Jim Stafford - What You're Saying!

From Bill and Kate via e-mail to the theater

2011-03-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

(Jim and Ann loved this letter!)

I seriously doubt that this is the right email address to actually get a message to Jim but it is the only one I could find so I thought I might as well give it a try. We attended Jim’s show last Wed. (3-16) with our oldest son and his wife. From our second row seats we were privileged to observe Jim’s attention to and conversations with members of the audience during the intermission. Our son and daughter-in-law were awe struck at the attention and caring attitude he afforded each individual, particularly the young ones. My wife and I were equally impressed but having seen the show many times before we were not at all surprised. Our family walked away from his show talking about his unbelievable talent but mainly we were impressed with his humility and wondering why his genuine caring attitude can’t be mirrored by everyone. Thanks for a great time.

A word of thanks from GC (via e-mail to the theater)

2011-03-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

(Jim and Ann were touched by your thoughtfulness)

Dear Stafford family and staff,

I just wanted to send a note to say thank you. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the sweet lady at the ticket office, thank you to the excellent cast and crew.

You see my Mom and Dad loved coming to your show for years. Soon after my Dad retired he and Mom would be sitting around having their coffee and taking about the day ahead and on beautiful spring days like today they would just pack up and drive the 4 hours to Branson. They always talk about what a wonderful time they had coming to your show.

This week we had to put my Dad on hospice care. I tear up just writing this but he has had an absolutely wonderful life full of laughter and love. He has/had some of the craziest buddies to walk the face of the earth. When my parents and their friends all came to Branson the stories they told could fill books with funny stuff they would do.

Sorry to be long winded but the purpose of this email was just to say thank you for giving up your time to entertain my parents and being a part of the laughter and enjoyment of life. You all have a special place in their hearts and ours.

Respectfully,
GC

Great letter to Jim from a true fan and friend...

2010-10-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

This letter was received from Dr. Lou Ott from Kansas. He wrote it Jim on 16 Sept., 2010

We're posting the copies of the original letter and below is a "paraphrase of the letter" for ease of reading. Jim and Ann were especially touched with these comments and in particular his comment that "... you have the ability to change their inner smile --- the smile of the heart." Thanks Dr Ott!

Mr. Stafford,

For 21 years our "old Navy ship", the USS Sphinx-ARL 24, has held their annual reunion in Branson, and for 19 of those years I have had the privilege of attending your show (each year). I know that you have had many thousands of people tell you they have enjoyed the show, but I often wonder if entertainers really know how some of them can affect the individuals?

I practiced general Dentistry for 38 years and I know the monotony of repeating the same thing time after time, but I'm working up close and personal with each patient, one on one. You, however, are working one on thousands each time.

I know several entertainers personally and ask them if they ever get bored doing the same thing time and again, and the answer is always yes ------- if so, I tell them to look out at the people and see them standing and applauding and look at the smiles on their faces or perhaps the tears in their eyes.

Jim, in every audience that you have there are many who are hurting, and I do mean really hurting and you are by far the best thing that has happened to and for them in a long time, and I assure you the feeling does not disappear when they leave the theater. If ever you feel that, I would say that makes for a good day, and you must have many of them.

I always felt that I had the ability to perhaps change each person's physical smile, but you have the ability to change their inner smile --- the smile of the heart. I certainly enjoyed seeing and hearing your children "doing their thing" and hope they'll continue to make people feel good --- like their father does; they are quite good at it.

I carve many decorative duck decoys, and on the bottom of each I write some "sayings" -- one of my favorites is: "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." You, Mr. Jim Stafford, are certainly one of them.

I didn't really mean to rant and rave so long, but just wanted you to know how one of the "old farts" (81 yrs) out in your audience feels each time I see you.

