Bill Mabe Dies

Bill Mabe, a co-founder of the Baldknobbers Jamboree Show in Branson, Mo., died April 21st at his home in Nixa. Mabe, 74, had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

He and his brothers, Bill, Lyle and Bob, co-founded the country music and comedy show in 1959. In ’68, the group built its own theatre, which now seats 1,700.

Mabe played Dobro guitar and sang with the group until he retired from performing in the 1990s, but he remained with the show as a producer.

The Baldknobbers are credited with helping build Branson into the entertainment mecca it is today.