The Sons Music CelebrationThe Sons Music Celebration The Sons were “born” August of 2005. Our first show was to a crowd of about 35, singing old time cowboy music for a Salute to the Great American Cowboy Festival. While performing at the theme park, we sang in all of their festivals: Bluegrass and BBQ, Summer Family Fun, Southern Gospel Picnic, The Salute to the Cowboy and Country Music, and Christmas music for Ozark Mountain Christmas.
In 2021, we “bit the bullet” and moved into the entertainment community of Branson, Missouri on May 5th and performed a full 80 minute concert at 10 AM at the Little Opry Theatre located in the IMAX Entertainment Complex. By combining our repertoire into two different shows, The Sons were on our own and loving it!
In March 2022, we found a home in The Majestic Theatre located in the historic Majestic Steakhouse. Our dynamic three-part harmony became a favorite 10 AM show of both local folks and visitors from all across the U.S.
We refer to our vocal arrangement as tenor, lead, and baritone/base. However, we have arranged most of our songs utilizing a floating lead vocalization. The tight three-part harmonies are what makes the blend of The Sons so unique. Over the years our new members have brought vocal talent that has only increased that wonderful blend. We refer to it as “the cush.”
In 2023 our home was at Jerry Presley’s God and Country Theater right on the West 76 Country Blvd. We were excited to be in the thick of the entertainment venues of Branson.
Now in 2024, we are taking our show on the road to venues across the country.
It has been our privilege to develop awesome friendships with folks from all over the world as we sing our melodies. We hope you’re one of them or that you’ll be one soon!
You will laugh reminisce and celebrate the music you still sing in the shower. JW, Rich, and Tom perform songs from the 50s to the turn of the century, all family friendly and uplifting.
Our energy is high and the hits keep coming. Don’t miss this full length variety concert. “The Sons Music Celebration.”
It was in 2005 that Tom and two fellow singers started a singing group called, “The Sons of the Silver Dollar.” They entertained the park’s guests through the different music festivals throughout the year. Moving into Branson has been one of the most fun and daring challenges. As baritone for the group, he “holds down the low notes.”
He hails from the northern-most part of Wisconsin. He found his way to Missouri in the early 70’s to attend the School (College) of the Ozarks where he received a BA in Religion/Philosophy. Missouri has become his home and, for some reason, he doesn’t miss the cold, snowy winters of the Northland.
Music has always been a part of his life but singing and theater have been his passions since 1993. He portrayed Jud Fry in the musical, “Oklahoma,” the disciple Judas in the epic musical, “The Promise,” was the Confederate Colonel in the local theme park’s original musical, “For The Glory,” and he portrayed Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge in the park’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” He also leads worship at his church.
When he’s not singing, you just might not find him around. He loves to ride the backroads on his motorcycle with his friends.
He says he loves performing because, “it sure beats working for a living.”
Rich spent his formative years in Charleston S.C. and sang both in school and church before serving our country in the Army from 1987 to 1991. He then worked at the MO. Dept. Of Corrections and Federal Bureau of Prisons until 2004.
He has performed professionally for over 10 years in various shows including, “The Promise”, “Smoke on the Mountain”, “Positively Country, Definitely Gospel”, “The Jerry Presley Show”, “Elvis Experience Show”, “Mary Duff Show” and “Faith’s Journey Trio”. He has sung backup for other well-known entertainers such as Kenny Loggins, Ms. Lilly Knawles, and Allen Asbury.
While in Branson, he has appeared on several television spots for gospel programs as well as sung on church praise and worship teams. The Sons’ lead singer also plays rhythm guitar, dulcimer, upright bass and box percussion.
He’s a native Missourian, born in Bonne Terre, near St. Louis. He has been a lover and avid follower of many genres of music from an early age and come from three generations of musical influence on both sides of his family. Some of his fondest memories growing up is singing in several choirs in school and church which gave him a love for vocal harmonies.
At age twelve, he began learning to play instruments. He started with the trombone, then drums, guitar, bass and piano. His love for the guitar grew as he traveled with his parents in ministry.
Then at age sixteen, he traveled on his own, holding ministry concerts. When he was in his twenties, he worked in youth ministry for several years and later served as a lead pastor. One of the main focuses throughout his life has been raising up bands and worship teams.
In 1997, he attended the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry where he learned the importance of love for others and the powerful effect that music has to open up and lift the hearts of people. He presently leads worship on Sunday nights at Jubilee Worship Center in Harrison Arkansas where he serves as Associate Pastor and Worship Leader.
He feels so honored and delighted to collaborate with The Sons
due to their remarkable history of excellence in sound and entertainment. What a joy to be a part of a group that sincerely loves and uplifts people with sincerity, integrity and creativity.
One of his favorite sayings is, “All creation is a symphony not a solo.”
One of his favorite stories goes like this:
Someone asked a 90 year old man, “What is the greatest experience you’ve ever had?” to which he replied, “I haven’t had it yet!”
Friends, the best is yet to come!