Friends, Family, And Fans Gather At The Ryman To Honor Mel Tillis

Family, friends, fans and music industry colleagues of the late Mel Tillis gathered at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, January 31, to honor the legendary singer who passed away last November.

The memorial service, hosted by Ralph Emery, included performances by members of the Tillis Family, Ricky Skaggs, Ray Stevens, the Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Jamey Johnson, Daryle Singletary, Ira Dean, Tanya Tucker, Alison Krauss and the Street Corner Symphony, Collin Raye, Kenyon Lockry, Kree Harrison, Splinter Middleton, and Tillis' backup singers, the Stutterettes. His longtime band, The Statesiders, accompanied select performances.

"You could feel the emotion in the room," notes Pam Tillis. "We felt dad's presence. We think he was proud." Carrie April Tillis adds, "It was a beautifully moving tribute. Everybody had their stamp on it."

Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young, producer Buddy Cannon, and President of Opry Entertainment Steve Buchanan, were also on-hand to speak on Tillis' career. Famed Nashville songwriter Bobby Tomberlin served as emcee.

Many other stars were in attendance to pay homage to Tillis. Audience members included Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Deborah Allen, Dierks Bentley, Roy Clark, Duane Allen, Darrin Vincent, Lulu Roman, and more.

"We've always been proud of him but, it's funny, since his passing, we've only grown more proud of his legacy," says Pam.

About Mel Tillis

Lonnie Melvin Tillis was born in Tampa, Florida on August 8, 1932. Throughout his 60+ year career, the Grand Ole Opry member recorded more than 60 albums, had 35 Top Ten singles, six #1 hits ("I Ain't Never," "Coca-Cola Cowboy," "Southern Rains," "Good Woman Blues," "Heart Healer," and "I Believe In You"), was named CMA (Country Music Association) Entertainer of the Year in 1976, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame the same year. Tillis was elected a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He wrote over 1,000 songs, 600 of which have been recorded by major artists including Kenny Rogers ("Ruby, Don't You Take Your Love To Town"), George Strait ("Thoughts Of A Fool"), and Ricky Skaggs ("Honey, Open That Door"). Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) named Tillis Songwriter of the Decade for two decades. In February of 2012 President Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts.