OH his voice haunting. How many of my brothers in arms are trapped in a bed watching the shadows move along the walls while they wait to die. Please God give them peace that you can give.
I have always admired Mel Tillis, great singer and songwriter, fine actor, and very comical guy, but I just want to say that this acoustic performance on Porter Wagoner show was absolutely stunning and just plain badass!
I agree the acoustic performance was spot on and made for a great live performance. But after listening several times, I keep thinking I hear a second guitarist off camera (maybe playing a 12 string?). That, plus I think I hear Porter say, "Jimmy! " right before saying "How are you today?" as he steps in to shake hands with Mel. Perhaps Porter was acknowledging the accompaniast.
Mel was a great writer. He wrote RUBY, and as you see, sang it so well. RIP Mel. Where have all the greats in country music gone? Thank God we can still see them here on UA-cam.
@@brianmcnellis5512 Why you going all out on Jesse? Mel Tillis stuttered. He talked extensively about it. He joked about it. He was very popular, and he laughed along with everyone else. But when he sang, that stutter disappeared. And he was a beautiful singer. And everybody loved him. And he loved everybody.
In my humble opinion, I think Ruby is one of the greatest songs in country music history, and it doesn't get mentioned like it should. Mel did such a wonderful job on it.
Fun to hear the writer of the song do his own composition. Inspiring to hear Kenny Rogers version too. Just a powerful heartbreak song. RIP to you both!
I kinda thought a story was behind Mel writing this song it’s so unfortunate that a young fella went through this kind of tragedy maybe because of the war or something Rest in peace mel.
When I deployed to Iraq in 2007, I had my daughter send me an iPod with all the songs of my junior high days....just in case. Spent many a Blackhawk flight with this great classic! As timeless as it was in 1969. Substitute SW Asia for SE Asia,,,,,,,,,,,We NEVER learn.
This is an amazing version of an iconic country tune, and the lack of instrumentation (an intimate moment between the songwriter and the song) makes the message even stronger. I love it...!
What a wonderful peformance. I wish Mel and Kenny hadn't changed this into a "happy" song where they speeded up the tempo and people are clapping and singing along. It's not a happy song.
Thanks for posting. (Much better solo than with a full band..) I'm partial to Roger Miller's cover version I guess (and The First Edition, I grew up with...), but this is great as well -- and straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. ~ ;-)
Also Bobby Womack has his version of the song and it was a hit for the African American community. But his version was about a son who didnt respect his mom for treating his dad this way. If you havent heard it check it out.
Mel Tillis - great song. When he talked he stuttered but, when he sang he did not stutter! A line in the song about a "crazy Asian war" and the time of the song's release led to the assumption that the song was about a veteran of the Vietnam War, though this was never stated in the lyrics. However, Tillis stated that the song was about a veteran of World War II
Always felt Mel does "Ruby" better than anyone! A faster version by Mel can be found on UA-cam 1980 - ACL Live - Mel Tillis Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town - Orange Blossom Special (which Mel's Band the Statesiders does a super job of!)
Great antiwar song sung by the songwriter. He was a unique talent. Glad I got to see him perform a few years ago in Annapolis MD at Ram's Head Inn. He was still full of energy. Got to meet him too - very nice gentleman. Safe journey, Mr. Tillis.
@@ottogrendel I wouldn't say that. He's right. Protagonist says he was proud to serve. There wouldn't be any real difference if his legs were damaged in a car accident. But it's a bigger impact to have that done to a wounded veteran.
wow, so this is the original? The phrasing and harmonies are quite different from the more famous versions. My favorite cover so far: Gary Holton and Casino Steele.
Really great song..I grew up hearing Kenny Rogers version, but my mother had told me that Mel Tillis had written it. I never had heard Mel Tillis sing it until now -- he had such a nice voice!
Mel liked the heck out of Kenny Rogers' version, too. The song writer's royalties made a great deal of money for him. BTW: Mel pitched the song to Jimmy Dean, who passed on it -- one of his great regrets.
