Lonnie Melvin “Mel” Tillis –
Singer, songwriter, stutterer.
August 8, 1932 – November 19, 2017.
Aged 85 years.
Most recognized for: Mel got his start writing hits for other artists… & later found his own fame as a country crooner, in spite of a nasty speech impediment. Burger chain Whataburger shamefully took advantage of both in the 80’s, pimping Mel’s stammering in some cringe-inducing ad campaigns. Shitty TV spots aside, he had 6 number 1 hits, including “Coca-Cola Cowboy“… which might as well have been just another crummy commercial.
