hit the air waves at a time when the mood in our family was not very “happy”. But when it played on the radio, it would make things seem a little more optimistic. Donna followed this hit with another "happy" song, Funny Face.

Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A. Video

Donna had other hits such as You Were Always There, Superman, You Can't Be a Beacon If Your Light Don't Shine, Little Girl Gone, It Do Feel Good and Don't Be Angry. Other Donna Fargo hits included, That Was Yesterday(her last #1 in 1977), Mocking Bird Hill, Shame On Me, Do I Love You(Yes In Every Way), Another Goodbye, and Somebody Special.

Donna continued with recordings throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. She has also recorded patriotic and gospel songs.

Donna Fargo would be a great headlining act in Branson with a perfect theater to get “happy” in.

F. M.

John Conlee

Just about anyone who has heard of John Conlee has heard him referred to as the singing mortician. Well it is true that he was a licensed mortician as a young man. We are fortunate that he did not choose that as a career path. After a few unimpressive releases, John hit it big in 1978 with Rose Colored Glasses, which Conlee wrote.

Rose Colored Glasses Video

In 1979 ABC re-released Back Side of Thirty, which this time went to number 1. After that, a string of hits followed including, Lady Lay Down, Before My Time, Friday Night Blues, Miss Emily’s Picture, Busted, the eerie I Don’t Remember Loving You, Common Man, I’m Only In It For The Love, In My Eyes, As Long As I’m Rocking With You, Years After You, Domestic Life, Mama’s Rockin Chair, Hit the Ground Runnin, and Fellow Travelers.

John is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and performs there regularly, as well as doing some touring.

I feel that John Conlee could easily pack them in for a night time show in Branson.

F. M.

Juice Newton

I purchased Juice Newton’s 1981 breakout album and nearly ran the needle through it...that’s right, it was a vinyl record…..haha I still have that album. When I first became aware of Juice, I referred to her as a hippie singing country.......But she SURE could sing country...........

That album included the hits Angel of the Morning, Queen of Hearts and The Sweetest Thing.

The Sweetest Thing Video

I dedicate this video to my wife, who IS the sweetest thing I have ever known!!!!!..I love you.

Juice had many more hits throughout the ‘80’s including Break It To Me Gently, Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard On Me, and Tell Me True.

While researching for this article on Juice, I was reminded again how powerful and captivating her voice can be. She pours her heart and soul into every song.

Juice Newton remains a top performer on stage, and also has continued her recording career. Recently, she has been touring with Pam Tillis who has spent quite a bit of time in Branson, and is scheduled to return in 2008. Maybe Pam will tell Juice what a great place Branson is and we will be seeing her real soon.

F. M.

Joe Diffie

BREAKING NEWS—It was announced in November 2007 that Joe Diffie will be performing at the Yakov theater in the fall of 2008. He said he wants to spend more time with his family and he felt that Branson is the perfect location to do that and still be able to perform….. Joe may very well be the hottest star ever to perform full time in Branson. We say “Welcome to Branson”.

Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox Video

After finding some success as a songwriter, Joe Diffie found hits singing such songs as Home, If You Want Me To, If The Devil Danced In Empty Pockets, and New Way To Light Up An Old Flame.

Then he began to show a different side with such hits as Pick-up Man, John Deere Green , Third Rock From The Sun , Bigger Than The Beatles and Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die). He also had a major hit with George Jones called I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair.


Joe is currently on the Rockin' Roadhouse Tour with Aaron Tippin and Mark Chestnut.
Branson is waiting for the likes of Joe Diffie.




F. M.

Kentucky HeadHunters

The Kentucky Headhunters were one of those groups that spent over 20 years becoming an over night success.

Forming in 1968, it wasn’t until 1990 that they had their first national hit with Dumas Walker, which reached number 15. That was followed by Oh, Lonesome Me, which reached number 8. The band picked up CMA Awards in 1990 and 1991 for vocal group.

The band began to go through transitions and have had trouble gaining traction on the charts ever since.

Dumas Walker Video

Their long hair and odd name do not fit into the traditional country mold.

However, they do have a following and I believe they would be a hit in Branson, even if they were more of an afternoon act instead of a night time headliner.

F. M.

Steve Wariner

Steve began his career by playing guitar for Dottie West at age 17.


I was privileged to see Steve Wariner as his career was taking off in 1981 at a venue called Duke’s Country (the same place that Ronnie Dunn cut his teeth as the house band for several years) in Tulsa, OK. I knew then he was destined for great things. A year later, he was setting atop the charts with All Roads Lead To You.

In the late ‘90s, Steve was once again making a name for himself as a song writer penning such hits as Longneck Bottle (which he sung as a duet with Garth Brooks) and Nothin’ But the Taillights with Clint Black.

