Mel Tillis was an American entertainer who composed more than a thousand country songs, many of which became standards. Tillis moved to Nashville in 1957, where he found the city’s industry executives bemused that a stutterer could be a recording artist, while his songwriting abilities gained quick acceptance. He soon had a contract and began to compose songs that would help redefine country music. His own success as a smooth, crooning baritone began in the late ’60s, with singles such as “Stateside” and “Who’s Julie.” He formed a backing band, the Statesiders, and appeared regularly on country music singer Porter Wagoner’s television show. During the ’70s, Tillis enjoyed great success as a country singer, with a steady stream of hits. He also became a principal owner of several music publishing companies and of his own plane known as Stutter One.