Mel don't care about your comment,sorry magpipe but Mel banked more cash than Kenny on this one.Music today is business,not who can out sing one another.
I am quickly developing immense appreciation for Mel Tillis, having realized that my gg-grandmother was a Tillis from the same county, probably one of his aunts or cousins. That sparked my interest in his work and personality. Have always loved traditional Country music. So thrilled now to learn that he wrote this great song, and truly enjoy hearing him sing it. Handsome with wonderful eyes, manners, and voice -- he really has won my heart!
I posted some where that I had watched Mel Tillis sing "Ruby" on The Tonight Show many yrs. ago. He gave some back ground story about the song. It was based on a WW2 vet .who had married a German girl. The Vietnam war was going on and that is why "crazy Asian war" was used. He then sang the song. Just him and his guitar. Sounded so good just like in this video. R.I.P. Mel Tillis.
I believe he was referring to the Korean War. At the time he wrote it the Vietnam War was more-or-less just ramping up and certainly wasn't "old" yet, and he was writing from the perspective of the vet who was a neighbor of his in Florida, but changed the song's timeline from the forties to the early fifties when he was there. I'd like to see that Tonight Show performance. Doesn't seem to be on UA-cam.
@@thomasmartin8202 Thank you for your input. Like I said it was many years ago. Maybe some one who owns a dvd set might have a copy of this particular show and post it. Just an aside; Walter Brennon also recorded his version of this song. I think Kenny Rogers version was the most popular of all the covers out there. Thanks again.
@@manuelgonzales2944 You bet. I really like the Kenny Rogers and the First Edition version but I keep coming back to this one...in some ways it seems even more heartfelt and real. Because of the timing of release, everyone thinks it's about Vietnam or is an anti-Vietnam War song but it seems not to have been, originally, from my readings on it.
I heard him tell the story of how he wrote this song…he was driving back from Tennessee and heard Johnny Cash on the radio playing singing “Dont take your guns to town” and he came up with “Ruby, dont take your love to town”…Ruby was the wife of a American GI who was injured in the war and later lived behind him and his mom when he was growing up in Florida and he used to hear them fighting constantly and some years later hearing that Johnny Cash song made him come up with the lyrics to this song lol kind of cool actually
Holy shit. This is 100 times more powerful than Kenny's version. I had no idea it was a cover, I realised Rogers didn't write it, I'm not sure he wrote anything, but still didn't know this man wrote AND sang it first. Somehow SO much more evocative and believable with just a guitar and an amazing voice. This has changed my whole appreciation of a song I've known for 40 years. Mel Tillis was clearly an unsung talent. I'll say it again.... this shits all over every performance Kenny Rogers ever did.
I just saw the will The circle be unbroken documentary and learned this about Mel Tillis. It was one of the best programs I've ever seen in my whole life I'm so glad I stayed up till 11:00 at night to watch it I am so informed
Also, Tony if you listen to the video here Porter Wagoner even acknowledges that Mel Wrote the song... I have to say it’s better than Kenny’s singing and I respect and love Kenny Rogers, but Mel truly wrote a beautiful true story and sung the fire out of it! Thanks & God Bless!
MEL TILLIS Wrote This Great Song BUT It REALLY Came to Prominence When KENNY ROGERS Recorded it 3 Years After MEL Wrote it. Deep Song, True Story and KENNY OWNED IT. 🎵 🎶 👍.
