The Duttons
The Duttons are an extremely talented family from Branson, Missouri who are now international touring and recording artists. The Duttons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They specialize in performing bluegrass to classical music, but also doing everything in between. As their family has received more attention and fame for their astonishing talent, they have been able to open up two Dutton Theaters. One of their theaters is located in Branson, Missouri. Next to their Dutton Theater in Branson there is also a hotel, restaurant, and a gift shop – all owned by the Dutton family. Their second theater is located in Mesa, Arizona where they perform usually December through April. People from all over travel to their theaters, and to places where the Duttons are on tour, to experience the incredible show of a family joining together to make music and have a good time.
Something that is so unique about this family and that sets them apart from other musicians and musical groups is that they connect with their audiences. They believe that if you want something done right, you do it yourself! In their theaters they are actively involved with their audiences, not only during, but also before the shows. The family members are around the lobby before the show starts, selling their products, and especially their well-known fudge in which over 5 tons are sold each year. They are also the ushers of their own show.
Their show features a variety of instruments including violin, guitar, bass, viola, banjo, mandolin, keyboard, harmonica, and drums, among others. The Duttons have acquired awards and recognition in national fiddling contests, classical violin competitions, and are recognized and awarded for being studio musicians.
One might think, how can one family make up a whole musical performing group? Well, Dean and Shelia Dutton, the parents and starters of this all, have 7 beautiful children: Tim, Jonathan, Amy, Ben, Abby, Jenny, and Josh. With their seven prodigy children, it wasn’t hard to be recognized for their talent and uniqueness as a family group.
What is truly amazing about The Duttons though is that Dean and Shelia were not professional musicians and they didn’t start out learning and performing music to receive a lot of attention or to become famous. Sheila Dutton, the mother of the Dutton family, said in an interview, “We didn’t start our kids out on music to make them musicians. We started them out on music to teach them discipline. Spending time with your children doing something creative and productive is the best gift you can give them.” Yet, as they began to realize that music started to define who they were as a family, they embraced it.
They made the decision to pursue music as a career in 1991, and had their first tour that same year, which was 9 months long. Since that tour they have not looked back, and as their family continued to grow and receive national attention, they have only enjoyed performing more and more. One of their many huge accomplishment’s is that they tried out for Season 2 of America’s Got Talent and made it all they way to the finals. They now have been performing together for over 31 years.
Amy Dutton, one of the daughters in the family, who is now Amy Dutton Arambulo, said of their music, “The best way to present your art is to be yourself.”
Timothy Dutton, a son in the family, said, “I get to work side by side with my wife and my children. I might sometimes take that for granted but when I think about it, it is an amazing opportunity that brings me a lot of happiness that I don’t have to be apart from them.”
The Dutton success is truly all about family. They show their faith through their love and focus on family, and are an example to all who experience their performances whether in person or online.
Read more about the Dutton’s and their huge talented family.
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