Branson Terry Music Awards

by Joshua Heston

The Starlite Theatre became the perfect venue last Sunday night as Branson entertainers arrived in black limos and walked the red carpet before a lobby crowded with cheering fans.

“This is not a competition but a salute,” explains Terry Beene, creator of the Branson Terry Awards. Nominations are developed by an anonymous committee. Voting takes place the same way.

“We want to bring everybody back together,” furthers longtime show producer Chisai Childs. “We want people to have a good time. We want them to fellowship again!”

Fellowship they did.

Backstage was a flurry of last-minute scheduling changes punctuated by quick group selfies and hugs. Emotional moments were many, as were surprises. Kelli Roberts Riley, dancer with Silver Dollar City’s Cajun Connection and widow of beloved comedian Joey Riley, co-presented Comedian of the Year with last year’s winner, Terry Sanders.

Sanders presented while appearing as the late Joan Rivers.

An emotional Tamra Tinoco of The Magnificent Seven accepted Female Vocalist of the Year. Jason Pritchett, still riding the country charts with his rodeo-infused single, Good Show, recieved Male Vocalist of the Year. Statler Brothers Revisited (Roy Morris, Jamie Layton, Cody Boggs and Mike Walker) were surprised with there well-deserved win of Vocal Group of the Year.

Later that night, Billy Dean and Jim Stafford were welcomed on stage, accepting Lifetime Achievement and Twenty-Five Year Award, respectively. “The only problem with a Twenty-Five Year Award,” joked Stafford, “is that you have to wait 25 years to get one.”

Perhaps even more encouraging was the support showed by fans. Early in the evening, buses began pulling up out front, disgorging tourists ready for a night of live entertainment. Familiar faces were many as Branson neighbors and friends arrived, hugging entertainers and one another. In short order, the Starlite’s expansive seating was full nearly to capacity.

Ably emceed by veteran entertainers Mike Patrick and Jamie Haage, the three hours were fast-paced, regularly interspersed with songs by some of Branson’s best.

Without a doubt, the Branson Terry Awards grew up this year.

2015 Nominees & Winners

Nadia (of Ayo Voices of Glory) accepts Morning Show of the Year Award. Photo by Beckie Fairchild.

Morning Show of the Year: Ayo, Voices of Glory

• The Brett’s (Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre)
• Red, Hot & Blue (Clay Cooper Theater)
• A Tribute to John Denver, James Garrett (Little Opry Theatre, Branson IMAX)
• George Jones & Friends, George Geisser (Little Opry Theatre, Branson IMAX)
• Good Ol Boys (God & Country Theatre)
• George Dyer (Dutton Family Theatre)
• Always... Patsy Cline (God & Country Theatre)
• Down Home Country (Grand Country Square)
• AYO Voices of Glory (Hughes Brothers Theatre)

Female Vocalist of the Year: Tamra Tinoco

• Tamra Tinoco
• Jackie Brown
• Kimberly Barber
• Kari Garrison
• Tiffany Sassanella
• Shonna Bonds
• Melody Hart

Bass Guitar Player of the Year: Randy McConnell

• Randy McConnell
• Bruce Haynes
• Winston Blair
• Brent Mabe
• Marty Wilhite
• Scott Lancaster
• Mark Evans
• Randy Plummer
• Austin Wilson
• Larry Allred

Mike Patrick accepts Show of the Year as the cast for Grand Jubilee look on. The Grand Band wowed the audience throughout the evening while Patrick and Jamie Haage, both of Grand Jubilee, were emcees. Photo by Beckie Fairchild.

Show of the Year: Grand Jubilee

• The Haygoods
• Shoji Tabuchi
• Clay Cooper
• SIX
• Doug Gabriel
• The Duttons
• Billy Dean & Wild Horses
• Grand Jubilee
• Million Dollar Quartet
• The Hughes Brothers

Entertainer of the Year: Clay Cooper

• Clay Cooper
• Doug Gabriel
• Shoji Tabuchi
• Billy Dean
• Mike Walker
• Jamie Haage
• The Haygoods
• Rick Thomas
• AYO Voices of Glory
• Jim Stafford
• Million Dollar Quartet

October 17, 2015