Stay well; love yourself, and tell those around you that you love them too ------

Respectfully,
Louis J. Ott

Click here to see the original letter from Dr Ott:

Some comments posted on Ticketmaster by Jim's fans

2010-06-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

Posted 06/12/2010 by Anonymous
Music was great! Jokes were funny! Very enjoyable evening!
Saw the show on Wed, Jun 9, 2010
Favorite moment: "Spider's and Snakes" and Jim's children are very talented and wonderful addition to the show.

Posted 06/06/2010 by doktrmom
Great Show!
Went to a Saturday night show with my husband. We both absolutely enjoyed ourseves. Both Staffords kids, Shea and GG performed a couple of song and they are very talented. I will be watching for more from them. They made he show interesteing for the younger crowd who might not know Jim's older song. Good clean fun and laughs
Saw the show on Sat, Jun 5, 2010
Favorite moment: The photo opportunity but if I tell you more it won't be so funny for you. So just go to the show.
Opening act(s): No Pre-show but his kids were great.

Posted 06/02/2010 by Branson Local
Jim's show is good clean fun for the whole family!
I had little doubt I would enjoy the show, being familiar with Jim's hits and TV performances and I assumed my teenagers (ages 13,15, and 17) would enjoy the show, if for no other reason, it was a live performance.....I am amazed at how the show got to them - it has been a couple of days and still they are singing the songs, repeating the jokes and, in general re-living the whole experience (I should have purchased two copies of the DVD so I could share one with my friends!!)
It was nice to be so fully entertained, in so many ways and not worry about what the children were being exposed to.
Jim and his children are extremely talented and the show reflects well on Branson.
Saw the show on Mon, May 31, 2010
Favorite moment: All of them, there is no moment that turns out where you thought it was headed...keep an eye on Jim....constantly!

Posted 05/10/2010 by 5469098 Location: Michigan
Jim Stafford was hilarious
I took my parents to see Jim Stafford for their 50th wedding anniversary and I never seen my dad laugh so hard. It is clean fun and Jim Stafford has his daughter and son in the show and they are execellent playing the piano. My daughter is 9 years old and she was laughing the whole time as well. It is fun for the whole family.
Saw the show on Sun, May 9, 2010
Favorite moment: All of it.

Posted 05/10/2010 by realmccoys Location: Mtn. Home, AR
talented and tasteful
We laughed 'til we cried and sat in wonder and amazement at the abundant talent God gave to this man. We didn't feel like we were being "performed to," but rather that we were included as part of the family. Jim Stafford himself rates five stars -- truly amazing.
Saw the show on Sun, May 9, 2010
Favorite moment: watching Jim's guitar playing up close

Posted 04/26/2010 by jolsummer Location: Florida
Great Show
Jim is still the best entertainer in Branson as far as my husband and I are concerned and we have seen him 3 years in a row. It is very interesting to watch his children grow in their many talents and Jim is still a great guitarist and comedian.
Saw the show on Wed, Apr 21, 2010
Favorite moment: Closing guitar song.

Posted 04/15/2010 by MichiganMarye Location: Michigan
Jim Stafford Still Has "IT"!!
The Jim Stafford Show was total enjoyment. From the moment he stepped on stage until he disappeared behind the curtains, we were mesmerized. His presence is awesome, and his delivery right on. My husband and I laughed so hard we could hardly catch our breath. Jim seems to have as much fun as the audience, and he treats his audience kindly. At intermission he sat on the front of the stage for pictures and signed autographs for as long as it took to accommodate the whole line. And, oh, did I mention that he is a crackerjack guitar player?
Saw the show on Mon, Apr 12, 2010
Favorite moment: We loved the story about the scary guy calling the police to tell them there was a dead guy on his porch.

Posted 04/14/2010 by MHud Location: Seattle, Wa
The show was worth the trip to Branson, Missori. The musical performance was outstanding and the comedy was hilarious. The best part is, at intermission, Jim signs autographs. Very welcoming performer.
Saw the show on Mon, Apr 5, 2010
Favorite moment: Watching him play acoustical guitar.

