Ozarks Voices: Bob Mabe, November 9, 2018
Interview with Bob Mabe by Tom Peters, Dean of Library Services at Missouri State University. Mr. Mabe was a founding member of the Baldknobbers Show, a variety show started in 1960 in Branson, Missouri. The interview took place at Table Rock Lake on November 9, 2018. Mr. Mabe’s wife, Sue, is off camera but makes comments several times during the interview.
Topics discussed during the interview include growing up in a large family on a farm near Highlandville, Missouri; origins of the Baldknobbers entertainment group in 1960 in Branson; performing music as a child with siblings; radio performances for KWTO in Springfield, Missouri; playing with guitarist Hollis Warren; memories of Si Siman, Ralph Foster, and other personalities at KWTO; early development of entertainment in Branson; performing in Marvel Cave, The Shepherd of the Hills show, and Silver Dollar City in Branson; opening up the first Baldknobbers theatre; touring during the winter months; problems with performers; elements and cast of the Baldknobbers show; selling out and leaving the show after 20 years; other business ventures, including the Bob-O-Links Country Hoe-Down; guest celebrities appearing on his show; making records, tapes, and CDs; the Osmonds; other celebrities he met or interacted with; family life; memories of fans; memorable comedians; organizing group trips to Hawaii and cruises.