Mel Tillis

Mel Tillis, born Lonnie Melvin Tillis, was an influential figure in country music, both as a songwriter and a performer. His journey to fame was marked by overcoming personal challenges, including a stutter that he turned into a defining part of his public persona.

Tillis' stutter started at age four after a bout with malaria. Despite this, he pursued a career in music, initially focusing on songwriting. He wrote hits for artists like Webb Pierce, Bobby Bare, Tom Jones, and Kenny Rogers. Some of his well-known songs include "I Ain't Never," "Crazy, Wild Desire," "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," and "Mental Revenge"1.

His own recording career began to take off in the late 1960s and 1970s. Hits like "These Lonely Hands of Mine" and "She'll Be Hanging Around Somewhere" marked the beginning of his success as a recording artist. His first chart-topper came in 1972 with "I Ain't Never," and he continued to produce hits like "Good Woman Blues" and "Coca-Cola Cowboy" 2.

Tillis' stutter did not affect his singing, and he used this to his advantage in his performances. He was encouraged by fellow artist Minnie Pearl to speak on stage, using humor to deal with his stutter. This approach not only helped him personally but also endeared him to audiences. His appearances on television shows like "The Merv Griffin Show" and "The Porter Wagoner Show" further increased his popularity. Despite facing challenges, such as networks initially reluctant to air his commercials due to his stutter, Tillis persevered and became a beloved figure in the entertainment industry 3.

Tillis' legacy extends beyond his music. He was a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation and his journey serves as an inspiration for many who face similar challenges. In recognition of his contributions to country music, President Barack Obama awarded him the National Medal of Arts. Tillis' life story is a testament to the power of resilience and talent in overcoming personal obstacles.

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Mel Tillis

Byron Pitts

Byron Pitts has brought much attention to stuttering with his memoir, Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges, released in September, 2009. The book not only details his speech difficulties, but also his illiteracy until age 12 and his unstable family life. Pitts overcame the odds to become the chief national correspondent with ABC News.

Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles, a former player for The Philadelphia Eagles, the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers, made history in 2007 when he became the first player in NFL history to return a kickoff and a punt for his first two NFL touchdowns in the same game. In 2021, he was selected to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

John Stossel

John Stossel is one of the most recognized and articulate reporters today. However, he once considered giving up his broadcasting career because of his stuttering.

“Fear of stuttering can easily become worse than the stuttering itself,” observed Stossel. “The idea that I’m on television and making speeches is still a shock to me sometimes.”

Ken Venturi

As much of the nation watches the U.S. Open Golf Championship, it is impossible not to think about our late friend Ken Venturi. Ken overcame many challenges to win the Open at Congressional in 1964 and go on to become the voice of golf for more than three decades.

However, Ken faced no bigger obstacle than stuttering. Ken Venturi was a champion to those who stutter, going out of his way to share his personal experience when consulted by a colleague, friend, or child who stutters.