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.
Tags : mel tillis mel tillis death mel tillis memorial pam tillis
Hot Trends
-
Here Are Lyrics to Tauren Wells' "Making Room"
-
Aodhán King “Beyond Us” Album Review
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Author Gloria Giorno Reveals How the Radical Left Tried to Destroy a Young Conservative
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Hillsong UNITED's Taya Smith Shaves Her Head
-
Carroll McGruder, of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Hillsong's Reuben Morgan Opens Up About What Darlene Zschech Taught Him About Worship
-
Jekalyn Carr Inducted into the Women's Songwriter's Hall of Fame
-
Hulvey Speaks About His Journey from Scrubbing Toilets to Making Music for God
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Bryan & Katie Torwalt Share the Story Behind "Sound Mind"
Most Popular
-
Here Are Lyrics to Tauren Wells' "Making Room"
-
Aodhán King “Beyond Us” Album Review
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Author Gloria Giorno Reveals How the Radical Left Tried to Destroy a Young Conservative
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Hillsong UNITED's Taya Smith Shaves Her Head
-
Carroll McGruder, of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Hillsong's Reuben Morgan Opens Up About What Darlene Zschech Taught Him About Worship
-
Jekalyn Carr Inducted into the Women's Songwriter's Hall of Fame
-
Hulvey Speaks About His Journey from Scrubbing Toilets to Making Music for God
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Bryan & Katie Torwalt Share the Story Behind "Sound Mind"