Mel Tillis - Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town

[@56Truex]

The best version you've never heard !

[@gediddy1]

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!

[@abelardogreen]

Spot on

[@bored2infinity]

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.

[@ronchamberlain8392]

Totally agree!

[@georgesturges2918]

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.

[@williamdavis-jq5po]

It has a vibe. For sure. One of Kind ❤

[@patriciajrs46]

Excellent!! Thank you!!

[@leea4624]

My grandfather started a band in Okinawa and Mel joined it. They finally met back up in Branson years later, what a great generation.

[@jimdep6542]

Just stunning from one of the very few ........great .........country singers and songwriters.

[@lylestavast7652]

Today, he died... I came looking to see him do this song. RIP. 11/19/2017

[@jessiejames7492]

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

[@terrywells7699]

tell me it's not so !

[@brianmcnellis5512]

Lyle Stavast Good on you Lyle!

[@brianmcnellis5512]

jessie james Jessie, or whatever your goddamn name is, you son of a b****!

[@itsnotthesamething]

@@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.

[@deafinseattle1]

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.

[@Moneytalks.29]

Mel Tillis is the first musician i ever saw live.. I'm incredibly proud of that.

[@VernaCunningham-sz9uz]

Me Too!!!

[@kystars]

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 KZbin.

[@andrewwagner7992]

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.

[@TheNuklearMoose]

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...!

[@johnraytv]

The best thing to come out of Dover,Florida. RIP Mel Tillis

[@nottavictim5]

Beautiful song. Nobody can cover a song like the original songwriter. They tell the story best.

[@robinbrl]

Rest in peace Mel. Thank you for the music.

[@line_jame]

That's not true, Wolfsheim aka Peter Heppner is doing a great job.

[@cathyshorts2972]

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.

[@darylhughes5555]

@@cathyshorts2972 oh man awesome

[@markrush5013]

yes!

[@ethanestey3920]

A heart breaking song. RIP SGT Jeremy Smith. This was one of your favorites.

[@shannonburns3785]

The man wrote a iconic classic right here. Lonnie Melvin Tillis showing you how it is done.

[@lo.sweets]

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

[@lo.sweets]

😭😭😭😭😭

[@karenwesley332]

Another sad loss to the Country Music industry. Today Mel Tillis passed. Rest in Peace.

[@markrush5013]

absolutely one of the best songs ever written....rest in peace Mel.

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

I love this version of ruby by Mel tillis.

[@desotofiresweep58]

I always knew that Mel tillis wrote it and I and I liked his version along with the 1st editions

[@richhess4722]

Wow gained a new respect for ol' Mel, deep emotional tone

[@scottsmith3593]

WOW!!! Thank you so much Mel, and thank you Porter.

[@Howlinblind]

This is the best version of this song i have ever heard

[@joshdupuis9555]

100

[@emilpearson9094]

Mell was good country singer and he will be missed

[@The1baddman]

Rest in Peace Mr Kenny Rogers, who sang Ruby, and Mr Mel Tillis (Songwriter).

[@Jamesdylandean]

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!

[@ianlong9106]

R.I.P. Mel Tillis. May your music live on for ever.

[@abelardogreen]

If that ain't poetry, tragic and true

[@jandeband]

he was a great guitar player too , had it all

[@cloisterene]

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!

[@jeffreyconyers8735]

Salute to ALL soldiers that proudly serve in wars they never started because of others seeking glory.

[@RonnieSturdevant-hz9oc]

Very good song. 🎶

[@BenjiMordino]

I had never heard the Mel Tillis original, what have I been missing out on!

[@guybos1]

One of the greatest country songs, sung in all simplicity ! Mel Tillis was one country music's greats ! I love it !

[@jimd41]

Porter’s show always had great sound. No exception here.

[@Mahasattva27]

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.

[@manuelgonzales2944]

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.

[@manuelgonzales2944]

If my remark is incorrect please correct me.

[@thomasmartin8202]

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 KZbin.

[@manuelgonzales2944]

@@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.

[@thomasmartin8202]

@@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.

[@JackF99]

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

[@thomashermes635]

My favorite entertainer of all time!,

[@alexbowman7582]

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.

[@mankind2112]

That song had to be a true story because it's so real and oh so good.

