McCoy named 2026 Founders' Week Ambassador

Branson is in the midst of celebrating a very special week. The city's Founders' Week is held each spring, as a way to honor and celebrate the entertainers, musical families and shows that helped Branson become the Live Music Show Capital of the World. Founders' Week runs from April 27 through May 4.

Founders' Week was created in 2022 by Marshall Howden, founder of the Song of Hope organization, to pay tribute to Branson's musical beginnings. The week is the perfect time remember and honor the families and musical acts who helped bring about Branson's nationwide acclaim.  

McCoy (FILE)

Every year, the Song of Hope Organization has selected a founding family or act to celebrate during Founders' Week. Those have included the Braschler Family (2023), the Plummer Family (2024) and the Lowe Family (2025). Each family was chosen for their valuable contributions to Branson's rich musical history.

This year, the Song of Hope Organization has selected Neal McCoy as the 2026 Founders' Week Ambassador for the City of Branson.

"Over the past several years, Founders' Week has recognized the families who, quite literally, built Branson into what it is today," explained Marshall Howden. "But, as this tradition continues to grow, so does its meaning. We are now expanding this honor beyond founding families to also recognize entertainers who embody the spirit, values and heart of Branson—those who have helped carry our legacy forward through performances, residencies and lasting connections with our community. And, few represent those values more clearly than Neal McCoy."

"Neal has spent years performing in Branson and connecting with our audiences, but even more than that, he represents something deeper—faith, patriotism and unwavering love for country," Howden continued. "For a decade, Neal has faithfully led the Pledge of Allegiance every single day on Facebook Live, a remarkable act of consistency and devotion that has inspired people across the nation. As we approach America's 250th birthday in 2026, it feels especially fitting to recognize someone whose life and platform so powerfully celebrate what this country stands for."

Neal McCoy has performed many shows throughout Branson with residencies and special concerts at some of the area's most popular venues. McCoy participated in—and was honored during—last year's Branson's Tribute to Glen Campbell, produced by the Song of Hope Organization.  

"This is more than a title—it is a recognition of those who help define 'Where My Heart Sings,'" noted Howden, "Congratulations, Neal. Branson is proud to call you one of our own."