SIBLINGS IN A PANDEMIC 🤪
These are MY words and DO NOT REPRESENT ANYONE ELSE, other than me:
At a very sensitive time in the Arnold and Joyce Knudsen Family and with unspeakable gratitude for the recent outpouring of love, prayers and support, may I simply say this: in a very potent way, the COVID-19 Pandemic hit our singing group in a few ways, one of which is now manifesting itself. Each of us six singing brothers, were impacted and have reacted in uniquely different ways.
The worldwide fallout of such an unexpected pandemic with its restrictions and emotional deprivations has already destroyed untold lives, marriages, families–you name it. It certainly hasn’t left our family singing group unmarred, either.
As one might imagine, with our show business relying on a certain number of people to patronize each one of our almost-daily shows and having been shut down for four months during the pandemic lockdown, along with social-distancing now in place, our ‘non-essential’ business was, and has been, greatly impacted, which brings us to where we are, now.
As well-meaning and supportive as some comments have been on Facebook the past couple days, very few, if any have seemingly come close to understanding what is going on, sadly. Please for everyone’s sake, avoid speculation.
Those from large families with siblings who they can hardly get along with at Thanksgiving or Christmas will understand the Divine Miracle that has allowed six brothers to work and stay together this long for the past forty-five years, more-or-less.
Despite what some may think, we brothers are not all the same. Two of us are on the Autistic Spectrum, three of us have significant OCD, four of us are introverts and none of us is a dancer or comedian.
(Truth be known: a late Hollywood producer / choreographer / stunt man who also worked with the likes of legends Debbie Reynolds and Elvis Presley and who helped produce and stage many Las Vegas shows would affectionately refer to us with the biggest grin on his face, as ‘truck drivers’, when he worked with us for a few years in the 90s in Debbie Reynold’s dance studio. He was a wonderful and kind man and an incredible mentor, as well!)
It likely goes without saying, but each one of us is uniquely and distinctly different from each other and it is ONLY because enough personality traits, interests and other significant factors overlapping in enough of the areas that matter, have we been able to be on stage and perform together as one machine, so to speak.
(Incidentally, most of the performing families in Branson no longer have the original lineup they started out with, either.😉)
Siblings that work together inevitably carry with them a number of childhood dynamics into adulthood and will sometimes revert to those dynamics when things get stressful. Nearly every performing family in Branson will attest to such a thing. Couple that with a pandemic and you’ve got a recipe for not-good-things—of course!
Those who do not come from a large family or who have not worked side-by-side with their siblings for decades, will sadly have hardly a clue as to what we are going through and have gone through, over the years, especially with the 13 different configurations we have had, of four, five and six brothers.
Please continue to be as supportive, kind and non-judgmental as you can. It is very much appreciated!
My brothers and I love each other, have each other‘s backs and are willing to give our lives for each other, but c’mon, being in a 4 1/2 decades’ old family performing group, something is bound to happen (as it has, a few times before—just without the magnification, exacerbation and over-dramatization of social media🤪).
However, with God’s help, there is nothing that cannot be fixed!
All of the foregoing having been said, because of the sensitivity and other factors of this ‘situation’, we will be unable to answer any questions or make any further comments until this situation reaches a resolution, whenever and whatever such may be.
AND,… as always: THE SHOW MUST (AND WILL) GO ON! We’ve performed with five and even four brothers, many times, before and we CAN and ARE DOING IT, again😊!
Thank you, again, for your support for all six of us, in whatever form it may be! Much love and respect to you!✌🏻✊🏻👍🏻😊
Barry, I know I’m a little late in responding, and have read all your blogs, finally felt compelled to. First and foremost, your fans will always be your fans no matter what! You and your brothers was blessed with this incredible talent, and we are so thankful you share it with us. My family started coming to Branson for our yearly vacation about 15 years ago. We seen your show, and was blown away! You all are amazing. The last 2 years we haven’t been able to come, and have been saddened to miss your show, so we appreciate your blogs! And all the pictures! I don’t do Facebook much, I’m a lot like you when it comes to Facebook. We appreciate you being so raw and open about your home life, and saddens us to see what you and your wife have been going thru. On the other hand, with you being a celebrity, that kind of stuff will happen. You must know just because people are saying it, doesn’t mean we believe it. My whole family has visited with you and your brothers many times, as short as it had to be, we can tell how you all are just down to earth, very nice and sweet men. I have a nephew with cerebral palsy, and just idolizes the ground you all walk on. The way you grew up being bullied is sad. That breaks our hearts. And that’s something I’m sure you will never forget. I mainly wanted to let you know that your blogs are greatly appreciated, and we know you don’t have to do that. Even if there aren’t many that responds, just know there’s a lot that read it. I hope with all that’s going on in your family, that the 5 of you continue to bless us with your talents. My heart also goes out to Kevin, and hopes he finds his way in what he’s searching for. It’s obvious to your fans that you all have a good time on that stage, and that’s what keeps everyone going. Please please keep it up! We hope to get back to Branson this year, and would be a shame if we couldn’t see you all.
