Long-time Branson entertainer Mel Tillis, known for his stuttered speech, but smooth song delivery, will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October.
Tillis celebrated his 75th birthday on Wednesday, a day after the announcement of his induction, along with Vince Gill and Ralph Emery. The trio’s selection was announced by Barbara Mandrell, Brenda Lee and Hall of Fame Director Kyle Young.
“I dropped my eggplant,” Tillis joked with an AP reporter about how he got the news while working in his garden.
Cindy Shorey, of Walnut Shade, said she spoke with her father on Tuesday and related he indeed was excited. In June Tillis was welcomed as a Grand Ole Opry member. “I couldn’t be prouder,” Shorey said. “It is really nice to see him get the credit he deserves. He has done so much for the industry. He has a work ethic that doesn’t exist anymore.”
Tillis hosted fans in his own theater in Branson for 12 years.
“We are very thankful for Branson,” Shorey said.
Andy Williams said he would have thought Tillis had already been inducted. “I’ve always admired him,” Williams said. “I just thought he was a great country music entertainer. I’ve always liked his song writing and, of course, his records are legendary. I’m very excited for him.”
Williams said he has known Tillis, “forever and enjoyed being in the same town entertaining with him. He is a wonderful songwriter and a wonderful person, very down to earth and very funny.”
His nature is what made his staff here love working under him. John Robb worked under Tillis for 10 years at Tillis’ theater, which is now the Tri-Lakes Center. “He was the kind of guy you didn’t call Mr. Tillis, you called him Mel,” Robb said.
Robb said some of his favorite memories include Tillis’ love for cooking. Tillis had an apartment in his theater and would occasionally whip up meals between shows. “He is a dynamite cook,” Robb said. “He was just a really good guy to work under.”
Tillis’ hits as a recording artist include “Good Woman Blues,” “Coca Cola Cowboy” and “Southern Rain.” He began his career as a songwriter, writing classics such as “Detroit City” and “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town.”
“My dad, he has always been a pioneer in his field,” Shorey said. “He is my idol. He is the person I admire most.”
Shorey said her dad is still performaing, writing songs and is currently mentoring an artist and working on a fictional book. She said he is also considering going on the public speaking circuit.
Fans will get a chance to congratulate Tillis in Branson later this year, when he returns to perform at the Welk Resort Theatre from Sept. 12 - Oct. 20 and Nov. 1-Dec. 8.
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News