The Hortons: A legendary couple managing ‘Branson’s Legends’

The Hortons, Jeannie and Robb, have been managing and producing Branson’s legendary Legends in Concert show for over 25 years. They were kind enough to share a bit about their legendary journey in a recent interview, which is presented below in question and answer format with the questions asked by this writer (GG) and answers from Jeannie (JH) and Robb (RH) Horton.

Jeannie & Robb Horton (Photo submitted)

GG: Jeannie, where did you receive your early education in music?

JH: My career in entertainment management began with a foundation in music education at the University of Montana.

GG: Jeannie, what type of company did you work for early in your career?

JH: My early professional experiences included work with Premier Cruise Lines, the official cruise line of Walt Disney World, in the 1990s as youth director and later as social hostess.

GG: Robb, where did you begin your entertainment career?

RH: My entertainment career began as a performer, notably playing Elwood of the Blues Brothers for Legends in Concert, beginning in 1982.

GG: How did you two first meet?

RH: We met 34 years ago working onboard a cruise ship. Jeannie was there for Premier Cruise Lines, and I was performing as Elwood of the Blues Brothers for Legends in Concert.

GG: When did you first work for Legends in Concert?

JH: I first started working for Legends in Concert in Hawaii in 1993 working in International Sales and Operations. Prior to moving to Branson, Rob and I worked and performed in the shows in Daytona Beach and Atlantic City.

GG: How long have you been the general manager of Legends in Concert in Branson?

JH: I have been the general manager of the Branson location since February 2000.

GG: What motivated your move to Branson?

JH: A desire to start a family and raise our children in a small town.

GG: Rob, what is your primary role at Legends in Concert in Branson?

RH: I am the production manager for Legends in Concert in Branson and oversee a production staff of over 25 employees and entertainers.

GG: What are some of your responsibilities as a production manager?

RH: I am responsible for the technical execution of the show, ensuring high standards. My expertise encompasses lighting, sound, stage management and special effects. This expertise resulted from my 18 years of performing on stage for Legends in Concert around the world.

GG: How does your background as a performer influence your current role?

RH: My background as a performer gives me a unique perspective on the needs of both cast and crew, fostering a collaborative backstage environment.

GG: How have you two worked together for all of these years?

JH: We have mutual respect for each other and the unique skill sets we bring to the table. We have the same vision for success and feel incredibly blessed to be able to work together.

GG: Jeannie, beyond your role at the theater, what other organizations are you involved with in Branson?

JH: I serve on the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB Board of Directors, the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County, and I am a member of the Branson Show Task Force, composed of leadership from the live music show community.

GG: What additional specific duty do you perform related to the theater’s lobby?

JH: I oversee the memorabilia collection in the theater’s lobby.

GG: What types of items are in that collection?

JH: It includes contracts on the walls, pictures and unique items worn by people like Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.

GG: How would you describe the collection?

JH: I say it’s like a museum, and sources describe it as a living museum that celebrates music history.

GG: How many performances will the Pepsi Legends Theater host during 2025?

JH: The theater hosts over 575 performances this year. This includes Legends in Concert (320 shows), SIX (232 shows), Man in Black (27 shows), Buckets and Boards (12 shows), and Cassandre (nine shows). In addition, we have other limited engagements, such as the Annual Elvis Festival and “A Tribute to Taylor Swift Music (Legends’ version)” performed by Elizabeth Bennett on July 4 and December 28.

GG: What was the former name of the Pepsi Legends Theater in Branson?

JH: Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

GG: When did the theater get renamed to Pepsi Legends Theater?

JH: A (Both): The christening of the theater to the Pepsi Legends Theater was on February 8, 2024, resulting from a new sponsorship with PepsiCo.

GG: How did the name change come about?

JH: We had partnered with Pepsi for over 25 years in Branson, providing quality beverages, so forming this sponsorship was a natural evolution and an ideal fit for our theater and operations.