Thank you for sharing!
Sincerely,
Connie Folk
Your comments are very much appreciated, Connie! They are a nice addition to my day and help motivate me to consider writing more blogs. I am currently composing one, as I write this, but was not completely committed to posting it. Your comment, as ‘late’ as you say it is, still gives me an extra little boost, towards that goal of posting another one! Best wishes for a wonderful 2021!
I enjoyed reading your blog and I pray for you guys all the time. I have followed One brothers posts without comment and today posted on another’s in response to someone saying they didn’t agree 100% with him. I tried to gently remind her and others it’s none of our business and certainly not necessary for anyone to agree with your personal actions. Unfortunately, when people are in the public eye, others seem to feel your private and personal business is theirs too. I’m sorry your family is going through this.
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement, Barbara!
I appreciate the insight you have hinted at. One of the things I most admired about your show is the obvious affection between all six brothers!
As to the current problems occurring in America, I just feel like it’s all being brought about by the devil himself. There’s no other logical explanation. So the best thing we can do is pray without ceasing! I really like SIX so I will be praying for all of you!
Thank you, Lenora!
This too shall pass! As with me it has been challenging generating an income after years in top executive roles at a six figure income now reduced to maintenance in a resort making 1/6th the money. I have turned it all over to God and I believe bigger things are yet to come. So to harmonize with the best performers in Branson, I offer the profound words many have summarized to…”this too shall pass”! For SIX(we will greatly miss Kevin), my family and everyone else impacted by Corina lets us let go and let God.
I worked with Cheryl at Blue Green Wilderness Club and I can just say you all are blessed!
In Jesus name,
Amen
Sincerely,
Steve Pisntanida
The supportive words of encouragement are much appreciated, Steve! God’s blessings to you!
Well spoken. Continued prayers for healing in your family according to GOD’S plans. Jermiah 29:11
Thank you, Eugenia
What a great blog, Barry. Thank you for sharing. We have wondered many times throughout the last 6 months how our favorites in Branson were surviving. You have especially been in our prayers the past week. My husband is one of 17 children. We totally understand big family situations and have admired you brothers tremendously for being able to work together day in and day out for so many years. God bless, protect, guide, and direct each of you and your families! <3
Barry, thank you for the blog it just gives us more insight as to who each of you are. I will continue to pray for each of you and your families one more so than others but I will pray for you all. I love each and every one of you and your families you have always shown me and my family nothing but respect. I appreciate you all and I will continue to make sure everyone knows this from family to friend I will always support you all and sending friends and family your way. Love you all, stay safe and God bless.
Thank you for your words of love and encouragement, Judith!
It is always good to remember the power of Christ in 1 Cor 13. Love is kind …..it seeks not it’s own. It Hope’s all things and believes all things. Love never fails. I find that even at our weakest moments we can share Gods greatness. The Knudson family has done that in many ways over the past week and I am humbled by the honesty and grace they have shown in sharing some difficult times in their lives.
Thank you for sharing that, Eric! We have found the Scriptures to be a great source of God’s incredible strength, comfort and peace.
You guys have actually fixed problems and brought together our family sometimes just by coming to your performances and watching your bonds. You guys have such an impact more than you know. ❤️
Thank you for the inspirational comment, Kim! You are right; we rarely know what kind of an impact we might have on someone and I appreciate what you said about it! Much love and respect!
I love my brother, but we are so different, we could never do what you all do. Our prayers will continue for the family. I think of you as an extra family. God bless you all.
