At 79, Shoji Tabuchi, an acknowledged fiddler and a veteran performer in Branson, has died, leaving this world behind.
Friends, followers, and musicians from different musical genres have been expressing their sympathy and favorite memories on social media.
Shoji’s demise was announced through a social media post that remarks:
“We are saddened to share Branson Legend Shoji Tabuchi has reportedly passed away at the age of 79.
Tabuchi, a member of the National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame, a father and a grandfather died on Friday, August 11.”
The renowned musician allegedly battled pancreatic cancer and passed away as a result.
Tributes:
Multitudes of Branson Entertainers and fans have taken to social media to express their condolences on the loss of the legendary singer.
“So sad to hear of the passing of Shoji Tabuchi.
I met him in 1969 in Marceline, Missouri, when he performed on the Frontier Jamboree. I was seven years old, and Shoji was 25. I was mesmerized watching his trick fiddling, especially when he did a headstand and played the Orange Blossom Special. We reconnected many years later after he became a popular Branson Star. He is a face of Branson that will sorely be missed. Sending much love and prayers to Shoji’s Family. Rest in sweet peace, dear friend.”
About Shoji Tabuchi:
In the mid-1960s, Tabuchi was a sophomore in his college and had heard that Roy Acuff was coming to Osaka, Japan. Tabuchi went to his concert and got to meet Acuff backstage.
When Tabuchi was in college, he formed a band called The Bluegrass Ramblers, which led them to win a national contest in Japan. He decided to travel to the United States with his violin and only $500.
After living in San Francisco, Kansas City, and Louisiana, Tabuchi moved to Nashville to reconnect with Acuff, who arranged an appearance for Tabuchi to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Tabuchi arrived in Branson around 1980. After performing successfully for a few years, he built one of Branson’s most elaborate theatres, completed in 1990, and began hosting his show.
Besides country music, The Shoji Tabuchi Show has incorporated polka, gospel, Cajun, Hawaiian, rap, and rock music.
He developed a loyal fan base through his Branson show.
He employed about 200 personnel at his elaborate 2,000-seat theatre, where he performed two shows daily most of the year. The theatre was closed due to a backstage fire in May 2017. It reopened the following year, on October 22, 2018.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
