About The Duttons
The Duttons are a multi-generational family of musicians who have been headlining at their own theater in Branson Missouri since 2000. They have been featured on national television in five PBS specials, as top ten performers on America's Got Talent, on the Nickelodeon show America's Most Talented Family and in their own show The Dutton's through the Years on RFDtv. They have also produced multiple albums in Nashville and have an extensive library of music videos that can be seen on YouTube.
The Beginning
But to really get to know the family, let's start from the beginning. Way back in the early days, Mom and Dad Dutton wanted to teach their children discipline and responsibility. Mom dreamt of raising her kids on a farm but Dad was a Professor of Economics and most large universities aren't surrounded by farm land. The parents decided that violin lessons would have to take the place of farm chores.
When the oldest Dutton kids were still little they began practicing every morning before school. Before long these hard working children showed amazing aptitude and at the age that most kids were concentrating on elementary school the Dutton kids were soloing with the local symphony. Their classical music prowess attracted the attention of a local music producer who showed up one day to teach them how to turn those violin skills into bluegrass music. Once all seven of the Dutton kids were big enough to hold a guitar their journey into show business began.
Professional Journey
The Dutton family officially became the Dutton Family Bluegrass band in 1985 and began performing professionally. They were soon approached to do a tour in Europe where they were subsequently recruited to perform on Italy's most popular tv talk show at the time, the Mino Dimato show. After they returned from that first tour of Europe the offers poured in from all over the US and Canada and The Dutton Family Bluegrass Band started touring full time.
They produced their first successful PBS television series "Music in Your Heart" in 1994 and their touring success continued to mount. Once the first of the Dutton grandchildren appeared the family decided to make Branson their home and they purchased the Box Car Willie Theater with the endorsement of Box Car in 2000.
Branson Success
Their show has been a staple on the strip for the last 25 years for good reasons. The family has continued to practice what made them successful in the beginning. Their strong work ethic and consistent constant improvement means that every year The Dutton Show gets even more impressive.
In 2000 they produced their second PBS special "Live at the Fair" which was a professionally filmed production of their successful Iowa state fair concert.
In 2003 with the support of the world class TV production team behind the show "Touched by an Angel" the Dutton's produced two PBS specials from their new home theater in Branson. "The Duttons" and "The Dutton's Christmas Show" were both seen on PBS stations all across the country in every market.
During all of these years the Duttons continued to tour around the country during Branson's off season and in 2004 the family decided to make Mesa Arizona their winter home. They opened The Dutton Family Theater in Mesa and completed their 20th winter season there in 2025.
America's Got Talent
The Duttons were approached by the production company behind America's Got Talent in early 2006 and were given a special audition that wowed the judges. Simon Cowel famously said "I loved it. I absolutely loved it". They went on to the top ten in the 2007 season of America's Talent and were a fan favorite. Many audience members still come to the show in Branson saying they saw the Dutton's on America's Got Talent and have wanted to see them live ever since.
Recent Achievements
As the family continued to grow and raise up the next generation of performers their show continued to garner praise from audiences and critics alike. The mid 2010's were a season of amazing growth in the family and the business. They produced multiple albums, they began their TV series "The Duttons through the years" on RFD tv and they produced over 100 music videos and another PBS special!
Now in their 4th decade entertaining audiences, their following on television and Youtube has continued to grow. They have amassed an impressive collection of 222 videos on YouTube with over 16,000,000 views and growing. Their latest album was produced in Nashville in 2022 and is gaining attention of entertainment executives and tv producers from L.A. to N.Y. with promising potential.
Livestream and Theater Improvements
When theaters in Branson were shut down during the pandemic in 2020 the Duttons got to work. They began a successful live stream show that continues monthly to this day. Fans tune in the third Thursday of every month for Livestream Thursday where they get to see vintage footage of the original Dutton siblings along with new music that the cast members are working on. The Livestreams have a consistent and active audience and live audiences love getting to be present for those filmings.
After a devastating fire on July 4th 2022 shut down the theater, the Duttons rebuilt stronger than ever. Their theater now features the only 360 degree surround video system in Branson, an upgraded sound system that is equally impressive and comfy upgraded seats. Audiences are thrilled with the high tech production that rivals theaters in Las Vegas and New York.
Family Members
Current Success
The Dutton family's live show now includes 24 full time performing family members and the variety and talent they all display is jaw dropping. The variety show includes music, dancing and comedy, hi-tech 360 degree surround video and lights, and instruments from around the world. You will see and hear every style from Bluegrass and country to classical and classic rock. They will wow you with their popular favorites and just when you think it can't get better, they'll open a new show that's even more incredible than the year before.
"I, for one, have never witnessed anything like this instant rapport between performers and ticket buyers – and I've been attending concerts for almost six decades. In short, The Duttons are showmanship personified."
- Mike Kerverlas, Sumter, S.C.