Mel Tillis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mel Tillis
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Tillis at the Grand Ole Opry, 2007
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lonnie Melvin Tillis |
| Born | August 8, 1932 Dover, Florida, United States |
| Origin | Tampa, Florida, United States |
| Died | November 19, 2017 (aged 85) Ocala, Florida, United States |
| Genres | Country Outlaw country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1958–2017 |
| Labels | Columbia Records Kapp Records MGM Records MCA Records Elektra Records Radio Records |
| Associated acts | Pam Tillis, Nancy Sinatra, Roger Miller, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Bill Anderson, Old Dogs, Dude Mowrey |
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".
On February 13, 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts for his contributions to country music. 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.