Posted 04/05/2010 by dreamweaver2
Jim Stafford was hilarious
He was very personable and took time to sign autographs for anyone that wanted one. He even played a song that I requested personally. I will go back to his show when I get back to Branson.
Saw the show on Sat, Apr 3, 2010

Posted 01/11/2010 by nutsformikey Location: TX
It was an amazing family entertainment show. Jim and his kids are wonderful entertainers as are the rest of his cast!!
Saw the show on Thu, Dec 31, 2009

Posted 01/04/2010 by Hav6kdz Location: OK
Stafford is still GREAT!
Jim Stafford is still as entertaining as ever! We took a very last minute trip to Branson and were able to see his New Years's Eve Show. We wanted to see someone we were familiar with and knew to be very funny & entertaining. We were not dissappointed. He is extremely talented and also his kids were to say the least, Awe-Inspiring! You won't be sorry to see this man and his family and other performers do their Stuff!!! PS: Bonus of having the most comfortable seats of any theatre in Branson!
Saw the show on Thu, Dec 31, 2009
Favorite moment: His fiddle playing!

Posted 12/29/2009 by MuffinCup
Must See this Show!
We loved every portion of the show! -- even purchased a copy of it to enjoy again and again at home. We would highly suggest adding it to a vacation experience!
Saw the show on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @
Favorite moment: When Jim slid across the stage to avoid having his picture taken.

Posted 10/18/2009 by ralph2nd Location: Branson
Great sense of humor! Funny Funny guy
Very good throughout. Great musical talent from everyone. Very clean family entertainment. Jim's wit is hysterical! He immediately drew the audience into the show and connected with them.
Cool special effects.
We are local area residents and appreciate his genuine fondness for Branson and the Ozarks.
Saw the show on Sat, Oct 17, 2009 @
Favorite moment: His rendition of Malaguena was amazing and the dancing and special effects. Wow

Posted 10/17/2009 by Jadylane Location: So. IL
Jim Stafford show is the BEST!
My husband and I feel the Jim Stafford show is THE BEST show in Branson. There are lots of good shows, but we never stopped laughing during the 2 hours we were in the theater. He has many talented musicians, singers, dancers too. Each act was quality.
His children 16 y.o. and 12 y.o. are also great musicians and the show is ALOT of fun!
Saw the show on Sun, Oct 11, 2009
Favorite moment: Too many to pick!

Posted 10/13/2009 by garhus
Best show I ever saw
Jim Stafford does the best shoow I have ever seen. Such a superb variety of comedy and first class musical talent. I recommend his show to everyone!!
Saw the show on Sun, Oct 11, 2009

Posted 10/01/2009 by RoccoMarie
Very enjoyable. I would toss the 3D segment and give more time to his talented children Our 5th visit.

From one of Jim's facebook buddies

2010-06-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Jim,

My husband and I saw your show this past Saturday and LOVED it! Your performance was great! and your kids were fantastic!! We really enjoyed seeing you and the kids on stage. Tell them to keep up the good work! It is definately be worth it!!.. anyway... just wanted to say Hi & Love your show!! Have a Blessed Day!

Karen (and Steve) from Durant, OK.

Jim's show is good clean fun for the whole family

2010-06-03T04:16:00.000-07:00

Posted 06/02/2010 by Anonymous on Jim's Ticketmaster page:

Favorite moment: "All of them, there is no moment that turns out where you thought it was headed...keep an eye on Jim....constantly!"

"I had little doubt I would enjoy the show, being familiar with Jim's hits and TV performances and I assumed my teenagers (ages 13,15, and 17) would enjoy the show, if for no other reason, it was a live performance.....

I am amazed at how the show got to them - it has been a couple of days and still they are singing the songs, repeating the jokes and, in general re-living the whole experience (I should have purchased two copies of the DVD so I could share one with my friends!!)

It was nice to be so fully entertained, in so many ways and not worry about what the children were being exposed to.

Jim and his children are extremely talented and the show reflects well on Branson."

Jim Stafford Plays Classical Gas - comment on YouTube

2010-05-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

chettmansberger has made a comment on Jim Stafford Plays Classical Gas:

Jim Stafford - one of the world's greatest musicians ever! This performance proves it. Mechanical talent goes only to certain lengths. He extended it with personability, sincerity, and imagination. Thank you, Jim, from my husband and myself, when we saw this 20+ years ago. You are a gift to the world.

AOL Travel Guides said this:

2010-04-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

"This has been rated as the number-one family show in Branson."

Sara sent in her audience card at Jim's show last night! Here's what she said:

2010-04-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

A message from a facebook friend

2010-04-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

"Jim we saw your show and it was wonderful. The main reason we went to Branson. Our grand son was really impressed with your whole family. Inspired him to do better with his guitar."

-- Nick's nana (Shellie from Marianna FL)

Pastor Dale from Addison New York said this about Jim and Branson

2010-04-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Jim, my wife and I attended your show this past Monday, it was a great show, we enjoyed very much. I pastor a church in upstate NY and it is the first time we have ever been to Branson, what a beautiful place. Thank you, Dale

Over on "Apropos of Nothing" they're blogging about Jim

2010-04-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Our friend Floyd posted Jim playing Classical Gas on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show...
http://www.threedonia.com/archives/22424/comment-page-1#comment-77378

Found on the blog "Bytes - The Interesting Bits"

2010-04-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

"Swamp Witch is as good an example of swamp rock as you'all are gonna find and, like country and western music, succeeds in telling a story and giving a life lesson, all in 3 minutes. It has a spooky and eerie feel to it, with the last line chilling in its menace. I love it."

"Spiders and Snakes" Jim Stafford Rocks!

2010-03-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

From the blog: "On the Road with David and Rose":

Watching Jim Stafford in action, I understand why he’s such a hit. He interacts with the audience, tells hilarious wholesome jokes, loves silliness and satire, and plays a mean guitar. During the intermission, he sat on the edge of the stage, posing for photos and signing autographs. Stafford ended the show playing “Malaga” on the classical guitar—I could have listened to his masterful performance for hours.

When “Spiders and Snakes” hit the airwaves, it wasn’t a big deal with me. But it was for my younger sister, Debby. At a bar in Ft. Lauderdale, a guy struck up a conversation with her asking, “Do you like ‘Spiders and Snakes’?” She heard “spiders and snakes” the critters, not the song, and thought he was some kind of weirdo. That didn’t stop Rich from pursuing the conversation. He eventually convinced Debby that there really was a song called “Spiders and Snakes.” His come-on worked—they’ve been married for 35 years.

Watching Jim Stafford in action, I understand why he’s such a hit. He interacts with the audience, tells hilarious wholesome jokes, loves silliness and satire, and plays a mean guitar. During the intermission, he sat on the edge of the stage, posing for photos and signing autographs. Stafford ended the show playing “Malaga” on the classical guitar—I could have listened to his masterful performance for hours.

From a duct-taped guitar and cow pies to superb music and a gripping 3D movie, the Jim Stafford show entertained an audience covering nine decades of age. It looked like the kid in the booster seat was having as much fun as the World War II 63rd Infantry veterans celebrating their reunion.

They say every show varies. I can see myself going back for seconds, maybe even thirds.

Billy from Burnet TX says this on Jim's Facebook

2010-03-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

"Hey Jim, my wife, my grandson, and I have been to your show in Branson several times. We love you and your show and Branson. You have such great talent and a great attitude. You are truly an inspiration. We really enjoy your children too.

My grandson is autistic and doesn't enjoy very much but he loves country music. And he can sing your songs and smiles ear to ear while he is doing it. His name is Parker. Thank you for this."
-- Billy, Burnet, TX

Nita from Crane Mo had this to say:

2010-02-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to see your for years and just kept putting it off. Finally, my daughter Donna and husband James took me to see your show a couple of weeks ago. I loved it!

