Who Is Mel Tillis? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mel Tillis was born on August 8, 1932, and passed away on November 19, 2017. He was a staple in the country music genre, having penned hit songs like "I Ain't Never" and “Coca-Cola Cowboy.” Known for his distinct stutter, Tillis captivated audiences not only with his music but also with his wit and charm during performances. His contributions to country music earned him numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
| Occupation | Country Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1932 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 November, 2017 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Mel Tillis's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements such as height and weight may vary, Mel Tillis was known to be approximately 6 feet tall. He maintained a healthy lifestyle that complemented his active career in music.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mel Tillis was married twice during his lifetime. He first married to Sylvia Tillis, with whom he had three children: Pam, Mel Jr., and Carrie. After their divorce, he later married Kathy DeVincent in 2003. Though Mel Tillis passed away in 2017, his legacy endures through his family and the impact he made in the world of music.
His parents were Burma (née Rogers; 1907–1990) and Lonnie Lee Tillis (1907–1981). While he was still young, the family moved to Pahokee, Florida (near West Palm Beach). After a bout of malaria during his childhood, he developed a stutter. As a child, Tillis learned the drums as well as guitar. At age 16, he won a local talent show.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Mel Tillis had an estimated net worth of around $20 million. His wealth was attributed to his successful music career, numerous songwriting credits, and various entertainment ventures over the decades. His earnings from album sales, performances, and royalties reflect his status as a country music legend.
Career, Business and Investments
Mel Tillis's career began in the 1950s, and he gained fame for both singing and songwriting. He penned songs not only for himself but also for famous artists like Patsy Cline and Toby Keith. Beyond music, Tillis ventured into comedy and made appearances on television shows, significantly broadening his audience reach. He also owned a restaurant and a theater, diversifying his investments and income sources.
After leaving the Air Force in 1955, Tillis returned to Florida where he worked a number of odd jobs, eventually finding employment with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in Tampa. He used his railroad pass to visit Nashville and eventually met and auditioned for Wesley Rose of the publishing house Acuff-Rose Music.
Rose encouraged Tillis to return to Florida and continue honing his songwriting skills. Tillis eventually moved to Tennessee, and began writing songs full-time. He wrote "I'm Tired", a No. 3 country hit for Webb Pierce in 1957. Other Tillis hits include "Honky Tonk Song" and "Tupelo County Jail".
Ray Price, Kitty Wells and Brenda Lee also charted hits with Tillis' material around this time. In the late 1950s, after becoming a hit-making songwriter, he signed his own contract with Columbia Records. In 1958, he had his first Top 40 hit, "The Violet and a Rose", followed by the Top 25 hit "Sawmill".
Social Network
Though Mel Tillis is no longer with us, his legacy continues through various social media platforms where fans share tributes and memories. His official presence online can be found through fan pages and country music forums that celebrate his contributions to the industry.
Following his heyday in the 1970s, Tillis remained a songwriter in the 1980s, writing hits for Ricky Skaggs and Randy Travis. He also wrote his autobiography called Stutterin' Boy. Tillis appeared as the television commercial spokesman for the fast-food restaurant chain Whataburger during the 1980s.
He briefly signed with RCA Records, as well as Mercury Records, and later Curb Records in 1991. His last top-10 hit was in 1984 and his last top-40 country hit in 1988; like most country artists of the classic era, his recording career was dented by changes in the country music industry in the early 1990s.
He also built a theater in Branson, Missouri, where he performed on a regular basis until 2002. In 1998, he teamed with Bobby Bare, Waylon Jennings, and Jerry Reed to form The Old Dogs. The group recorded a double album of songs penned entirely by Shel Silverstein. In July 1998, Old Dogs Volumes 1 and 2 were released on the Atlantic Records label.
A companion video, as well as a Greatest Hits album (composed of previously released material by each individual artist), were also available.
Education
Mel Tillis had a modest educational background. He attended Florida State University where he developed his love for music. Though he didn't complete a formal music degree, his talent and passion for songwriting and performance allowed him to flourish in his career.
He attended the University of Florida, but he dropped out and joined the United States Air Force. While stationed as a baker on Okinawa, he formed a band called The Westerners, which played at local nightclubs.
