The public memorial service for Mel Tillis, who passed away in November, will be broadcast live on 650 AM WSM from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. The broadcast will also be available on WSMonline.com, as well as the station’s mobile app. The event is free and open to the public.
Tillis’ family, friends, fans, and music colleagues will gather at the Ryman to honor the life and career of the Country Music Hall of Famer, and a slew of country stars will perform some of Tillis’ most memorable career songs. Those scheduled to take the stage include Ricky Skaggs, Ray Stevens, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Alison Krauss with the Street Corner Symphony, Jamey Johnson, Collin Raye, Daryle Singletary, Lorrie Morgan, Ira Dean, Pam Tillis, Sonny Tillis, and Carrie April Tillis. Tillis’ band, The Statesiders, will accompany select performances and former Nashville Now host Ralph Emery will emcee.
Following a lengthy struggle to regain his health, Tillis passed away on Nov. 19, 2017, at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. He battled intestinal issues since early 2016 and never fully recovered. He was 85.
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
