Mel Tillis

Mel Tillis, a country music legend known for his sincere vocal delivery and songwriting skills, overcame his infamous speech impediment to become one of Nashville's enduring personalities. Born Lonnie Melvin Tillis in Tampa, Florida, in 1932, he began his musical journey by learning guitar as a child and later formed a group while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After initial struggles in Nashville, Tillis found success as a songwriter, with hits like "I Ain't Never" and "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" becoming staples for various artists in the '60s.

Throughout the '70s and '80s, Tillis enjoyed a prolific period as an artist, scoring numerous chart-topping hits and appearing in several films. While his later work in the '80s didn't match his earlier success, he remained a respected songwriter, with hits like "Honey (Open That Door)" and "Diggin' Up Bones" becoming number one hits for other artists. Tillis continued to entertain audiences as a road act and released a comedy album in 2010. He passed away in November 2017 at the age of 85, leaving behind a lasting legacy in country music.