Thinking about my dad and wishing he were here. He loved Mel Tillis, and I never paid attention to the lyrics, but the tune to a little kid was cool. Man, this is heavy. My dad went to Vietnam twice, the second time was voluntary. He wanted to go back. I was pissed off as a 7 year old, as pissed off as I could be at that age. He went when I was 5. That was enough. But, today I'm listening to a bunch of dad's favorite tunes via utube. Mel, Slim Whitman, Bob Wills, and June Carter and Johnny Cash. Watching Bob Wills, I now know where my dad got his dance moves. LOL!!!! I miss you dad. Sure could use you being around these days. You wouldn't believe what is happening now. Love...Me. I have to add, that he came back in one piece, healthy and lived a long life. Thank God.
mell came to palatka fl back in the late 60's and did a short show for a friend a the east palatka red barn a local weekend country music event. i was fortunate to meet and talk to him...he was a great intertainer and a true country gentleman..and the groupe i sang with did the opening...i might also mention he was almost at the peak of his popularity..and took time for such a small venue says volumes about his characture.
This is simply great. It's got the same naked honesty and yeah, the sound of a man's heart breaking, as Danny Whitten's (Crazy Horse, original recording) of I Don't Wanna Talk About It. The covers are better known, but the writers did em best.
What a fantastic song!!! The best version in my opinion. Although Roger Millers version does come close. The guitar sounded great as well. I’d like to learn this song on the guitar. It has some different chords in it. Again a great song sung very well.
OH his voice haunting. How many of my brothers in arms are trapped in a bed watching the shadows move along the walls while they wait to die. Please God give them peace that you can give.
It has a vibe. For sure. One of Kind ❤
I have always admired Mel Tillis, great singer and songwriter, fine actor, and very comical guy, but I just want to say that this acoustic performance on Porter Wagoner show was absolutely stunning and just plain badass!
Spot on
I agree the acoustic performance was spot on and made for a great live performance. But after listening several times, I keep thinking I hear a second guitarist off camera (maybe playing a 12 string?). That, plus I think I hear Porter say, "Jimmy! " right before saying "How are you today?" as he steps in to shake hands with Mel. Perhaps Porter was acknowledging the accompaniast.
Totally agree!
My grandfather started a band in Okinawa and Mel joined it. They finally met back up in Branson years later, what a great generation.
The best version you've never heard !
Mel was a great writer. He wrote RUBY, and as you see, sang it so well. RIP Mel. Where have all the greats in country music gone? Thank God we can still see them here on UA-cam.
Today, he died... I came looking to see him do this song. RIP. 11/19/2017
i knew he sang well but as a youngster growing up years ago, I remember making people laugh in shows and making fun of his stuttering. what a guy
tell me it's not so !
Lyle Stavast Good on you Lyle!
jessie james
Jessie, or whatever your goddamn name is, you son of a b****!
@@brianmcnellis5512 Why you going all out on Jesse? Mel Tillis stuttered. He talked extensively about it. He joked about it. He was very popular, and he laughed along with everyone else. But when he sang, that stutter disappeared. And he was a beautiful singer. And everybody loved him. And he loved everybody.
Just stunning from one of the very few ........great .........country singers and songwriters.
In my humble opinion, I think Ruby is one of the greatest songs in country music history, and it doesn't get mentioned like it should. Mel did such a wonderful job on it.
absolutely one of the best songs ever written....rest in peace Mel.
What a heart breaking, gut wrenching song. While I like the Kenny Rogers version, this one had deeper feeling and had the tears welling up.
The man wrote a iconic classic right here. Lonnie Melvin Tillis showing you how it is done.
Check out the marks above the strings to the left of the sound hole and to the left of the scratch plate. That guitar has been played a lot.
Fun to hear the writer of the song do his own composition. Inspiring to hear Kenny Rogers version too. Just a powerful heartbreak song. RIP to you both!
Came looking for the Roger Miller and found out this is the original. I say both are great.
I believe it’s a true story. Shame on ruby
Mel Tillis is the first musician i ever saw live.. I'm incredibly proud of that.
Me Too!!!
Mel Tillis and Kenny Rogers... "For God's sake, turn around...!!!"
R.I.P. Mel Tillis. May your music live on for ever.
Another sad loss to the Country Music industry. Today Mel Tillis passed. Rest in Peace.
I love this version of ruby by Mel tillis.
It wasn't me that started that crazy Slavic war...