[@mysticmaverick1]

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.

[@seanseoltoir]

I wouldn't classify it as an "antiwar" song... More like a "anti cheatin' skank-hoe wife" song...

[@ottogrendel]

@@seanseoltoir Well, then ya ain't too clever, is ya?

[@Wild1221Weasel]

@@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.

[@sfedroid]

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.

[@douglasstone9212]

One of his best.

[@kentown101]

Great song by a great singer/songwriter. Thanks for posting.

[@markbradford5510]

Nice

[@Hannah-cg1jn]

The best version. Love it!

[@woobiefuntime]

Best song for a wedding.

[@michaelbourke6143]

What a great version!

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

I think Mel was a nice guy. He had a nice personality. The kind you’d like to have a beer with. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ricksaunders8074]

Mel wrote some great tunes

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

I believe it’s a true story. Shame on ruby

[@scottraske2196]

Amazing, brilliant song and performance

[@peggyhakanson3139]

RIP, Mr. Tillis....wonderful memories...

[@Crissy0003]

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!

[@hobertlee7598]

Brings Back Memories

[@Specter187]

Came looking for the Roger Miller and found out this is the original. I say both are great.

[@solanaceae2069]

Thanks, Mel

[@bonemachine1975]

Great version

[@Philinleshed]

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

[@cblguy63]

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.

[@tonytrotta9322]

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

[@jeffreyconyers-z3r]

A true storyteller of lyrics.

[@terrywells7699]

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 !

[@donsmore]

Was just listening to coke cola cowboy yesterday. First time ever seeing this clip. It really shows his talent. Awesome 😎

[@lindagale7543]

I love this Mel! You are one of a kind my friend!

[@eidlog65]

Love these old country songs !

[@tonyd7601]

Wow what a voice!

[@vinsnan6259]

Seen him on Match Game today he was singing this song, I had to stop by and hear it one more time.

[@richardf.3154]

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.

[@MrSafetyfairy]

thank you so much for posting this... my eldest daughter Ruby was named after the George Jones of this song.. the best version yet!!!!!

[@Sandsculptor]

Mel Tillis and Kenny Rogers... "For God's sake, turn around...!!!"

[@GreenHeet]

Wow I didn't know Mel Tillis wrote this song! I assumed someone other than Kenny Rogers had written it but wow my mind is blown! 😵‍💫

[@brez9091]

Mellifluous!

[@jdftn1947]

Mel does his song beautifully

[@ataliabimbom469]

Beautiful version!!

[@MikeMikeSlavinitz-cp8rc]

Decades ago…favorite

[@stephenlamb3929]

Awesome

[@MrBurney12]

The way Porter kept talking over him, he could work for CNN today.

[@greycatz3391]

Just got the urge to sing this last week. Great song and easy to remember the words, since I heard it as a child. Sang it slow last week, but this week I'll do it as Mel does it here, with the bass run down added from later versions.

[@langstongrandma]

R.I.P. Mel

[@calvinwalker553]

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. 🎵 🎶 👍.

[@granch4211]

Sing it mel awsome job

[@joshuatrees797]

RIP Mr. Tillis~

[@pushpak]

RIP Mel T.

[@carolyngordin6091]

true fan i still have your fiddle

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

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.

[@Lilo-A]

This man’s voice!

[@naksookow]

Magical

[@frankdodgee]

the great Mel Tillis!

[@tomhermes1000]

Always felt Mel does "Ruby" better than anyone! A faster version by Mel can be found on KZbin 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!)

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

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.

[@DannyJMaloney]

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. ~ ;-)

[@Braglemaster123]

DannyJMaloney Yes, Mel wrote it

[@sad_monkey_king6773]

Rest In Peace Mel

[@johnmayhew5451]

Mel showing everyone who Ruby belonged to.

[@Clintp222]

Rest In Peace

[@genesutton6383]

Cake does "Ruby" justice, another good version of this song!

[@campbellbrand8038]

Xcellent.

[@chiefslief1886]

2024 wow just wow ❤

[@pvargasjr]

The whataburger guy wrote and sang an instant classic

[@neville-mladen9393]

Just beautiful

[@sarge9733]

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.

[@easyenetwork2023]

Kenny killed it though. But I would have loved to hear him sing it without the pop influence.