Mel Tillis Invited To Become Member Of Grand Ole Opry

NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Grand Ole Opry) - Country music legend and Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening. Tillis' formal induction will take place on Sat., June 9.

After taking the Opry stage to perform two songs, Tillis was approached by Opry member Bill Anderson who asked 'how would you like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. We'd love to have you.' A very moved Tillis replied, 'this is another part of a dream yet to be fulfilled. The Opry's always been on my mind. God bless the Grand Ole Opry.' Upon his membership invitation, Tillis was flanked by his son Mel Jr., and daughter Pam Tillis, an Opry member since 2000, who will formally induct her father into the Opry next month.' After Tillis walked off stage Anderson remarked, 'When I was asked to invite Mel, I said 'I whisper and Mel stutters. No one is going to know what was said!''

'All of us with the Opry are excited to welcome Mel Tillis as our newest Opry member on June 9,' said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. 'Mel is known around the world for his unique and high-quality brand of entertainment. Whether as a singer, actor, or songwriter, he represents what the Opry's all about, and we look forward to welcoming him in to our family of new stars, superstars and legends.'

In a career that has spanned five decades, Mel Tillis has recorded over 60 albums with thirty-six Top Ten singles including 'Good Woman Blues,' 'Coca Cola Cowboy,' and 'Southern Rain' to name a few. He has written over 1,000 songs with 600 of those being recorded by major artists. Among his most popular songs are Kenny Rogers' 'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town,' 'Detroit City' by Bobby Bare, 'Emotions' by Brenda Lee, Webb Pierce's 'I Ain't Never,' Ray Price's 'Burning Memories,' 'Thoughts of A Fool' by George Strait, and 'Honey (Open That Door)' recorded by Ricky Skaggs .
Tillis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters International Hall of Fame in 1976, and in that same year he was named the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year. He also took home the CMA Comedian of the Year trophy six years running in the 1970s.

The Grand Ole Opry is presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year, and the Tuesday Night Opry continues through Dec. 18. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or log on to www.opry.com.