Biography of Mel Tillis

Though he stutters when he speaks, Mel Tillis is downright eloquent in his singing and superb songwriting ("Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" and "Detroit City," a huge hit for Bobby Bare). Over 500 of his songs have been covered by the likes of Faron Young, Kenny Rogers, folksinger Burl Ives, and Webb Pierce. Among his recordings that hit number one are "Good Woman Blues," "Heart Healer," "Coca-Cola Cowboy," and "Southern Rains." As an actor he's appeared in W. W. and the Dixie Dance Kings and Uphill All the Way (1986) with Roy Clark. His winning personality and sense of humor lead him to regular TV appearances. ~ David Vinopal