I kinda thought a story was behind Mel writing this song it’s so unfortunate that a young fella went through this kind of tragedy maybe because of the war or something Rest in peace mel.
When I deployed to Iraq in 2007, I had my daughter send me an iPod with all the songs of my junior high days....just in case. Spent many a Blackhawk flight with this great classic! As timeless as it was in 1969. Substitute SW Asia for SE Asia,,,,,,,,,,,We NEVER learn.
I always knew that Mel tillis wrote it and I and I liked his version along with the 1st editions
This is an amazing version of an iconic country tune, and the lack of instrumentation (an intimate moment between the songwriter and the song) makes the message even stronger. I love it...!
What a wonderful peformance. I wish Mel and Kenny hadn't changed this into a "happy" song where they speeded up the tempo and people are clapping and singing along. It's not a happy song.
Thanks for posting. (Much better solo than with a full band..) I'm partial to Roger Miller's cover version I guess (and The First Edition, I grew up with...), but this is great as well -- and straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. ~ ;-)
DannyJMaloney Yes, Mel wrote it
Great song, but that coat Porter has on is epic quality.
As was every coat Porter wore.
I think they were called Nudie suits...he really wore some great ones!
I had never heard the Mel Tillis original, what have I been missing out on!
Beautiful song. Nobody can cover a song like the original songwriter. They tell the story best.
Rest in peace Mel. Thank you for the music.
That's not true, Wolfsheim aka Peter Heppner is doing a great job.
Also Bobby Womack has his version of the song and it was a hit for the African American community. But his version was about a son who didnt respect his mom for treating his dad this way. If you havent heard it check it out.
@@cathyshorts2972 oh man awesome
yes!
Great song by a great singer/songwriter. Thanks for posting.
Nice
he was a great guitar player too , had it all
thank you so much for posting this... my eldest daughter Ruby was named after the George Jones of this song.. the best version yet!!!!!
Rest in Peace Mr Kenny Rogers, who sang Ruby, and Mr Mel Tillis (Songwriter).
Mel Tillis - great song. When he talked he stuttered but, when he sang he did not stutter!
A line in the song about a "crazy Asian war" and the time of the song's release led to the assumption that the song was about a veteran of the Vietnam War, though this was never stated in the lyrics. However, Tillis stated that the song was about a veteran of World War II
Always felt Mel does "Ruby" better than anyone! A faster version by Mel can be found on UA-cam 1980 - ACL Live - Mel Tillis Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town - Orange Blossom Special (which Mel's Band the Statesiders does a super job of!)
One of his best.
Great antiwar song sung by the songwriter. He was a unique talent. Glad I got to see him perform a few years ago in Annapolis MD at Ram's Head Inn. He was still full of energy. Got to meet him too - very nice gentleman. Safe journey, Mr. Tillis.
I wouldn't classify it as an "antiwar" song... More like a "anti cheatin' skank-hoe wife" song...
@@seanseoltoir Well, then ya ain't too clever, is ya?
@@ottogrendel I wouldn't say that. He's right. Protagonist says he was proud to serve. There wouldn't be any real difference if his legs were damaged in a car accident. But it's a bigger impact to have that done to a wounded veteran.
wow, so this is the original?
The phrasing and harmonies are quite different from the more famous versions.
My favorite cover so far: Gary Holton and Casino Steele.
That song had to be a true story because it's so real and oh so good.
One of the greatest country songs, sung in all simplicity ! Mel Tillis was one country music's greats ! I love it !
Algunos de los éxitos de nuestros cantantes o grupos favoritos son de ellos y no es as, algunas canciones datan desde los años 30 y 40s.
Really great song..I grew up hearing Kenny Rogers version, but my mother had told me that Mel Tillis had written it. I never had heard Mel Tillis sing it until now -- he had such a nice voice!
