1960s Singer Johnny Tillotson Dies at 86
Beloved pop singer Johnny Tillotson has passed away at the age of 86, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. His wife Nancy, confirmed the news on her Facebook page on Wednesday morning, and opened up about his many achievements in songwriting and pop music over the years. Fellow singer Fabian Forte also shared the news of his death on Instagram and wrote, “Saddened that longtime friend, the very talented and funny Johnny Tillotson has passed away. You will be missed.”
Tillotson found fame with his music in 1960 after releasing his biggest hit song, “Poetry in Motion.” Some of his other well-known songs were “Without You,” “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” and “Talk Back Trembling Lips.” While his final album was released in 1977, he remained an icon in pop music with stars such as Elvis Presley and Dean Martin covering his songs. He continued to release music in the decades to come with a country song “Lay Back in the Arms of Someone” in 1984. His final song was 2010’s “Not Enough.”
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Tillotson was discovered while attending the University of Florida, when a tape of his singing was sent to the Pet Milk talent contest and he won the opportunity to perform in Nashville, Tennessee, on WSM the Grand Ole Opry. His very first single, called “Dreamy Eyes” / “Well I’m Your Man,” was released in September 1958.
Besides making music and touring, Tillotson appeared in several films, including the 1963 British music film Just for Fun and 1966 comedy The Fat Spy also starring Jayne Mansfield. In 2011, he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.
1961
January 2021
We set our time machine to 1961 and get a whiff of America’s shiny new-car smell.
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