Branson mourns the loss of a music legend.
Darrell Plummer, patriarch of The Plummer family and father of Branson's Randy Plummer—a favorite Branson entertainer, passed away on Sunday, the result of a short illness.
Darrell Plummer, along with his wife Rosie and children Randy and Melody, opened Branson's third family theater. Darrell and his family were true pioneers in the Branson entertainment field.
The Plummer family had visited Branson in 1971 and fell in love with the area and the music. Feeling that this was a great place to enjoy a fulfilling career in the music industry, Darrell and the family moved to Branson, where they opened The Plummer Family Country Music Show on May 26, 1973. Darrell played rhythm guitar, Rosie played accordion and keyboards, Randy performed on bass guitar and Melody on a variety of instruments, including lead guitar, fiddle and more. All four were gifted vocalists, as well.
Darrell Plummer was no stranger to the stage. Prior to relocating to Branson, Darrell and Rosie had entertained on stages across the region, performing as a duo until their children showed an interest in—and talent for—music.
The Plummer Family Music Show was a staple on Branson's 76 strip. Until Darrell and Rosie Plummer retired from the stage and sold their theater, theirs had been one of the longest-running and most popular shows in Branson history. Renamed the Americana Theater, the venue welcomed country star Moe Bandy and is now home to C.J. Newsom's Classic Country and Comedy Show, as well as a host of other shows, The Americana Theater continues to draw crowds today, just as it did so many years ago.
After leaving their theater, Darrell and wife Rosie returned to their home of Knob Lick, MO, but continued to perform on a less rigorous schedule in their hometown. They also reunited for Plummer Family Reunion Shows in Branson from time to time.
While music was a big part of Darrell Plummer's life, his faith and his family were always his biggest priorities. Darrell and Rosie recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Darrell was a proud father to Randy and Melody, as well as a loving grandfather and great-grandfather.
Son Randy penned a song in 1997 to honor his father. The song, entitled “A Strong Man,” includes the following lyrics: "People thought him crazy when he got the ranch sold and moved us out to Branson to start a country music show. And, he kept right on a truckin' and he did it every day and he'd tell me to try to get ahead and there just ain't no easy way. 'Cause he's a strong man. You ain't never seen someone just like my dad, and I am quite a fan. A strong man. You ain't never seen someone just like this man—someone just like my dad."
The staff of the Branson Globe offers our most sincere condolences to Rosie, Melody and Randy, and all of Darrell Plummer's family and friends.
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