KSPR Story on Lyle Mabe of Baldknobbers Death

Branson Reacts to Death of First Comedian, Lyle Mabe of Baldknobbers By KSPR News By Will Carter Story Created: Feb 27, 2010 at 1:52 PM CST Story Updated: Feb 27, 2010 at 10:22 PM CST (Branson, MO - Updated 10:15 PM) "With his passing, we've lost an icon," said Gary Ellison. At 71 years old Branson's first entertainer, Lyle Mabe, passed away Saturday, leaving a legacy behind. "Lyle was one of the funniest people you could ever be around. He was perhaps the best hillbilly story teller I've ever heard," said Ellison. Mabe and his brothers started the Baldknobbers show in 1959, bringing hillbilly humor mainstream. "The city slicker might try to come to town to take advantage of these ignorant hillbillies, but the hillbillies always got the last laugh. I think that's what the people enjoyed. They were every man," said Ellison. Gary Ellison worked with Mabe for more than 33 years, and met him while shooting a commercial for Empire Gas. He remembers Mabe as a kind and good-hearted man, who was more than just an entertainer. "He was not a big show-biz out-front blow hard. He did what he did and he did it very, very well. And that humbleness is missed in the entertainment business today," said Ellison. Lyle Mabe performed with the Baldknobbers from 1959 until his retirement in 1991, but his impact in Branson goes well beyond the theater walls, and much deeper into the city's entertainment district. Just down the road inside the Grand Country Jubilee, Mabe's impact is felt by performer Mike Patrick. "I grew up on Lyle Mabe and the Baldknobbers. I tell you, he was an incredible comedian, and certainly a pioneer in Branson show business, and a great loss for the Ozarks today," said Patrick. Patrick says Mabe and the Baldknobbers were an inspiration felt in every show on the strip. "I think a lot of the shows you see, the format, the style, a lot of that is contributed to the Baldknobbers," said Patrick. Now, more than 50 years after he helped cultivate a legacy, Lyle Mabe leaves his legacy behind. Mabe also performed on the opening day of Silver Dollar City, and played the Uncle at the opening of the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theater. The Baldknobbers Show celebrated 50 years in Branson in 2009. Mabe was 71 years old.