Mel Tillis Performs One Final, Legendary Time In Grand Ole Opry

Oct 26, 2018 by apost team

The country world lost a legend on November 19, 2017, when multi-talented artist Mel Tillis passed away. He left behind a legacy that not only includes his own hits, like "Send Me Down To Tuscon" and "Coca-Cola Cowboy," but the hits of other country stars as well.

Mel's talents not only included his brilliant vocal work - he was a master songwriter as well. He is responsible for penning the hits of other musicians as well. He wrote Patsy Cline's "Strange," George Strait's "Thoughts of a Fool," Waylon Jennings' "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town," and Stonewall Jackson's "I Could Have Gone Right."

Mel left this world at the age of 85 after a year-long battle with intestinal issues. As with many other country singers, Mel was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. However, he didn't become a member until 2007, almost fifty years after he first began his career in Nashville.

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The reason for his late membership had to do with his busy schedule. As noted by the Opry's website, Mel had always wanted to be a member but was never able to join due to his shows, his appearances on TV programs like The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson and Hollywood Squares, and appearances in various movies.

Once he became an Opry member, he performed many times every year until his final show on December 11, 2015, just a few weeks before he fell ill. With each performance, Mel brought with him a rich history and was a central figure for the Opry.

During his final show, the 83-year-old proved that he still had it, as he captivated the audience with a performance of his hit 1970 single "The Arms of a Fool," which was released on his album The Arms of a Fool/Commercial Affection (which featured Eddie Stubbs as a guest).

Mel Tillis was truly a legend, an undisputed country icon. His impact will be felt for many years to come, and he will be missed. It is because of this that we can only be thankful that we managed to film Mel doing what he does best one final time.

Be sure to watch this stunning clip above, and pass it along to all other Mel Tillis fans you know. Also, don't forget to tell us what you think about Mel's performance and his legacy in the comments.