Branson resident and entertainer will be greatly missed

Branson's entertainment community is mourning the loss of one of their own.

Jo Ann Castle, one of the stars of the beloved Lawrence Welk Show, passed away recently, at the age of 86. Castle was a well-known and cherished member of the Branson community, having relocated to the area in the mid 1990s.

Castle, a gifted performer and musician, began entertaining in her hometown of Bakersfield, California, at just three years of age. Castle was introduced to legendary entertainer and television personality Lawrence Welk in 1959 and soon became a permanent member of Welk's television show. Lawrence Welk insisted that his show be clean and wholesome, and feature easy-listening music by a "family" of wholesome singers, dancers and entertainers, and the beautiful, blonde Jo Ann Castle fit the bill perfectly. Castle was featured each week performing her signature ragtime music on her elaborately decorated piano, or doing skits where she enjoyed singing and dancing. She would stay with the long-running television show until 1969.  

In 1994, the Lawrence Welk Champagne Theater opened in Branson, with a show featuring some of the original stars of the Lawrence Welk Show. Castle joined The Lennon Sisters, Ralna English and a long list of rotating stars like Jack Imel, Guy Hovis, Mary Lou Metzger, Ava Barber and others at the Welk-owned theater. The stars were accompanied on stage by an amazing orchestra, and together they brought the music of the Lawrence Welk Show back to life. Castle was a show favorite, delighting the audience each night with her dynamic performances at the piano. The live show was a mainstay in Branson, popular with the many motor coaches that visited the area, and would continue for 11 seasons.  

Castle also performed as a guest star with Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra, on RFD - TV's “The Jimmy Sturr Show,” often taped in Branson.  

Castle carried many titles—daughter, wife, mother and entertainer. She was lauded as the World's Greatest Female Accordionist. She was well regarded as the Queen of the Ragtime Piano. Yet, here in Branson, Jo Ann Castle was best known as neighbor and friend. She will be greatly missed.