One of the most popular entertainers to come to the Rio Grande Valley is Sheldon Tucker, known simply as Tucker. A commanding figure, Tucker could easily be mistaken for Marshal Dillon walking down the street in his signature fringed jacket, cowboy boots and black Stetson hat. But with his voice, which is a rich combination of baritone and tenor, he is at home in Broadway musicals. He played the lead in “The King and I” with the “Rainbow Players.”  And he worked with Carol Burnett in “Moon Over Buffalo.”

He has performed all over the United States for about 25 years.  He worked with The Foundations quartet, The Plainsmen, The Branson Valley Boys, and the Yeary Show. His favorite is gospel music. Tucker has pastored churches in Oregon, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri.  He was raised in Southern Idaho and lived in Western Kansas where he built fences, punched cattle and learned about “cowboy living.” Many of his comedy routines are about his “Uncle Bill” and his cowboy partner “Tex.”

He sings the music of Marty Robbins, Ed Ames, Ricky Nelson, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, Roger Miller, Roger Whittaker, Bing Crosby and throws in a bit of Elvis for good measure.

Through his years in Branson he has worked with Goldwing Express, The Dalena Ditto Show, The Delene Show and others, but his all-time favorite was appearing with the “Sons of the Pioneers” this year.  Tucker currently has his own show in Branson, “The Fountains of Faith” with Susan Hudson Carman at the Waltzing Waters Theatre.

When not in Branson, Tucker takes his own show, “Tucker and a Little Bit of Branson” on the road.

In the Rio Grande Valley, Tucker can be seen Feb. 16 at Port Isabel Park Center; Feb. 18 at Chimney Park, Mission; Feb. 19 at Twin Lakes, Mission (5:30 p.m.); Feb. 20, Golden Oldies, Mission Bell; Feb. 21, Casa De Valle, Alamo; Feb. 22, Golden Oldies, Paradise Park, Pharr; Feb. 25, Wagon City, Mission; Feb. 26, Golden Oldies, Park Place, Harlingen; Feb. 28, Tropical Valley, Mission; March 3, Green Gate Grove, Mission; March 7, Golden Oldies, Southern Comfort, Weslaco (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.); March 10, Golden Oldies, Palm Shadows, Donna (2 p.m.); and March 10, Tropic Winds, Harlingen.  All shows are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.

For information on shows call Tucker at (417) 230-6411 or Jocille at (417) 230-6412.