Shotgun Red Will ‘Showboat’ His Talent on the General Jackson

The General Jackson Showboat, the Nashville paddle-wheel riverboat owned and operated by Gaylord Opryland Resort, will be in business again starting March 11. Nashville.com reports that Steve Hall and the Shotgun Red Show, a favorite entertainer on TV's Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry, will be on board to entertain for the boat's midday cruise on the Cumberland River. It will be a welcome return for the musician and his puppet pal who performed with the Showboat cast for nearly 12 years, ending their original run in 2002.

After Steve discovered the puppet, now known as Shotgun Red, in a hobby shop in the early 1980s, he quickly fell in love with his large gray mustache and traditional outfit which included a straw cowboy hat, a plaid shirt and overalls. The Minnesota native, who was trying to break into the country music scene, quickly incorporated Shotgun Red into his act.

Steve and Shotgun Red paid a visit to a local morning TV show hosted by Ralph Emery which propelled them to stardom after they were named as a co-host of Ralph's Nashville Now country music talk and variety show where they appeared from 1983 to 1993. Numerous other television appearances followed in addition to becoming a part of the General Jackson Showboat cast.

As they cruise the Cumberland, Steve's seven-piece country band will accompany him as they offer their unique brand of Southern humor. Each cruise ticket will include a family-style lunch prepared by the General Jackson's executive chef.

Steve Hall and the Shotgun Red Show will run March 11 through November 13, 2011. Adult ticket prices for the midday cruise start at $53.51. Tickets for children ages 4 to 11 are $35.69; children under three are free.

For more information on midday cruises, evening cruises and special party cruises, go here.