Comedian Bob Nelson stars on Gene Williams TV Show Johnny Lee makes guest appearance

Emmy Award-winning Comedian Bob Nelson and "Lookin' for Love" Johnny Lee keep things hopping during the next telecast of the Lucas Oil sponsored "Gene Williams Country Music Television Show." "Laughter is key for this week's show that now takes Branson to more than 50 million households nationwide and Puerto Rico and Canada," said Williams, who is the host, creator and star of the show. "From Radio City Music Hall, Las Vegas, The Ford Theater, Carnegie Hall, Broadway, 'The Merv Griffin Show,' 'The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,' HBO and movies 'Kindergarten Cop,' 'This is My Life' and 'Brain Donors' to his own Branson show, Bob Nelson is hilarious." Johnny Lee stops in to sing with Katie Lynn, Williams' co-host, and Williams' band, the Country Junction Band. Lee is making country music history by starring in his own show that will open Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Gene Williams Theatre, the former Branson Hall of Fame Theatre, at the Branson Mall. Tickets are now on sale at the box office of the theater recently opened by Williams where his weekly television show is taped live before a studio audience and where he is now showcasing several live shows: Mark Aldred Variety Show at 10 a.m., The Sweethearts of Branson at 2 p.m. and Gary Welch Live at 8 p.m. This week's broadcast with Nelson and Lee of Williams' syndicated TV series is May 3 and 4. (EDITOR'S CHECK LOCAL TV LISTINGS BELOW) The next live taping of the "Gene Williams Country Music Television Show" is May 18 at 2 p.m. at the Gene Williams Theatre. Admission for the studio audience is free and the doors open at 1:30 p.m. Williams' television guests have included Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash's band The Tennessee Three, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent and Wanda Jackson. Williams' career is filled with milestones. He was presented the key to his hometown, Dyess, Ark., and a historical marker in appreciation for his support to help preserve the town's history. A historical building there will be used for a museum recognizing the town's significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams. He was recognized for his community commitment to the industry and presented an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College. He has also been honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community. Nominated for induction into two halls of fame, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Williams was named Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year in 1961 and inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Nov. 10, 1993. He has worked with such greats as Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene. He also recently received the key to the City of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., and was honored at the annual Founders Day celebration in Horseshoe Bend where Williams founded the Music Mountain Theater some 40 years ago. The honors were in appreciation of his work to bring significant country entertainment to the resort community during its early development. Roy Acuff, Jim Ed Brown, Mickey Gilley, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Hank Thompson, Buck Trent, Porter Wagoner, Tom T. Hall, Ernest Tubb and Faron Young are among those who performed on the stage of this historic theater under Williams' guidance. Williams' co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the "Mickey Gilley Show." She has worked with Gilley for more than eight years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest stars perform weekly on the television show with the Country Junction Band. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com