The Bald Knobbers and Branson

Almost everyone visiting popular family friendly adventures, enjoying fun activities, or taking a thrilling boat adventure in Branson may discover that the “Baldknobbers” was Branson’s first show, “the show that started it all.”

However, long before there was a Baldknobbers Jamboree or the city of Branson was incorporated on April 1, 1912, the "Bald Knobbers" had already become infused into the history and legend of the Ozarks and the region has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in America.

Something nice ended up going horribly wrong, as is frequently the case. To defend the residents of Taney County from the activities of the "outlaws" who had moved into the area, a group of men led by Nathaniel Kinney organized an organization in 1883.

They were referred to as "Bald Knobbers" because of their unusual masks and because they first met in a bald area at the summit of one of the mountains. They achieved their first goal and, as a result, obtained a significant amount of what is now referred to as "political power."

They, unfortunately, became their own law, to the point when Kinney shot one of the "anti-Bald Knobber" leaders in "cold blood." It was justified as "self-defense" because they had gained so much power.

The original Taney County Bald Knobbers were disbanded under the direction of the Missouri Governor's office after their vigilante tactics cost them public support. Ironically, Kinney was killed by an assassin hired by an "anti-Bald Knobber" group even though the Bald Knobbers he founded had been disbanded, and his killer was exonerated on self-defense.

If not for Harold Bell Wright's seminal book "Shepherd of the Hills," which was released in 1907 and starred the Bald Knobbers as the antagonists, this might have been a little-noticed historical event.

One may argue that the book and the visitors it attracted to the Branson region to see the places it described were the original "sparks" of tourism for the area, which over time developed into the Branson of today with everything it offers.

The Shepherd of Hills Outdoor Drama, performed in 1959 on the actual property where Harold Bell Wright penned his book, brought Wright's work to life in an uplifting and stunning way. With its performance on October 25, 2014, this action-packed, inspirational drama will wrap up its 55th season.

It features a cast of almost 100 actors, an outdoor stage almost the size of a football field, galloping horses, a buckboard, and the "Bald Knobbers," who burn a cabin every night.

In 1960, the Mabe family decided to start a show to provide evening entertainment for the tourists who were coming to the Branson area as a result of a new theme park that had just opened, Silver Dollar City, and the completion of Table Rock Dam with its resulting 43,000 plus square acre Table Rock Lake. This magnificent lake is ideal for water enthusiasts who want to enjoy a boat adventure in Branson.

Historically, Bob Mabe, one of the band's founding members, claimed that he came up with the name "Baldknobbers" and that it "was chosen from the book." However, he added, "I wished afterward that I had said the "Mabe Brothers" instead because there are four of us brothers [Bill, Bob, Jim, and Lyle]."

The Baldknobbers delighted guests with their distinct style of music and humor for the first time in Branson next to Lake Taneycomo in 1959, and they have continued to do so ever since. The family legacy still dazzles audiences with everything from classic country music to hilarious comedy and today's biggest hits. The Baldknobbers have a cast of musicians, dynamic singers, comedians, and performers that play current and vintage country hits and funny material.

They perform some funniest comedies, your favorite tunes, and the best country music live. The move of what was originally family entertainment from the historic Branson City Hall to the well-known Highway 76 Strip helped the region become one of the most well-liked vacation spots in the Midwest. Watching the Baldknobbers is the next best thing to do following an exhilarating boat adventure in Branson.

Today's tourists have learned that Branson is home to more than 50 theaters, many of which present live music, comedy, variety, and magic performances. In fact, it’s hard to believe that Broadway in New York City has fewer theater seats than Branson does. Branson debuted its first show in 1959 with the appearance of the Mabe Brothers in the Baldknobbers Jamboree, today known as Branson's Famous Baldknobbers.

Presley's Country Jubilee was the first music venue constructed on Highway 76 (also known as "The Strip") in Branson. The Baldknobbers and Presley's Country Jubilee still play in the original venues on the Strip off Highway 76. In Branson, numerous performers, such as The Lennon Sisters and The Osmonds, often appear.

Tourists who have just visited this exciting city don't hesitate to come again to Branson because of the numerous top-notch live acts it offers, family friendly adventures and great shows including the new Branson's Famous Baldknobbers.