I like Kenny's version better. Sorry Mel, but you did write a great song!
magpieeye I agree he took this song and made it raw which this song is
Mel liked the heck out of Kenny Rogers' version, too. The song writer's royalties made a great deal of money for him. BTW: Mel pitched the song to Jimmy Dean, who passed on it -- one of his great regrets.
Mel don't care about your comment,sorry magpipe but Mel banked more cash than Kenny on this one.Music today is business,not who can out sing one another.
Best by original composer. ...Kenny's ok...
This is the best version of this song i have ever heard
100
Deep and chilling...... If this doesn't make you an anti war voice I don't know what will....
First time hearing this and it is STUNNING. I'd love to know the recording gear they used, especially in terms of capturing such a pristine reverb.
Wow gained a new respect for ol' Mel, deep emotional tone
I am quickly developing immense appreciation for Mel Tillis, having realized that my gg-grandmother was a Tillis from the same county, probably one of his aunts or cousins. That sparked my interest in his work and personality. Have always loved traditional Country music. So thrilled now to learn that he wrote this great song, and truly enjoy hearing him sing it. Handsome with wonderful eyes, manners, and voice -- he really has won my heart!
If that ain't poetry, tragic and true
I heard the song two years later when Kenny Rogers sang
Amazing, brilliant song and performance
This guy sounds a bit unmelodic to me. Kenny Rogers has improved on the original in my opinion.
Best song for a wedding.
RIP, Mr. Tillis....wonderful memories...
I posted some where that I had watched Mel Tillis sing "Ruby" on The Tonight Show many yrs. ago. He gave some back ground story about the song. It was based on a WW2 vet .who had married a German girl. The Vietnam war was going on and that is why "crazy Asian war" was used. He then sang the song. Just him and his guitar. Sounded so good just like in this video. R.I.P. Mel Tillis.
If my remark is incorrect please correct me.
I believe he was referring to the Korean War. At the time he wrote it the Vietnam War was more-or-less just ramping up and certainly wasn't "old" yet, and he was writing from the perspective of the vet who was a neighbor of his in Florida, but changed the song's timeline from the forties to the early fifties when he was there. I'd like to see that Tonight Show performance. Doesn't seem to be on UA-cam.
@@thomasmartin8202 Thank you for your input. Like I said it was many years ago. Maybe some one who owns a dvd set might have a copy of this particular show and post it. Just an aside; Walter Brennon also recorded his version of this song. I think Kenny Rogers version was the most popular of all the covers out there. Thanks again.
@@manuelgonzales2944 You bet. I really like the Kenny Rogers and the First Edition version but I keep coming back to this one...in some ways it seems even more heartfelt and real. Because of the timing of release, everyone thinks it's about Vietnam or is an anti-Vietnam War song but it seems not to have been, originally, from my readings on it.
From what I heard it was his neighbor growing up was a disabled vet from the Korean War and his wife was going out on him
I heard him tell the story of how he wrote this song…he was driving back from Tennessee and heard Johnny Cash on the radio playing singing “Dont take your guns to town” and he came up with “Ruby, dont take your love to town”…Ruby was the wife of a American GI who was injured in the war and later lived behind him and his mom when he was growing up in Florida and he used to hear them fighting constantly and some years later hearing that Johnny Cash song made him come up with the lyrics to this song lol kind of cool actually
War protest song..
Mel wrote some great tunes
I love this Mel! You are one of a kind my friend!
R.I.P. Mel
Great version
Rest In Peace
The best version. Love it!
RIP Mel T.
Cake does "Ruby" justice, another good version of this song!
RIP Mr. Tillis~
Mell was good country singer and he will be missed
When I was a kid I thought guys like this, in their Nudie outfits and weird hair, were so uncool. I was so, so wrong
Country was at it's best when rhinestones and Vitalis were a staple.
What a great version!
I think Mel was a nice guy. He had a nice personality. The kind you’d like to have a beer with. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Holy shit.
This is 100 times more powerful than Kenny's version.
I had no idea it was a cover, I realised Rogers didn't write it, I'm not sure he wrote anything, but still didn't know this man wrote AND sang it first.
