Mel Tillis

American country music singer and musician (1932-2017)

Lonnie Melvin "Mel" Tillis (August 8, 1932 – November 19, 2017) was an American country music singer and songwriter. He recorded songs since the late 1950s. His biggest success occurred in the 1970s, with a long list of Top 10 hits. His biggest hits include "I Ain't Never", "Good Woman Blues", and "Coca-Cola Cowboy".

Mel Tillis
Tillis at the Grand Ole Opry, 2007
Tillis at the Grand Ole Opry, 2007
Background information
Birth nameLonnie Melvin Tillis
Born(1932-08-08)August 8, 1932
Dover, Florida, United States
OriginTampa, Florida, United States
DiedNovember 19, 2017(2017-11-19) (aged 85)
Ocala, Florida, United States
GenresCountry
Outlaw country
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, guitar
Years active1958–2017
LabelsColumbia Records
Kapp Records
MGM Records
MCA Records
Elektra Records
Radio Records
Websitehttp://www.meltillis.com/

Awards and recognitions change

On February 13, 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts for his contributions to country music.[1] He also has won the CMA Awards' most coveted award, Entertainer of the Year. He was also known for his stutter, which does not affect his singing voice. His daughter is country music singer Pam Tillis.

Tillis died on November 19, 2017 of respiratory failure complicated by sepsis in Ocala, Florida at the age of 85.[2]

References change

  1. "President Obama Awards the 2011 National Medals of Arts and Humanities at the White House".
  2. "Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis dead at 85". Tennessean. November 19, 2017.

Other websites change