Life's Highway Video

Wariner then signed with Capitol Records and offered Holes in the Floor of Heaven, which won the CMA single and song of the year in 1998. A collaboration with Asleep at the Wheel brought Wariner his second Grammy in 1999.


Steve joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996.

I say Steve should pack up and move a few hundred miles northwest and open a theater in Branson and let thousands of old and new fans enjoy his music live.


F. M.

Captain & Tennille

I know, I know, the Captain and Tennille are not classic country artists. However, neither are Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Wayne Newton or Yakov Smirnoff, but these stars have had very successful theaters in Branson. Besides, I just happen to like them…..

Toni and Daryl released their first album in 1974 and stardom quickly followed, taking top honors at the 1975 Grammy Awards by winning Record of the Year for Love Will Keep Us Together, which was also a comeback of sorts for Neil Sedaka.

Love Will Keep Us Together Video

Captain & Tennille recorded numerous follow-up, hit singles including: Muskrat Love, Shop Around, The Way I Want To Touch You, You’ve Never Done It Like That, Do That To Me One More Time, and Come In From The Rain. In 1976, the duo landed their own weekly variety television series on ABC, “The Captain & Tennille Show,” which I thought was very entertaining.

Although they have not had a hit in nearly 3 decades, they continue to tour and do special performances. I say they need to head that tour bus to Branson, MO and park it at a theater and stay a while.

F. M.

Barbara Mandrell

I believe that Barbara Mandrell is truly one of the queens of country music. While experiencing most of her success in the ‘70s and ‘80s, she is still a fan favorite and a big draw at concerts.

She is probably best known for her #1 hit, I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool, but also had several other chart toppers including Sleeping Single in a Double Bed and (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right.

She also found success with her own variety show which also featured her sisters, Louise and Irlene.

In 1984, Barbara nearly lost her life in a head on auto accident that also involved her 2 children. After a year long recovery, she resumed her career.

I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool Video

I attended one of Barbara’s concerts with Lee Greenwood in the early ‘80s and was thoroughly entertained. Also, on a side note, one of her other big hits, You Can Eat Crackers In My Bed, is a song that my best friend Arnold still thinks he should receive royalties from(an inside joke).

Barbara would be sure to pack them in to her own theater in Branson every time the doors opened. Come on Barbara, do us all a favor and move to Branson !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

F. M.

Marie Osmond

My first knowledge that the Osmond family included a girl was in 1973 when Marie recorded the number one hit Paper Roses. It was such a hit with me that I chose it as my favorite song in my senior spotlight in 1977. I am not sure if it was the song or the singer that made the most impression on me……….haha

Paper Roses Video

In 1976 “The Donnie and Marie Show” debuted and lasted until 1981. This show made her a major star, not only in music but also on T.V. Also, it led to several acting roles on stage and in several T. V. movies.




In 1985, Marie was back on the top of the charts. There’s No Stopping Your Heart, which featured two #1 country hits: the title track and Meet Me In Montana, (a duet with Dan Seals which won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo of the Year award). I Only Wanted You (1986) earned her a CMA Vocal Duo of the Year nomination this time with Paul Davis for the #1 country hit “You’re Still New to Me.”

More recently Marie has produced a popular doll collection. She has also made big waves with her “Dancing with the Stars” performances, where she finished 3rd (I actually thought Jennie Garth should have filled the 3rd spot). Marie is now on tour with her brothers, and will be a part of the “Dancing with the Stars” tour. Also, she may be reuniting with brother Donnie for a Las Vegas show (why not in Branson???).

Marie’s brothers had a theater in Branson for years, and Jimmy tapes some shows for PBS from Branson.

I feel that Marie would be a big hit in Branson, especially if she teamed up with Dan Seals once again. She could now include some of those dance moves in her show………….

F. M.

Gene Watson

My first recollection of Gene Watson was in 1974 when he released the edgy Love in the Hot Afternoon. This was a song that had been rejected by many established artist because of its steamy overtones, but Gene took a risk and it paid off many times over.

Love in the Hot Afternoon Video

Gene followed up with such hits as Farewell Party (my personal favorite), Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy), Paper Rosie, and Nothing Sure Looked Good on You. It wasn’t until 1982 that he recorded his only number 1 hit, Fourteen Carat Mind.

In the ‘80s, Gene also had top 10 hits such as, Speak Softly (You’re Talking to My Heart), and You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without.

Gene has recorded several albums and CDs since, and tours occasionally.

I feel Gene Watson would be a perfect fit in Branson. With his pure country voice, and a string of hits, he would be sure to fill his own theater over and over again.

F.M.