Somehow SO much more evocative and believable with just a guitar and an amazing voice.
This has changed my whole appreciation of a song I've known for 40 years.
Mel Tillis was clearly an unsung talent.
I'll say it again.... this shits all over every performance Kenny Rogers ever did.
Kenny killed it though. But I would have loved to hear him sing it without the pop influence.
My favorite entertainer of all time!,
true fan i still have your fiddle
I just saw the will The circle be unbroken documentary and learned this about Mel Tillis. It was one of the best programs I've ever seen in my whole life I'm so glad I stayed up till 11:00 at night to watch it I am so informed
😭😭😭😭😭
Porter’s show always had great sound. No exception here.
Sorry, I love Kenny's!
Rest In Peace Mel
I am from Sweden, was absolutely sure it was kenny rogers who wrote and did it first wow this guy is just amazing deeper more alive voice than Kenny
Nope. Mel wrote, Kenny sang...
Also, Tony if you listen to the video here Porter Wagoner even acknowledges that Mel Wrote the song... I have to say it’s better than Kenny’s singing and I respect and love Kenny Rogers, but Mel truly wrote a beautiful true story and sung the fire out of it! Thanks & God Bless!
A heart breaking song. RIP SGT Jeremy Smith. This was one of your favorites.
My daughter is named Ruby and I hate when my aunt sings it to her
Such a pretty name, melts my heart.
I wouldn't give to be able to turn on the television Saturday afternoon and catch this ! That Ruby not the disabled Nam vet's ideal of a wife !
MEL TILLIS Wrote This Great Song BUT It REALLY Came to Prominence When KENNY ROGERS Recorded it 3 Years After MEL Wrote it. Deep Song, True Story and KENNY OWNED IT. 🎵 🎶 👍.
The best thing to come out of Dover,Florida. RIP Mel Tillis
Thinking about my dad and wishing he were here. He loved Mel Tillis, and I never paid attention to the lyrics, but the tune to a little kid was cool. Man, this is heavy. My dad went to Vietnam twice, the second time was voluntary. He wanted to go back. I was pissed off as a 7 year old, as pissed off as I could be at that age. He went when I was 5. That was enough. But, today I'm listening to a bunch of dad's favorite tunes via utube. Mel, Slim Whitman, Bob Wills, and June Carter and Johnny Cash. Watching Bob Wills, I now know where my dad got his dance moves. LOL!!!! I miss you dad. Sure could use you being around these days. You wouldn't believe what is happening now. Love...Me. I have to add, that he came back in one piece, healthy and lived a long life. Thank God.
mell came to palatka fl back in the late 60's and did a short show for a friend a the east palatka red barn a local weekend country music event. i was fortunate to meet and talk to him...he was a great intertainer and a true country gentleman..and the groupe i sang with did the opening...i might also mention he was almost at the peak of his popularity..and took time for such a small venue says volumes about his characture.
This is simply great. It's got the same naked honesty and yeah, the sound of a man's heart breaking, as Danny Whitten's (Crazy Horse, original recording) of I Don't Wanna Talk About It.
The covers are better known, but the writers did em best.
The way Porter kept talking over him, he could work for CNN today.
What a fantastic song!!! The best version in my opinion. Although Roger Millers version does come close. The guitar sounded great as well. I’d like to learn this song on the guitar. It has some different chords in it. Again a great song sung very well.
Very different from the Wolfsheim version. Sounds more... authentic. (As I would expect.)
Xcellent.
This song is way more important than given credit. It's honest, its painful.
Seen him on Match Game today he was singing this song, I had to stop by and hear it one more time.
Kenny Rogers, Cake, and The Killers also recorded this masterpiece...
Thanks, Mel
Came to give a listen to the Whattaburger man 10/29/2019. Thanks to hi tech, his sangin’ is still great!
Always MY HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mellifluous!
Beautiful version!!
so young here...