Very much appreciated, Micki!
Well said (as always) Barry. You guys have the love and well earned respect of everyone for a reason. The light shines through our imperfections. Love the show, but love what you guys do for others even more.
God’s got this.
Patrick, thank you very much for your supportive words! The interactions that we have had on Facebook, especially about four years ago, were very uplifting and helpful!
Even the smallest families have issues that have to be dealt with. No person family or not totally agree with one another. Sad thing is most do not have theirs put in the spotlight as your family has to deal with. Each of you and your families have been so kind to share your lives with us and I (we) appreciate it. Keep in mind Matthew 6:15 “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Love you all and keep putting a step forward. Hope to see you before this season ends. Thank you for the blog.
Thank you for your uplifting words, Kathy!
No judgement, no speculation, just admiration and support. I come from a small family that I have not worked with for decades, and we still have dysfunction and angst in spite of loving each other.
It’s difficult being in the public eye. There is scrutiny few can understand unless you’ve been there. Your family has handled it with dignity. Keep on – we are all human – which makes us perfectly imperfect. After all, without imperfections, God’s Grace wouldn’t mean nearly as much!
Amen! Thank you for your supportive comments!
I know exactly what you are saying! Being one of nine kids things and relationships can be Tricky! The thing you have going for you is the love you share and the prayers being said here and in Heaven!
I hope you all come out if this in a better place! You are a great, talented family and I am Blessed to have know you for all these years!
Sing on Brothers! Music is the Medicine so many of us crave and need!
Thank you, Janet!
After reading your post I love you all more if that’s possible. We are all imperfect humans trying to make our way and we all have good and bad times. We have extreme OCD and autism in our family so I appreciate you even more. All we can do is lean on Christ and pray. I will be praying for your family and look forward to seeing you in November. It’s giving me something to look forward to. This pandemic has changed so many things and has really made me struggle. Love and prayers
I always wonder, about my blog posts, so especially thank you for your encouraging and supportive comments!
No judgements here! I give you all tremendous credit for being able to work with each other all these years. No matter what goes on in your personal lives, your performances are always top notch!
I first met you in October of 2018 so I’m a relatively a new fan. I live over 1,300 miles away. With that said, I’ve been to see you four times since. You are the most talented and professional people ever. Love your harmonies, talent and entertainment. I have 3 DVDs, all the CDs, plus the stick thing you plug in with all the music on it. It was been a God send during the pandemic.
Please know I’ve had you all in my prayers. My God’s grace bring healing to you all. ❤️🧡💛💚💜💙
No judgements here! I give you all tremendous credit for being able to work with each other all these years. No matter what goes on in your personal lives, your performances are always top notch!
I first met you in October of 2018 so I’m a relatively a new fan. I live over 1,300 miles away. With that said, I’ve been to see you four times since. You are the most talented and professional people ever. Love your harmonies, talent and entertainment. I have 3 DVDs, all the CDs, plus the stick thing you plug in with all the music on it. It was been a God send during the pandemic.
Please know I’ve had you all in my prayers. My God’s grace bring healing to you all. ❤️🧡💛💚💜💙
Thanks, again🙏🏻😊
Always give you all credit for sticking together and being able to work together basically forever. You always give an outstanding performances despite whatever is going on in your personal lives. Love your talent!
I pray for healing for all of you. You always have my support and no judging. Sending prayers and wishing all of you the very best! ❤️
Thank you very much, Sandy!
Barry,
Thank you for your blogs!
Just want to let you know we support you all! You continue to amaze me with your awesome entertainment even in the worst of times!
I hate that we haven’t been able to see your shows since this pandemic took over because of my compromised immune system & Drs orders to stay away from large numbers of people. I can only imagine how difficult it is to lose so much show time & then have such small audiences! Today, we will be in the audience & finally getting our SIX fix!
Even the best of families can have diversity and whatever has happened it certainly is no one’s business ! With God’s help, you all will get through this bump in the road! You all are blessed with a huge & loving fan base ….all praying for SIX and your families!
I feel honored not only to be a super fan, but also your friend!
Stay safe & well! God bless you & your brothers & your sweet wives & families!
Love y’all!
