Gene Williams Country TV Show’ features band members Tony Carson, Doug Wright

The New Best of Gene Williams Country Television Show wraps up this weekend with the Gene Williams Country Junction Band featuring two band members, Tony Carson and Doug Wright, before new shows begin celebrating Williams' return to the studio following a lengthy hiatus recommended by his physician. Williams returned to work last Wednesday to record three episodes of the weekly, award-winning show that was taped live in Branson, Mo., for almost eight years. "Our biggest change for the show is the new taping location. For years we have taped on location in Branson, but due to the economy we moved to the NBC affiliate KY3 studios in Springfield," said Williams. "I'm pleased to feature my band with the very talented Tony Carson and Doug Wright that will be telecast Aug. 29-30.That ends the best of series and our new shows will begin in September." Williams began his country music television show in Arkansas almost 50 years ago and for the past eight years has taped the show in Branson live before a studio audience. Guests have included the late Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Johnny Lee, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash's band The Tennessee Three, the Blackwood Brothers, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, "Diamond" Dave Somerville, Little Jimmy Dickens, the late Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent and Wanda Jackson. Katie Lynn, Williams' co-host, 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. She is finishing her fifth CD release titled Me and Jesus Laughing. 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. Williams' career is filled with milestones: · was featured in the June 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens as a nostalgia experience in a live television show · To be inducted in 2009 into the George D. Hay Music Hall of Fame along with Loretta Lynn and Mike Snider · A road named after him by his hometown Dyess, Ark., following a 2007 key to the city presentation and a historical marker recognizing for his support to help preserve the town's history. A historical building in Dyess will be a museum recognizing former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams. Grand marshal in the first Dyess Christmas Parade 2008 · A Gold Record presented by fans for the #1 classic country music show in America · Key to the city of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., for his work to bring significant country entertainment to the resort community during its early development and April 11, 2009, was named Gene Williams Day · Holds a record in Arkansas of having nine days proclaimed Gene Williams Day · Presented an honorary doctorate in television and broadcast communications · From St. Martins College for his community commitment to the industry · Honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in the tourism, entertainment and communities · Nominated for induction into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame · Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year in 1961 · Member of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 1993 · 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 · Made two movies: Country Music Jamboree and the Sound of Country Music that starred more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars http://MissouriNetizen.com http://www.bransonedge.com http://bransonmissouri.missourinetizen.com