What's Your Favorite?

It's between comedians: Jeff Houghton interviews Branson funnyman Jim Stafford.

After his rise to national fame in the ’70s beginning with his songs “Spiders and Snakes” and “Swamp Witch,” Jim Stafford made 24 appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. In fact, he had an open invitation. Today, he speaks about Carson admiringly: “His job was to make that thing work. His gift, which was part gift and part hard work, was to make sure he was on it all the time. He was better at that than anybody, and he was more relaxed about it.”

It’s evident that the same words can be said of Stafford. He has a certain comfortable intensity about him. He can be both in a particular moment and formulating ideas to improve his show at the same time. Although he has achieved the oft-elusive Branson stability, he is still continually adding to his crafted blend of music and comedy.

In 1989, Stafford did a stint as an actor/writer for a one-shot Smothers Brothers comedy special that aired that May. A few months later, he made the all-or-nothing move from Los Angeles to Branson. “I felt like it’s the kind of thing that you say, ‘This is it,’ and you commit to it, period,” he says. “That’s what I did. That’s kind of scary.”

His sustained success for 17 years in Branson is tied to enjoyment of perfecting and performing his show. “I really like it every single time,” he says. “If I go on vacation, I get antsy to do it.” In addition, Stafford has an endless supply of creativity, and with his own theatre, those ideas can be manifested how he wants. “In Branson, it’s nice because I get to try all the stuff I’m into: special effects, music, comedy, 3D, laser shows,” he explains. “The technology is so sensational. This next year we’re going to experiment with face screen projection.”

It is Stafford’s face that lights up when he talks about his new ideas for the show. But is the polished Jim Stafford onstage the same guy that you meet in person? “Onstage, it’s just me in a real good mood,” he says.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE...

Song lyric you wrote?
“‘The talk got shackled by the looks and the cackles from the bounds of the black bayou,’ from ‘Swamp Witch.’”

Song lyric someone else wrote?
“‘When it comes to makin’ love I really must confess, I have the standard repertoire, but I’ve been known to take requests,’ by John Hadley.”

Restaurant in Branson?
“Andy Williams Moon River Grill.”

Dish there?
“This may sound like it’s a truck stop, but I love the open-faced turkey sandwich and meatloaf. The truth is, it has great atmosphere, wonderful selection and great food.”

Other show in Branson?
“The performer I’m a biggest fan of would be Andy [Williams]. Also, the Haygoods, for their dedication to their show and willingness to work hard.”

TV appearance?
I really liked being on The Tonight Show. The best was when Jackie Gleason made his only appearance, and I was the only other guest. I also really like the Knuckleheads show we’ve made here in Branson, where I got to host the show with all the other comics. We made a DVD of it, so not only can I treasure it, but I can watch it.”

Line from one of your children during your show?
“G.G. [Stafford’s 10-year-old daughter] says, ‘What did the plow say to the tractor? Pull me closer, John Deere.’”

Type of guitar?
“I have one that Chet Atkins gave me I really like. Also, a guitar my dad left to me that was his favorite guitar.”

Thing about working with your family?
“It’s a lot of fun to perform with my children every day and see their progress. They’ve both become good musicians. It took a team of us seven months to organize songs they’ve been featured on.”

Audience member?
“Some of the things they give me on the cards during the show are just sensational. A preacher wrote on his card, ‘I had to tell my congregation that I was thinking about the sermon when I cut myself shaving. I got a note in the collection plate that said, ‘Why don’t you think about your shaving and cut your sermon.’ The best things are people telling me stuff that really happens.”

Mistake on stage?
“I was in a Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre show called The Robber Bridegroom. I was wearing deerskin pants, and the stitching came loose and just continued to unravel during the show, and there was nothing to change into.

“Also, my son threw up during Orange Blossom Special. He was too young to know that he was supposed to run off stage.”

Song to play on guitar?
“’Beyond the Sea.’ I’ve played that song more than any other.”

Type of pickle?
“Bread-and-butter pickle.”

Room in your house?
“Home theatre. I’m going to have a new favorite room. I’m going to build a TV/computer recliner thing.”

Book?
“A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.”

Winter activity?
“Vacations in Florida for Christmas. The kids take me to DisneyWorld, and I play a lot of tennis.”

Birthday present?
“The year before last, we went out to L.A. My wife organized a party with my good friends. Glen Campbell, Gallagher and Tommy Smothers were there.”

Other Jim?
“Jim Nabors.”

Variety show?
“The Ed Sullivan Show. When I was growing up, it was the cat’s meow.”

Disney movie?
“I love Disney. I love the special-edition sets of Disney classic cartoons. There is lots of info of how things were done. I really respect Walt Disney. He wouldn’t let anything stop him. He bet the farm numerous times. He did for sound, for Snow White, for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”

Candy?
“I’m like a lot of people; it’s hard to find anything that can beat Snickers. I had a Snickers coffee the other day.”

Other comedian?
“Jack Benny. He practically invented the sitcom, and he knew how to surround himself, and he had a great eye for talent.”

Tech gadget?
“iPhone, although I don’t have one because they don’t have voice dialing. I have the iPod touch.”

Now, click here to read past "What's Your Favorite?" interviews from the archives of 417 Magazine.