There’s just something special when Wayne Massengale and Melody Hart, his wife, perform together. Wayne is one of Branson’s premier fiddlers. He’s performs in the Grand Jubilee, Down Home Country, and Branson Country USA shows at the Grand Country Resort. Melody is not only a great fiddler, but an extremely talented vocalist. She performs in the “Down Home Country” and “Branson Country USA” shows at the Grand Country Resort, as well as Raiding the Country Vault at the Americana Theatre
When I see and hear them perform together, their talent is obvious and is special in its own right, but there’s more. It’s a synergy and feeling of caring for each other that blends with in with their talent to make a special entertainment experience even more so.
When we thought about sharing a little romance for Valentine’s Day, Branson’s Fiddling Sweethearts just seemed perfect. We used a straight Q&A approach. The Branson Register (BR) asked the question, which either Wayne (WM) or Melody (MH) answered.
BR: When did you first meet?
WM: When I went to see her performing at the Plummer Show in 1990.
BR: Where did you first meet?
WM: At the Plummer Show in 1990.
[It should be noted that although they first met in 1990, it was years later that they began dating and the relationship that has lasted the last 20 plus years.]
BR: What was your first impression of Melody?
WM: Just like the girl next-door, very pretty, and not interested in me.
BR: What was your first impression of Wayne?
MH: He was very handsome, and talented. I was very intimidated by him.
BR: Are you intimidated by him anymore?
MH: No, not at all.
BR: What did you like the most about Melody?
WM: She was and is still beautiful, but it’s her beautiful blue eyes.
BR: What did you like the most about Wayne?
MH: He was very handsome.
BR: When did you realize that Melody was your soul mate, the love of love of your life?
WM: We were out for a lunch date in Branson and she let me kiss her. Not a real kiss, just a “peck.” The she looked at me with that beautiful bright smile and I knew that she was the one!
BR: When did you realize that Wayne was your soul mate, the love of love of your life?
MH: When he invited me up to his house to eat roast
BR: Where did you propose to Melody and how?
WM: We were re together one Sunday evening and she put her arms around me and said, “I am totally in love with you.” That’s when I knew we were going to get married and one thing just led to another.
BR: How did Wayne finally propose to you?
MH: Well, it wasn’t very good. We were in his truck at the gas station near Evans Road after picking out rings. He said, “Will you marry me.” Obviously I said “Yes.” We were married at my family home in Arkansas on August 25, 1998, have been married for over 20 years, and have two wonderful sons, ages 18 and 14.
BR: After 20 year of marriage, on Valentines Day 2019, what do you appreciate the most about Melody?
WM: What a great mother she’s been to our boys, her beautiful heart, strong values, keeping herself looking real pretty for me, and always being there for all of us.
BR: After 20 years of marriage, on Valentines Day 2019, what do you appreciate the most about Wayne?
He’s a good husband, a good daddy, he provides for his family, and, whether its at home with the family, on stage, or whenever asked, he always gives 110%.
BR: Complete this sentence, “Melody, be my Valentine because I…
WM: I’ve always had a major crush on you and I’ve always wanted to fiddle around with you.
BR: Complete this sentence, “Wayne, be my Valentine because I …
MH: Love you and couldn’t imagine living life without you.
For more information about the Grand Jubilee, Down Home Country shows, or Branson Country USA, or tickets, please call 1-888-505-4096 or visit their website www.grandcountry.com/shows.