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
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Lysa TerKeurst’s 22-Yr-Old Daughter Breaks Silence About Her Dad’s Affair
-
Zane Walls Releases Empowering New Multi-Single, "Think About Me"
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
David Jeremiah Unveils New Book "The Coming Golden Age: 31 Ways to Be Kingdom Ready"
-
MercyMe Collaborates with Country Music Superstar Walker Hayes on a New Version of "Oh Death"
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music
Most Popular
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Lysa TerKeurst’s 22-Yr-Old Daughter Breaks Silence About Her Dad’s Affair
-
Zane Walls Releases Empowering New Multi-Single, "Think About Me"
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
David Jeremiah Unveils New Book "The Coming Golden Age: 31 Ways to Be Kingdom Ready"
-
MercyMe Collaborates with Country Music Superstar Walker Hayes on a New Version of "Oh Death"
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music