Billy Yates at Grand Country Music Hall

Billy Yates is a big musical deal.

Since he started his career as a teenager in Nashville, he's won an Emmy Award, been nominated for a Grammy, played the legendary Grand Ole Opry 53 times, toured Europe every summer for over a decade — and won prestigious awards like the European CMA Male Vocalist of the Year there, too. He also co-write two of George Jones' greatest hits, “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” and "Choices," which won a Grammy for the legendary country music crooner.

Seriously. This guy who grew up in Doniphan, Mo., got married at George Jones' house 32 years ago. He could live anywhere he wants to, play anywhere he chooses — and he has chosen to headline The Down Home Country Show again this fall at Grand Country Music Hall in Branson. In fact, he's grown so attached to Branson that he's selling his home in Nashville to move full time to the Missouri Ozarks.

“Billy was making a guest appearance on our Friday night late show, Branson Country USA, and hearing his sound and watching his interaction with our audience, it hit me that Billy really is a perfect fit for our classic country show,” says Mike Patrick, executive producer of more than eight shows at Grand Country Music Hall.

“I love traditional country music, and The Down Home Country Show is the best place in Branson to find that sound," Yates adds. "I’m super-excited and honored to be a part of this great show with such a talented group of entertainers.”

Yates returns for the September through December performances of The Down Home Country Show with Entertainer of the Year Jamie Haage and Comedian of the Year Jarrett Dougherty. With 10 a.m. shows Tuesday through Friday, he'll set the mood for a great Branson day with all the songs that made audiences fall in love with country music across the years.

It's a routine that suits him perfectly. He says he's prone to wake up early, so he's got plenty of time for two cups of coffee and a light breakfast before rolling into the Grand Country Music Hall to greet his colleagues, get his guitar tuned up and prep the outfits for half a dozen costume changes. He laughs and says it sometimes feels like he spends as much time changing clothes as he does performing — but it's the performing he loves. And this is the music he grew up listening to as it was recorded by icons like Jones, Charley Pride, Jim Reeves and Ernest Tubb.

Yates went to Nashville intending to become a performer — and he did, almost immediately. But it was singing demo versions of songs that writers wanted to pitch to country stars. Songwriting was not on his radar, until he found himself working on “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.”

"It was the very first song I had recorded by anybody," he says, "and it was truly a blessing. It opened a lot of doors — and it allowed me to see myself as a songwriter. It earned me some respect in the business, too.

"When we wrote the song, I just hoped George would record it," he says. "It was written specifically for him. I had no way of knowing how it would change everything. It still helps put food on the table for my family, which is insane to me!"

He also admits he never envisioned himself being the age of the protagonist in the song, who sings about continuing to rock on stage, even with gray hair. "I've still got neon in my veins," the lyrics go. "My body's old, but it ain't impaired. I don't need your rockin' chair."

"Branson shows are a lot of fun," Yates says. "And we're singing not just to audiences to relate to that song, but we're turning the younger crowd onto that traditional country music. The audiences love the music, and if you love them, they’ll love you back. That’s why performers love Branson."

Also on stage this autumn at Grand Country Music Hall are:

Grand Jubilee — This is where audiences fall in love with Grand Country performers and make the choice to come back again and again! With the quartet New South and The Rhinestone Mafia centerstage, the show has won “Entertainers of the Year,” “Branson’s Best Show,” “Branson’s Best Variety Show,” “Quartet of the Year,” “Comedian of the Year,” “Emcee of the Year” and more. You’ll hear Top 40, country & gospel classics, and rock ‘n’ roll hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, all seasoned with comedy by Jamie Haage. And you’ll see emcee Patrick in a dozen different custom-made rhinestone suits from Hollywood because “half the magic happens through your eyes.” Grand Jubilee takes place every day but Sunday at 7:30 p.m., so you can build your schedule around it.

Comedy Jamboree — If you liked the taste of comedy you got at Grand Jubilee, come back for the Comedy Jamboree, where no two shows are ever the same but the comedy is always family-friendly and full of belly laughs. Showtime is 3 p.m. on select dates.

Pets & Giggles — Whether you’ve got kids of all ages or you’re just young at heart, you’ll love Pets & Giggles, filled with games, skits and the cutest dogs in Branson showing off their speed, agility, teamwork and trust. You might also find yourself a star of the show as audience members get in on the hilarious adventures. Showtime is 10 a.m. on select days.

New South Gospel — By popular demand, Branson’s Best Quartet, New South, sings all your gospel favorites at 3 p.m. Thursdays.

Branson Country USA — Co-hosted by Jamie Haage and Mike Patrick, this late-night show promises the powerful harmonies of New South, lots of laughs and guest stars you won’t believe you’re actually seeing. The show is syndicated on radio and TV, so you just might get to see yourself on the air. Showtime is 10:30 p.m. Fridays.

Ozarks Gospel — With the sweet harmonies of Tammy and Tonya Bilyeau, you can’t find a better way to celebrate the Lord on His day. Showtime is 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Becca Martin-Brown is a freelance writer based in Northwest Arkansas. Email her at Becca.writes.nwa@gmail.com.