Country music singer Mel Tillis recently had heart surgery and is currently recovering from it in Nashville. Mel’s daughter, Pam Tillis, assured fans that the surgery was a typical and common procedure and that her father was doing fine and is expected to make a full recovery

“In typical Mel Tillis fashion, he’s already cutting up and cracking jokes with the nurses,” Tillis said in a statement. Four scheduled shows have been canceled due to his surgery.

Mel began recording music in the 1950’s and had some major hits in the 1970’s, including “I Ain’t Never”, “Good Woman Blues”, and “Coca-Cola Cowboy”. He has also written music for many other country singers, including George Strait, Ray Price, Bobby Bare, and Kenny Rogers.

He has earned many awards and titles for his achievements in country music. In 2012 President Barack Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts for his contributions to country music. He has also won the CMT Entertainer of the Year award. He has been inducted into both the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Mel is expected to reschedule his canceled tour dates once he makes a full recovery.

Did you ever listen to Mel Tillis and if so, what is your favorite song that he has sang or written?

Image via Wikimedia Commons