Elwood Smooch
In the summer of 1968, in my first entertainment job at Silver Dollar City, in Branson, Missouri, I discovered a discarded, beat-up train conductor hat lying in a darkened corner of the Wardrobe department. The top was torn, but I didn't care as I put it on sideways, pulled some hair out, and walked back onto the park. A tourist family asked if I would take a picture, and I more than agreed. I made a funny face, and it conspired with my sad hat to create a great deal of laughter from the gathered crowd. Someone asked me what my name was, and out of the blue, I blurted "Elwood". That hat and kindred character paid the way for a laughing life only a clown can understand.
With 18 hours left to graduate, I ran away from a college scholarship to join Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus as a clown in 1971. I had not only the time of my life, but I knew I had found a calling, after graduating valedictorian of the 1970 RBBB&B Clown College. It's a silly business, but it's a serious art. I grew to love the life and the wonderful, older, master clowns, in the twilight of their careers that wrapped the spirit around me. They shared riches when they told stories. They taught me the rudiments and responsibilities of being a clown. They told me to give from the heart if you desire the respect, love and heart of the crowd.
In 1984, while living in Hollywood, I received a phone call from an old friend from my Silver Dollar City days. The company had purchased a small theme park in Smoky Mountains, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. He inquired if I would be interested in coming out to imagineer, write and direct a musical stage show that would be presented at the end of the day. They also wanted me to bring along an old friend named, Elwood. I arrived, mounted the show, and presented it to a great applause and laughter. The Silver Dollar Jamboree was a great success, and asked me to stay. In 1986, Silver Dollar City became Dollywood, and Elwood Smooch became its most popular musical comedy performer until 1995. At last I had found a stage where I could combine both my musical and comedy talents. My family and I had found a home.
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In 1995, a dream came true when I created my show. The Old Smoky Hoedown was started on a peanut theatrical investment. By virtue of hard work, sacrifice and the fan following from my Dollywood tenure, the show grew from a small, out of the way theater location in Gatlinburg, to a larger theater on the show strip in Pigeon Forge. For 11 years, until I lost the lease on the theater, The Old Smoky Hoedown was known for the quality comedy, music, and the halo of happiness that came from our stage. It was the Travel Writer's Show of the Year for several seasons. Many special and talented folks shared the stage with me. When the curtain came down for the last time, both cast members and the audience shared a bittersweet tear for a rare show that captured the heart of everyone connected.
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Elwood Smooch is now a featured performer at The Comedy Barn. I feel very proud that I still have a stage to greet old fans and make new ones. The magic and the blessings continue. I am one lucky clown.
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