America mourns the loss of an entertainer with ties to the Branson area.
Anita Bryant, a talented vocalist and entertainer and a Christian activist, passed away recently, at the age of 84.
Bryant is best known for her hits such as "Paper Roses," "My Little Corner of the World," and "Wonderland by Night." She was a popular gospel recording artist, a beauty pageant winner, and a spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission, touting the benefits of Florida orange juice.
In 1991, Bryant opened the "Anita Bryant Show" in Eureka Springs, and soon after, The Anita Bryant Theater was opened in Branson, where Bryant enjoyed entertaining thousands of visitors. Known as America's Sweetheart, Bryant was well-loved in the music mecca, where she was known for her music, her humor and her energy.
Bryant's name was attached to two different theaters in Branson. In the heart of the music district, Bryant made her musical home at the theater previously occupied by Jim Stafford and later John Davidson. The theater would ultimately become Branson's Caravelle Theatre on 76 Country Boulevard. Bryant also performed for a time at the theater now known as the Star Concert Hall, located at the west end of the Branson Strip, near Olive Garden. The theater has been the home of Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and many other music greats.
Some of Bryant's career highlights included performing at the half-time show during SuperBowl V in 1971, co-hosting the Orange Bowl parade for nine consecutive years, and performing at the graveside service for President Lyndon B. Johnson.
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