Lynne
❤️💛💚💜💙🧡
As always, Lynne your kind and supportive words and friendship are very much appreciated! I’ll look for you and Fred!
Our love and respect for you all continues. Our prayers are with you all. This has been such an incredibly difficult year for so many, just know that you are not alone. We have enjoyed your show for so many years now, and have admired your talent, just the joy you have given us through the years can never be repaid. Always know that we love you all, and pray for the best for all of you. Take care, until we see you again.
Thank you for your kind and supportive words, Donna! We look forward to many more years of being able to entertain wonderful people like you!
Barry ever since my girls and I saw your show for the 1st time I feel in love with you all. I’ve brought my sister’s, my friends and have seen your show at least once a year if not more. I hate what Covid has done to not only your family’s and your performing as this is your livelihood. Along with all of us it has had devastating consequences and I’m ready as I’m sure you all are ready to go back to my real life, this life can go back where it came from! I’m ready to be able to come to Branson and see your show with you all performing without social distancing and masks. I know my God can eliminate this virus or whatever it is, but there needs to be lots of Christian prayers going up and we as a nation turning back to Christ!! Prayers for your family during this trying time for us all!
Love to you all,
Glenda Newby
Wonderful and appreciated words, Glenda and AMEN! Perhaps, by the time you are able to come, we will have reinstated Meet & Greet after the show and can have the pleasure of meeting you and your daughters!
I will never forget the first time I was given a DVD to watch of your show in Branson!! It was Love at first sight!! Such a Great show!! I couldn’t believe my eyes at how talented you all were and are!!! I’m so Thankful for your hard work and dedication to putting on the Best shows possible!! What you all have been going through just breaks my heart!! I know God is listening to all our Prayers and things will get better!!! Love and Appreciate you all very much!!!! P.S. So very GRATEFUL for the DVDs!!!!!!
Nancy, you are such a sweet disciple of Christ! We don’t always get a chance to express gratitude for the hand-crafted and thoughtful greeting cards you send to us and our wives throughout the year, but no one else does that and it is often a highlight of our day! Thank you for your loyalty and support throughout the many years, even though you have never been able to actually see our show, live!
I will support you guys until the day I die. You’ve all made such a positive impact on my life, since I first met you March if 2016. Rest assured I will be there as soon as possible to see you all (however many there will be).
Your words are profound. My heartfelt prayers to all of you. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Your loyalty and support over the last four years, especially after the then-recent-loss of your husband and the way in which you courageously carried on, despite whatever feelings of loss, you were and still experience, have been an example for us to watch!
I fell in love with your show last year when I saw you perform. I loved each one of you in your own unique way. May God be with you all and each of you will be in my prayers.
Your supportive words are much appreciated, Tommie!
I know that whatever comes will have to be the best for everyone not just one or two . I understand that there are some family members you don’t always get along with. But they are family and you do love them.Working with family is always hard. Sometimes you can just get along with people a lot better when you’re apart. Your family is amazing. I know you will continue to do your show with the same commitment and excitement as you always have. We all need to understand that you are there for our entertainment two hours a day. But everyone on that show has been together their whole lives and there’s going to be problems and issues. I can’t wait to see you again good luck and getting everything straightened out. With God’s help everyone will Win!!! Praying for your whole family.
Thank you for your kind words of love and support, Maleia!
My heart breaks for your family right now. My prayers are with you all. Rest yourselves in the LORD. He will give you peace.
Your right most of us will never or have never been under the stressors of such close contact with our family constantly for decades. Please know how highly I think of you and your brothers as entertainers and as men.
And I know I am only one of many who feel this way .
Take care of your hearts.
With prayers and love.
Nancy
Thank you for your long time love and support, Nancy!
Praying for your entire family.
Yours, coupled with probably thousands, have obviously all helped! Thank you, Janice!
Perfectly put! The most important thing in this is your family. We as fans want what’s best for you all, and as far as my family goes, each and every one of you will always have our respect, prayers and (yes I’m the one in the crowd always yelling your names) our deepest gratitude for entertaining us for so many years. You all are incredible and we thank you for sharing a part of yourselves with us and the world.
Thank you for your kind comments and support, Rachael!
I love you guys and only want the best for you!❤
Thank you, Brenda! Your attitude is very much appreciated!