Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature Mel Tillis

This Sunday we’re featuring Mel Tillis, country singer, songwriter and guitarist. Join me -- loyal country classic fans -- at 11 am Sunday, February 26^th at 98.1 FM Minnesota’s New Country, online and on your mobile device.

Mel Tillis spent a lot of time in the hospital in 2016. According to ‘Taste of Country,’ the iconic singer landed in the hospital in January of 2016 undergoing colon surgery. He suffered complications spending most of the entire year under constant care in Nashville, Tennessee. He has returned home to Florida.

The country legend started performing in the early 50’s. His heyday came in the 1970’s as an artist. In 1972 “I Ain’t Never” became his first chart-topper. Then came “Neon Rose,” “Sawmill,” “Stomp Them Grapes,” “I Believe in You” and “Coca-Cola Cowboy.” Mel has written over 1,000 songs, some have been recorded by major artists such as “Detroit City” for Bobby Bare, “I Ain’t Never” for Webb Pierce and “Honey open that Door” for Ricky Skaggs.

Tillis has appeared in Numerous films including “Every Which Way but Loose” with Clint Eastwood and “Smokey and the Bandit II" with Burt Reynolds. Tillis has a lot of hobbies; gardening, cooking, fishing and painting. He has six children, songwriter Mel “Sonny” Tillis Jr. and singer-songwriter Pam Tillis following in their dad’s footsteps.

The Grand Ole Opry inducted Mel Tillis on June 9, 2007. Mel Tillis is now 84 years old and has been in the entertainment business for over 50 years.