Honestly, I haven't laughed so much in such a long time! Your sense of comic timing is brilliant. And I was very impressed with your talented kids. Thank you for keeping your show clean. I will visit again and again.

To anyone reading this - I found out why Jim Stafford has been voted the BEST ENTERTAINER!

PS) My all time favorite song is "My Girl Bill" .
blessings to you and your family... Nita

Yesterday at 10:17pm ·

My facebook buddy Georgina had this to say..

2010-02-26T03:19:00.000-08:00

Your songs and humor have been such a part of my life. I was 11 when your TV show came out and you instantly became my favorite entertainers. I would comb the TV guide every week to see if you were going to be on any talk shows or have any other guest appearances. Songs that were really technical marvels to play just seemed to roll off your guitar. Watching and listening to you play ended up giving me such an appreciation for music along with story telling. I can't tell you how many hours I spent trying to get the voice inflections just right like you did in "Mr. Bojangles".

Thanks Jim, your one of the good ones!!!!

--Georgina from Camarillo CA

Jim Stafford Create Your Badge

Thank you Roberta from Yuma! She sent this to Jim's Myspace

2010-01-09T05:46:00.000-08:00

I just had the thrill of seeing your show in Branson. Your music has been part of my life, my children's, and my grandchildren's. Your are our favorite to take camping.

What a thrill it was when you said my name on stage and read my most embarrassing moment!

Your children are fabulous.

Such energy and talent-it was a real treat!

May God continue to bless us all with your humor and talent.

Sincerely,
Roberta
Yuma, AZ

Stafford A Man of Many Talents by Josh Clark for the Branson Tri-Lakes News

2009-12-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

Josh Clark, our local Branson Tri-Lakes News Entertainment writer had an article in the December 12 paper on the Jim Stafford Show...

Josh said, "Once he [Jim Stafford] gets you in the palm of his hands, you may as well buckle up, because it is indeed a fun ride."

And the folks sitting next to Josh said, “I have never laughed so hard at a show before,” Susie Bush said. “He [Jim Stafford] is one of the funniest people I have ever seen.”

Read the entire story here: http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=14171

Best Show I Ever Saw!

2009-12-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Posted by garhus

Such a superb variety of comedy and first class musical talent. I recommend his show to everyone!!

Tuesday November 10 - sent to marketing@jimstafford.com

2009-11-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

We just saw the Christmas show and it was by far the best show we have ever seen in Branson for audience participation and enjoyment! Fun and uplifting and a real pleasure to attend. Maybe next year, he will include a time for the audience to sing along Christmas carols.
He is the best! Thank Mr. Stafford for us! What a caring entertainer!

Judy
Texas

What some of our local residents had to say

2009-10-18T03:54:00.000-07:00

Great sense of humor! Funny Funny guy!

Favorite moment: His rendition of Malaguena was amazing and the dancing and special effects. Wow
Very good throughout. Great musical talent from everyone. Very clean family entertainment. Jim's wit is hysterical! He immediately drew the audience into the show and connected with them.
Cool special effects.
We are local area residents and appreciate his genuine fondness for Branson and the Ozarks.
Favorite moment: His rendition of Malaguena was amazing and the dancing and special effects. Wow

Jim Stafford Show is the best!

2009-10-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

Says fans from Southern Illinois

My husband and I feel the Jim Stafford show is THE BEST show in Branson.

There are lots of good shows, but we never stopped laughing during the 2 hours we were in the theater. He has many talented musicians, singers, dancers too. Each act was quality. His children 16 y.o. and 12 y.o. are also great musicians and the show is ALOT of fun!

Favorite moment: Too many to pick!

Give more time to his talented children!

2009-09-26T04:02:00.000-07:00

by RoccoMarie This Fan's Reviews: Very enjoyable. I would toss the 3D segment and give more time to his talented children Our 5th visit.

Jim Stafford is hilarious!

2009-09-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

says KipnDeb