A Branson entertainer and community leader is being honored this weekend in Texas. Clay Cooper, who headlines Clay Cooper’s Country Express show in his own theater, will be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Cooper’s is one of the top-rated shows in Branson, Missouri. Cooper also serves the city of Branson as an alderman on the Branson City Council. The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame got its start in 1998, designed to celebrate contributions made by Texans to the country music industry. Clay Cooper was born in Wylie, Texas. He began performing in his hometown at the age of 14. "Clay wrote the song ‘A Little Ground in Texas,’ which charted on Cash Box," said a spokesperson for the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. "His Branson show is very successful and has done a lot to keep traditional country music alive and well. He has been a great ambassador for the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame." Cooper will be honored during the 26th annual Texas Country Music Hall of Fame festival, which will include the induction show. The event will be held August 11-13 in Carthage, Texas. The induction ceremony will take place on August 12 at the Carthage, TX, Civic Center. The Classic Country Music Festival weekend will feature special guests Joe Stampley and Moe Bandy, another well-known name in the Branson area, as well as a host of Texas talent. Also inducted into the TCM-HOF will be country legend K.T. Oslin. The award will be given posthumously, as Oslin passed away in 2020 at the age of 78, the result of COVID complications. Cooper, his family, band and cast members will travel to Texas for the Country Music Festival weekend. "We’re very honored to honor Clay Cooper and Clay Cooper’s Country Express," said the TCM-HOF Representative. "And he’s bringing his entire show to Carthage, Texas. How about that?"  All of us at the Branson Globe congratulate Clay on the well-deserved honor!

Get your tickets today for a 1 night only performance by Craig Morgan at the Clay Cooper Theatre on Sunday, July 16th at 8PM! A multi-faceted entertainer, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself as a country music icon, TV personality, celebrated outdoorsman and patriotic Army veteran. One of country music's best-loved artists, Morgan has charted 25 songs on Billboard and thrills massive crowds with signature hits including "Bonfire," "Almost Home," "Redneck Yacht Club," "International Harvester," "This Ole Boy," "Soldier," "Wake Up Loving You," "That's What I Love About Sunday" and his faith-filled tribute to his son Jerry, "The Father, My Son and The Holy Ghost." Craig received one of country music's highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Prior to becoming a country music star and TV sensation, Morgan spent seventeen years serving our country in the Army and Army Reserves. Morgan remains an avid supporter of America's military personnel and has made 16 overseas trips to perform for our troops. He is a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award and in 2018 was awarded the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, one of the highest awards the Department of the Army can bestow upon a civilian, in recognition of his significant dedication to our military men and women around the world.