Two Branson music greats honored at Josie Awards
Branson's own Tony Orlando recently added another to the long list of awards he has received when he was presented the Icon Award during the annual Josie Music Awards.
The Josie Awards ceremony is recognized as one of the most important in the independent music industry, as well as musical legends, celebrating all genres of music and bringing together thousands of recording artists and industry professionals.
The Icon Award is one of the most prestigious honors given at the Josie Awards ceremony and it is meant to celebrate artists who have had a long-lasting impact on the music industry. Orlando's musical career began in the 1950s and included such hits as Candida, Knock Three Times and the best-selling hit Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.
The music legend toured extensively throughout the country, including residencies in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He also received much acclaim for his performances on Broadway. Orlando retired from touring in 2024, but remains active in many aspects of the music and entertainment fields.
Locally, Orlando, a long-time resident of the Branson area, headlined shows at his own Yellow Ribbon Theatre for many years. Orlando's show was very popular with the motorcoach groups and individuals who flocked to Branson for the country's best entertainment. Orlando also worked hand-in-hand with community leaders to transform Veterans Week into the nationally known destination event it is today.
Country songwriter and vocalist Billy Yates was the recipient of the Legendary Songwriter Award. Yates, an Emmy award-winner and Grammy nominee, has penned songs for such stars as George Jones, John Michael Montgomery, Gene Watson, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Charley Pride and countless others.
Yates, a gifted country artist who now calls Branson home, has recorded ten studio albums, and has four singles on the Billboard Country Charts.
Yates is a featured performer at Branson's Down Home Country Show at the Grand Country Music Hall.
The 12th Annual Josie Awards Ceremony was held September 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
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