Mel Tillis Day celebrated to honor the memory of music legend

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Branson celebrated the latest in a series of special days honoring the entertainment legends who put our town on the map.

Monday, August 8, was declared Mel Tillis Statesiders Day, honoring the late musical icon who made Branson his home for many years. Tillis, a nationally known recording artist and member of the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, was a Branson favorite. Following a hugely successful career as a recording artist that spawned dozens of top-ten hits, Tillis built a theater in Branson, where he entertained thousands of people each night.

Tillis brought his family into his Branson show, sharing the stage and the spotlight with his children and grandchildren.

Mel Tillis Statesiders Day was proclaimed by Mayor Larry Milton on what would have been Tillis’ 90th birthday, in honor of the impact that Tillis had on Branson. In honor of his grandfather, Marshall Howden, member of the Branson Board of Aldermen and supporter of the arts, organized a special tribute show to celebrate the musical legend, held at Branson’s Copeland Theater. Performing to a sold-out crowd on Monday as they honored the memory of the great Mel Tillis and the Statesiders were Mel Tillis Jr., Tammy and Tonya Bilyeu (the Stutterettes), Clay Cooper, Stevie Lee Woods, Billy Yates, Brandon Mabe, C.J. Newsom, The Blackwoods, Logan Allen, Brandon Mabe, Trey Dees, The Sons, Rick McEwen and All Hands on Deck.

Proceeds from the Monday night show were donated to Branson Cares, a citywide movement to provide mobility to children with disabilities, through the purchase of pediatric wheelchairs.

“Branson’s Tribute to Mel Tillis raised significant money (and still coming in) to provide life-changing mobility to these kids and their families,” said Bob Nichols, President of BAAMT (Branson Academy for the Advancement of Music and Theater).

Of the special day honoring his grandfather, Howden noted, “I would like to thank the mayor for the proclamation and the City of Branson for making this happen! I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support. To sell out the venue, over 500 seats, was unbelievable. The whole thing was essentially a family reunion with my family and the Branson family, as a whole. I said it Monday night, and I’ll say it again, ‘Branson still loves Mel Tillis!’”