Country Singer. Born Lonnie Melvin Tillis, he was raised in Pahokee, Florida, under impoverished circumstances. During his early youth, he suffered from malaria which left him with a speech impediment. Additionally, to make his youth more difficult, his father frequently abandoned his family. While in high school, he began playing the drums and participated in the band. He also excelled athletically on the school's football team. Tillis began singing during his mid teenage years and earned recognition in a local talent contest. Following service with the United States Air Force, he relocated to Nashville in efforts to start a career in entertainment. In 1956, he co-penned the song "I'm Tired" which became a hit for Webb Pierce and secured Tillis' place as a songwriter. This led to a job with the Cedarwood Publishing Company. In 1958, he scored a Top 30 hit on the US Country Charts with his recorded version of "The Violet and the Rose" and followed this with "Wine" (1964), "Who's Julie?" (1969) and "These Lonely Hands of Mine" (1969). Additionally, he co-penned the Bobby Bare hit "Detroit City" (1963) and wrote the Kenny Rogers' song "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" (1967). During the 1970s, he expanded his success with further hits which include "Heaven Everyday" (1970), "Commercial Affection" (1970), "Arms of a Fool" (1970) and "Take My Hand" (1971, a duet with Sherry Bryce). During the next several decades, his songs could be found in many movie soundtracks of which include "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings"(1975), "Every Which Way But Loose" (1978), "The Villain" (1979), "Smokey and the Bandit II" (1980) and "Cannonball Run" (1981). In 1974, he hosted his own TV series. Tillis remained active as a recording artist, as well as a performer and songwriter into the 2000s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. His daughter Pam Tillis became a successful Country music performer.
Country Singer. Born Lonnie Melvin Tillis, he was raised in Pahokee, Florida, under impoverished circumstances. During his early youth, he suffered from malaria which left him with a speech impediment. Additionally, to make his youth more difficult, his father frequently abandoned his family. While in high school, he began playing the drums and participated in the band. He also excelled athletically on the school's football team. Tillis began singing during his mid teenage years and earned recognition in a local talent contest. Following service with the United States Air Force, he relocated to Nashville in efforts to start a career in entertainment. In 1956, he co-penned the song "I'm Tired" which became a hit for Webb Pierce and secured Tillis' place as a songwriter. This led to a job with the Cedarwood Publishing Company. In 1958, he scored a Top 30 hit on the US Country Charts with his recorded version of "The Violet and the Rose" and followed this with "Wine" (1964), "Who's Julie?" (1969) and "These Lonely Hands of Mine" (1969). Additionally, he co-penned the Bobby Bare hit "Detroit City" (1963) and wrote the Kenny Rogers' song "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" (1967). During the 1970s, he expanded his success with further hits which include "Heaven Everyday" (1970), "Commercial Affection" (1970), "Arms of a Fool" (1970) and "Take My Hand" (1971, a duet with Sherry Bryce). During the next several decades, his songs could be found in many movie soundtracks of which include "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings"(1975), "Every Which Way But Loose" (1978), "The Villain" (1979), "Smokey and the Bandit II" (1980) and "Cannonball Run" (1981). In 1974, he hosted his own TV series. Tillis remained active as a recording artist, as well as a performer and songwriter into the 2000s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. His daughter Pam Tillis became a successful Country music performer.
Bio by: C.S.
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He generously shared his gifts in songs, stories and humor. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter that will never die. Forever cherished by his family, band, friends and fans.
Rest In Peace
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