Lonnie Melvin "Mel" Tillis (born August 8, 1932) is an American country music singer. Although he recorded songs since the late 1950s, his biggest success occurred in the '70s, with a long list of Top 10 hits.
Tillis' biggest hits include, "I Ain't Never," "Good Woman Blues," and "Coca-Cola Cowboy." He also has won the CMA Awards' most coveted award, Entertainer of the Year. He is also known for his speech impediment, which does not affect his singing voice. His daughter is country music singer Pam Tillis.
Tillis was born in Dover, Florida in 1932. His stutter developed during his childhood, a result of a bout of malaria. As a child, Tillis learned the drums, as well as guitar. At age 16, he won a local talent show, and soon joined the United States Air Force, and worked for the railroad. When young Tillis was stationed in Okinawa, he formed a band called The Westerners, which played at local nightclubs. Tillis attended the University of Florida. "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" is a song written by Mel Tillis which was made famous by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition in 1969.
"Ruby" was originally recorded in 1967 by Johnny Darrell, who scored.