Mel Tillis

Mel Tillis (born Lonnie Melvin Tillis on August 8th, 1932 in Tampa, Florida) is a country music singer/songwriter, and actor.

Related Topics:
August 8th - 1932 - Tampa, Florida - Country music

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Tillis has scored nearly six dozen country and crossover hits from the years 1958 to 1988. His biggest country hit, 1972's, "I Ain't Never" had been a major hit for Webb Pierce in 1959. He was honored as the Country Music Association "Entertainer of the Year" in 1976.

Related Topics:
1958 - 1988 - 1972 - Webb Pierce - 1959 - Country Music Association - 1976

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In addition to his musical talents, Mel Tillis has acted in a number of motion pictures, including The Cannonball Run and Smokey and the Bandit II, as well as making guest appearances on a number of television series.

Related Topics:
The Cannonball Run - Smokey and the Bandit II - Television series

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Tillis is known for a trademark stutter which disappears when he sings. A story about Tillis was that he would order "grits" in a restaurant he would frequent at as a struggling singer, because this was the only dish that he could pronounce clearly. His autobiography is titled "Stuttering boy".

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In 1972, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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His daughter is the successful country music artist Pam Tillis. As of 2005, Mr. Tillis is living in Ocala, Florida.

Related Topics:
Pam Tillis - Ocala, Florida

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