Branson favorite returns for one night only

A young man with strong ties to Branson will return for a performance this September.

Radney Pennington grew up performing on the stages of Branson. Pennington began entertaining at age three. Known as Little Elvis, or Little E, Pennington's first Branson job was at Playtime Pizza. He was compensated for his singing with a go-cart ride. Pennington would remain at Playtime Pizza for three years before moving to Cakes and Creams, where owners John and Cristi Moore hired the young singer to entertain the diners.

Pennington (Photo courtesy legendsinconcert.com)

Pennington also performed regularly at Incredible Pizza in Springfield, The Branson Mall and Uptown Cafe. He was the understudy for Elvis on Branson's Million Dollar Quartet show and filled in from time to time at Legends in Concert.

Pennington often appeared on the stages of other Branson shows. He met Mickey Gilley when he was just three years old and became a special guest on Gilley's shows, as well as a close personal friend until Gilley's death. He also performed as a special guest of Dalena Ditto, Doug Gabriel, James Garrett and Jim Stafford. Radney appeared on the Gene Williams' television show and appeared on Kevin Shorey's Gospel show each week.

Radney, who credits Tony Roi for inspiring him to become an Elvis tribute artist, was the youngest person to record at Sun Records, at the young age of five, and has been featured on numerous radio and television shows as well as many print publications.

With help and support from his mom, AnnaLee, his aunt Heather, and his grandparents Olive and Doug, Radney became a well-known name in Branson at a very young age. He also had a built-in cheerleader in his niece, Gracelin, who attended most of Pennington's performances.

A Branson favorite for years, Pennington has spent recent years performing on the road, but is returning to Branson for one night only.

Pennington will be live in concert, along with a live band, on September 11 at The Showroom at the Branson Meadows. His concert will feature tributes to many of your favorite artists, along with a special tribute to Elvis.

Make plans now to see Radney Pennington in concert on Friday, September 11, at The Showroom at Branson Meadows, 4600 Gretna Road in Branson. For tickets, call 417-544-0071 or visit their website, theshowroombranson.com. Showtime is 8 p.m.